shutterspeed
09-25-2009, 10:38 AM
I've gotten several requests for a macro photo challenge. So here we go!
What is macro photography? Well for those who don't know the lingo macro is the fancy word for close-up photography. Simple and easy right?
There are a few things to consider when shooting a macro (or close-up) image. If you are shooting with a point & shoot camera there is a really concise article found HERE (http://digital-photography-school.com/macro-photography-tips-for-compact-digital-camera-users). Many of the same principles apply for DSLR users too, with a few additions:
A macro lens is helpful although not absolutely necessary. A long zoom lens will work as well.
A tripod is helpful, especially in low light situation. You can avoid having a blurry image that sometimes results in hand holding your camera. (If you're using a long zoom lens, a tripod & shutter release cable helps keep things steady, regardless of the light).
Keep it simple.
Fill the frame with your subject.
Remember that you will have a very shallow depth of field.
You don't have to stand right on top your subject to get a macro photo. Meaning, if you have a long zoom lens you can be a good distance and still get an “up-close” shot.
Try using manual focus. Being so close can sometimes “confuse” the camera as to what to focus on.
Set your camera on AV mode and try out different apetures and see the different results.
There are lots of examples on the web of macro photography. Most are of insects or flowers, but you don't have to limit yourself to just these things. Common everyday household items are interesting close-up.
For an extra challenge.....
Macro Photo Trick (http://www.prophotolife.com/2008/07/31/quick-video-4-extreme-macro-photography-trick/)
Give this a try (assuming you have the equipment). It's a lot of fun & very interesting.
Here are a few examples that I have where I utilized this technique:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3216124904_be51f2ebbd.jpg
quarter
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3211411856_54b5436a9e.jpg
eye
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3206907206_24a73eac98.jpg
diamond
If you have any questions please feel free to post them or email me. I'm here to help.
You have from*Friday Sept 25th*to*Thursday Oct 1st*to shoot your photos for this theme. Please submit only photos taken during that time frame. Below are some examples to get the creative juices flowing. Good luck and I look forward to seeing everyones photos!
REGULAR MACRO PHOTO EXAMPLES:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1387/663337473_4c61a3271d.jpg
the inner parts of a hibiscus
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/1031200856_cf2c5f993a.jpg
a dragonfly posed for me
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2333/2229296196_629a3ff83e.jpg
marbles
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1372/871901879_cf262a8c16.jpg
a book quote (you can see here how the shallow depth of field really plays into what is in focus in the photo.)
REMEMBER:
- You may post up to 2 photos per challenge.
- Post-processing and use of actions ARE ALLOWED.
- Photos must be taken by you during the challenge week.
- Photos must be posted in the *new* PHOTOGRAPHY gallery & in this thread.
- PLEASE SIZE PICS to no larger than 600px WIDE and/or TALL.*
- Please number or title your photographs for recognition.
What is macro photography? Well for those who don't know the lingo macro is the fancy word for close-up photography. Simple and easy right?
There are a few things to consider when shooting a macro (or close-up) image. If you are shooting with a point & shoot camera there is a really concise article found HERE (http://digital-photography-school.com/macro-photography-tips-for-compact-digital-camera-users). Many of the same principles apply for DSLR users too, with a few additions:
A macro lens is helpful although not absolutely necessary. A long zoom lens will work as well.
A tripod is helpful, especially in low light situation. You can avoid having a blurry image that sometimes results in hand holding your camera. (If you're using a long zoom lens, a tripod & shutter release cable helps keep things steady, regardless of the light).
Keep it simple.
Fill the frame with your subject.
Remember that you will have a very shallow depth of field.
You don't have to stand right on top your subject to get a macro photo. Meaning, if you have a long zoom lens you can be a good distance and still get an “up-close” shot.
Try using manual focus. Being so close can sometimes “confuse” the camera as to what to focus on.
Set your camera on AV mode and try out different apetures and see the different results.
There are lots of examples on the web of macro photography. Most are of insects or flowers, but you don't have to limit yourself to just these things. Common everyday household items are interesting close-up.
For an extra challenge.....
Macro Photo Trick (http://www.prophotolife.com/2008/07/31/quick-video-4-extreme-macro-photography-trick/)
Give this a try (assuming you have the equipment). It's a lot of fun & very interesting.
Here are a few examples that I have where I utilized this technique:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3216124904_be51f2ebbd.jpg
quarter
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3211411856_54b5436a9e.jpg
eye
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3206907206_24a73eac98.jpg
diamond
If you have any questions please feel free to post them or email me. I'm here to help.
You have from*Friday Sept 25th*to*Thursday Oct 1st*to shoot your photos for this theme. Please submit only photos taken during that time frame. Below are some examples to get the creative juices flowing. Good luck and I look forward to seeing everyones photos!
REGULAR MACRO PHOTO EXAMPLES:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1387/663337473_4c61a3271d.jpg
the inner parts of a hibiscus
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/1031200856_cf2c5f993a.jpg
a dragonfly posed for me
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2333/2229296196_629a3ff83e.jpg
marbles
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1372/871901879_cf262a8c16.jpg
a book quote (you can see here how the shallow depth of field really plays into what is in focus in the photo.)
REMEMBER:
- You may post up to 2 photos per challenge.
- Post-processing and use of actions ARE ALLOWED.
- Photos must be taken by you during the challenge week.
- Photos must be posted in the *new* PHOTOGRAPHY gallery & in this thread.
- PLEASE SIZE PICS to no larger than 600px WIDE and/or TALL.*
- Please number or title your photographs for recognition.