I have always wanted to try my hand at “Macro Photography” - Let me tell you, not only is it interesting, but it keeps you thinking and most of all it can become an addiction. The reason being that the more detail you get into it, you end up buying a lot of new equipment.
So what is this Macro Photography after all? To cut a long story short, it is a method of getting close up pictures of a subject. It helps you take close up pictures of small things.
Many say it is
“AN ART OF TAKING CLOSE UP PICTURES THAT REVEAL DETAILS WHICH CAN’T BE SEEN WITH NAKED EYE”
It is a term applied to most close up photos but should actually only be applied to photos which have a 1:1 or closer magnification.
Macro is a fascinating field in photography as you can take macro shots where ever you are. From finding small details of larger objects to creating abstract looking images; from taking pictures of creepy creatures like spiders and beetles (my favorite subject) to taking close ups of flowers, you can do it all.
I would like to share some of the inputs and knowledge that I have picked up through my experiments with Marco Photography. Here are few points I have put together, which might help you in getting up close with “Macro Photography Tips and Techniques”
*** If you do not have a MACRO lens, I have a converter macro attachment to test the waters out.
1) Switch on Macro Mode:
This could be simple, but again could be a little confusing for the average beginner. This setting allows you to bring the camera lens closer the subject. Generally it is represented by a small flower on the settings dial of the camera; it could depend on the lens as well.
3) Use Flash:
I would NOT recommend using flash. However it is essential as shadows are a macro photographer’s enemy. Choose a location where there is bright light available and don’t forget to carry some form of a reflector to fill the shadow. It could be a proper reflector from a photo shop or a white back cover.It would be an advantage if your camera gave you control over the flash, if it doesn’t use a piece of tracing paper and drape it over the flash to diffuse the strong flash light.
4) Manual Focusing:
I would recommend setting the focus to manual and focus on the part of the subject you want in sharp focus. The ability to focus manually is a big bonus, however allowing the camera to choose by auto focusing will interfere with where you want to focus.
5) Aperture:
Ability to set aperture is a big advantage as this allows you to control the depth of focus mentioned in point four. It determines how much of your image is in focus in front of the subject. I believe some cameras won’t allow changing the aperture once the setting has been changed to macro mode. If you can change the aperture you’ll probably use a large aperture in order to blur out the background which is very effective for close ups.
6) Composition:
I feel this is one area where you’ve got to pay a lot of attention. Placing your subject and making it the focal point are essential to good macro photos. Do not be so focused on the detail you could end up with a situation where the composition goes out of the window.
7) Self Timer:
Yes! You heard me right; a self timer plays an important role in limiting camera shake and vibration when pressing the shutter button.
So what is this Macro Photography after all? To cut a long story short, it is a method of getting close up pictures of a subject. It helps you take close up pictures of small things.
Many say it is
“AN ART OF TAKING CLOSE UP PICTURES THAT REVEAL DETAILS WHICH CAN’T BE SEEN WITH NAKED EYE”
It is a term applied to most close up photos but should actually only be applied to photos which have a 1:1 or closer magnification.
Macro is a fascinating field in photography as you can take macro shots where ever you are. From finding small details of larger objects to creating abstract looking images; from taking pictures of creepy creatures like spiders and beetles (my favorite subject) to taking close ups of flowers, you can do it all.
I would like to share some of the inputs and knowledge that I have picked up through my experiments with Marco Photography. Here are few points I have put together, which might help you in getting up close with “Macro Photography Tips and Techniques”
*** If you do not have a MACRO lens, I have a converter macro attachment to test the waters out.
1) Switch on Macro Mode:
This could be simple, but again could be a little confusing for the average beginner. This setting allows you to bring the camera lens closer the subject. Generally it is represented by a small flower on the settings dial of the camera; it could depend on the lens as well.
3) Use Flash:
I would NOT recommend using flash. However it is essential as shadows are a macro photographer’s enemy. Choose a location where there is bright light available and don’t forget to carry some form of a reflector to fill the shadow. It could be a proper reflector from a photo shop or a white back cover.It would be an advantage if your camera gave you control over the flash, if it doesn’t use a piece of tracing paper and drape it over the flash to diffuse the strong flash light.
4) Manual Focusing:
I would recommend setting the focus to manual and focus on the part of the subject you want in sharp focus. The ability to focus manually is a big bonus, however allowing the camera to choose by auto focusing will interfere with where you want to focus.
5) Aperture:
Ability to set aperture is a big advantage as this allows you to control the depth of focus mentioned in point four. It determines how much of your image is in focus in front of the subject. I believe some cameras won’t allow changing the aperture once the setting has been changed to macro mode. If you can change the aperture you’ll probably use a large aperture in order to blur out the background which is very effective for close ups.
6) Composition:
I feel this is one area where you’ve got to pay a lot of attention. Placing your subject and making it the focal point are essential to good macro photos. Do not be so focused on the detail you could end up with a situation where the composition goes out of the window.
7) Self Timer:
Yes! You heard me right; a self timer plays an important role in limiting camera shake and vibration when pressing the shutter button.
No comments:
Post a Comment