If you've visited my blog for any length of time you have probably noticed my addiction love of macro photography, mainly creepy crawlies, bugs, insects etc...
I've gotten a few questions about how I get some shots. Funny, but I never thought to post advice about that, mainly because I'm constantly learning and trying to improve, then I realized, isn't that what we all do? It's good to share, learn and try new things that maybe we hadn't thought of before. I've learned techniques from experts but many things were learned from different bloggers and community message boards that I come across from time to time, usually by googling the question and searching the results.
The above pictures I shot this morning, around 7 AM, in my garden. My first macro lens was the Nikon 60mm but these were taken with a Tokina 100mm 2.8, which works beautifully with my d700.
Insects like the ones in the pictures are sometimes difficult to get a sharp photo of because of their quick movement. Try heading out early on a cool morning. Many of these insects are still "sleeping" on the flower they were collecting pollen from when the sun went down. I was lucky enough to find these two on my mint plant. My tripod came in handy to balance on, but I didn't have it set up traditionally on all three legs. Another trick I learned was using my exposure delay mode (in custom setting menu/shooting display in my d700). It helps with camera shake when using a tripod, or not. I don't have a remote camera release, but if you do, macro is an excellent time to use it with your camera mounted on your tripod. It's amazing how little camera shake can blur your shot. Another simple thing I tried was using my timer delay with my camera mounted on the tripod. Mine is set to five seconds.
So there it is, clear as mud? haha. Happy shooting and if you happen to stop by, please leave a comment and a link to your macro photos, I'd love to see them!
I've gotten a few questions about how I get some shots. Funny, but I never thought to post advice about that, mainly because I'm constantly learning and trying to improve, then I realized, isn't that what we all do? It's good to share, learn and try new things that maybe we hadn't thought of before. I've learned techniques from experts but many things were learned from different bloggers and community message boards that I come across from time to time, usually by googling the question and searching the results.
Insects like the ones in the pictures are sometimes difficult to get a sharp photo of because of their quick movement. Try heading out early on a cool morning. Many of these insects are still "sleeping" on the flower they were collecting pollen from when the sun went down. I was lucky enough to find these two on my mint plant. My tripod came in handy to balance on, but I didn't have it set up traditionally on all three legs. Another trick I learned was using my exposure delay mode (in custom setting menu/shooting display in my d700). It helps with camera shake when using a tripod, or not. I don't have a remote camera release, but if you do, macro is an excellent time to use it with your camera mounted on your tripod. It's amazing how little camera shake can blur your shot. Another simple thing I tried was using my timer delay with my camera mounted on the tripod. Mine is set to five seconds.
So there it is, clear as mud? haha. Happy shooting and if you happen to stop by, please leave a comment and a link to your macro photos, I'd love to see them!
Those are some great tips - I was trying to shoot something really random last night and wanted to cry it was so frustrating. You do a beautiful job.
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots dear!
ReplyDeleteNice day:):)
I love all your bug photos! They are just amazing. Thanks for the tips. Now, if only we could have a cool morning around here....ha!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images! Thanks for the tips. I'm so very *impatiently* saving up for a macro lens. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a macro lens on my wish list. The one I want is very expensive...like almost what I paid for my Canon. In the meantime, I make "do" with what I have. Beautiful insect shot.
ReplyDelete