3 Tips To Get Amazing Macro Photography Shots This Spring

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For most of us across the USA, it has been an unusually cold winter, from which we are eagerly anticipating the transition in to the warmth of spring. For macro and nature photographers the wait is even more unbearable than for most.

Gear sits cleaned, packed, and ready to go in anticipation of the return of the wonderful critters we will photograph as soon as the warmer spring breezes signal them to once again show themselves to us.

So as we enter this new season, here’s three essential tips to successful nature macro photography. And while far from a comprehensive list, I hope these tidbits somehow assist you as you embark on this year’s quest for your macro masterpieces.

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1. Bring your patience.

While it is natural to want to capture several different subjects while you are out, those “killer shots” often come from finding the right subject, and then being willing to wait them out. Allow yourself time to observe their natural behaviors and patterns. From feeding to mating, from hiding to hunting, they each have stories to tell. If you allow yourself time to observe and understand your subject, you will better be able tell that story photographically.

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2. Bring a plan.

While it may seem like common sense, we often fail to plan our shoots adequately. And sometimes the smallest detail can shorten our time shooting, make it less pleasant, or even derail it altogether. Plan ahead by asking yourself, do I have the right clothes for the anticipated weather? The right shoes for how far I’ll be walking? These questions in advance can end up saving a day out shooting nature and macro.

A few often overlooked items that I consider a requirement, and always have in my pack are:

  • bottled water
  • bug repellent
  • a small first aid kit.

I often end up in relatively remote locations with no one around. But even if only shooting at a local park, a quickly addressed developing headache, or treating/preventing an unexpected sting(s) from a critter can extend your outing.

And if you are going to be way out there, I highly recommend a smart phone with GPS functions and a full battery. They can be a real life saver if you are lost or hurt.

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3. Bring the right gear for the job.

This is an extension of the last topic to a degree. If we are embarking on a nature/macro shoot, we certainly want to plan for and take all the gear we’ll need. However, an over-packed bag can be cumbersome and tiring to lug around. This squelches our enjoyment, and distracts us from our shoot. So keep it essential and as light as possible.

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The most important equipment for successful macro photography is as follows:

  • 1 to 2 high quality “Macro” lenses – I only use true Prime (fixed focal length) macro lenses for my macro work. A very short minimum focusing distance (MFD), at least a 1:1 ratio, and crisp healthy magnification are all vital to me. Focal length is less important than the MFD of the lens, because with a 60mm lens I can do an extreme close up of a cricket if my sensor (or film plane) is only inches from the subject. On the other hand, if I am dealing with a poisonous or biting creature, I may want to be back a bit further, so I may go with a 90mm or 180mm to maintain a bit more physical distance while still achieving a close up shot.

My current “go-to” lens for most macro work, (and astoundingly crisp shots) is the TAMRON SP 90MM F/2.8 Di VC USD 1: MACRO. I should note that I often use this lens for portraiture as well. This lens gives me choices as far as distance to subject with its 90mm, MFD of 11 inches, and 1:1 ratio. But the VC (Vibration Compensation) is the real clincher for me. The lens’s incredibly capable stabilizing ability allow me to follow my subject hand-held even in challenging lighting situations, while still getting a sharp, focused shot.

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  • Lighting – Natural light shots can be beautiful if balanced well. But if you really want to control your depth of field (DOF) you will need flash. At the super close ranges and high magnifications we use to achieve great macro photos, the DOF, (or portion that is in focus) naturally becomes very shallow. To extend this range, we need to close down our aperture (higher f-stop value). And to do this, we compensate with flash.

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Bonus tip/example: At 10 inches from subject to sensor, and set at f/2.8, the eye of a bee may be the only portion in focus. But applying a flash and going to f/19 may bring the entire body into focus, showing every little hair and pollen crystal on the tiny creature. This is the detail I want in my macro photos.

Many macro photographers including myself often prefer a “ring light” for much of their work. This is a ring shaped flash that goes all the way around your lens. It is a dynamic light that wraps well, and allows the higher apertures we are after. There are many brands and configurations available. But one of may favorites for macro is the Nissin MF 18 Ring Flash.  This light is split controlled allowing each half of the “ring” to be independently controlled, or adjusted together. Very versatile!

Alternatively, I sometimes want to produce the soft and dramatic light to shadow fall off we often use in human portraits for a macro subject (See below). For this, a flash placed off camera can give me lovely results. Diffusion is key with flash, so I use a small softbox or diffuser panel such as the Rogue Flashbenders or even a bounce card on my flash to achieve a softer light. Remember the rule, “The larger the light source, the softer the light.” When photographing tiny creatures, even smaller diffusers seem huge.

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For me, these are the essentials. But by far the most important thing in nature/macro photography is to have fun and enjoy it. So get out there and commune with and capture the beautiful natural world we are so fortunate to enjoy!

 

IMG_6041bsm 3 Tips To Get Amazing Macro Photography Shots This Spring Guest Bloggers Photography Tips Photoshop Tips  David Guy Maynard, author of this post for MCP Actions, is an award winning, internationally published photographer working in Fashion, Beauty, Event, Fine Art, Nature, and General Commercial photography. His work has been seen in numerous magazines and publications around the world, as well as being featured on respected web based business sites, in galleries, and exhibits. 

All images in this post are © David Guy Maynard.

 
 
 
 

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14 Comments

  1. Rebekah B on August 3, 2011 at 9:16 am

    I’ve been struggling with my macro shots and now I know what I was doing wrong! Great article!

  2. Janelle on August 3, 2011 at 9:20 am

    Just got a macro lens. This will help greatly as I start to play with it. Thanks!

  3. Stephanie R on August 3, 2011 at 9:21 am

    Thank you so much for the info! The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro is next on my list of lenses to purchase. I love photographing flowers and nature so I am very excited. This info will be very helpful 🙂

  4. Ellen on August 3, 2011 at 9:34 am

    This is great- I’ve been so frustrated with my macro!

  5. Marisa on August 3, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Lovely macros! I recently had the opportunity to try a macro lens, and it was a LOT harder than I was expecting! This post is great for giving the “warnings” that a macro may be more work than you think. 🙂

  6. Laquawana on August 3, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Great and timely blog. I too see some things I was doing wrong….so thank you, hugely!!

  7. INGRID on August 3, 2011 at 11:10 am

    Me, too! I was wondering what the heck was wrong with me. Thanks for clearing things up! I can’t wait to get home and slap my macro on. I have a question with regards to this statement “…your aperture will actually change close down some to the effective aperture …”. Can you explain that more? I understand what close down means, but if that is the case why open up to 2.8 and how do you know when it becomes something else? Normally when you are closer to the subject doesn’t the plane of focus get narrower? Thanks!~ingrid

    • Britt Anderson on August 3, 2011 at 2:30 pm

      Hi Ingrid! This was something that confused the heck out of me when I first started. I would set it to 2.8, then get in close, take the picture and it would change. Very frustrating until you start looking for it. Keep in mind, as you physically get closer, to be mindful of your aperture. You can see it change in your viewfinder/LCD as you meter. But to really be on the safe side, keep your aperture at f/5.6 or higher, and you don’t have to worry about it changing!You are correct, the closer you are to the subject, the plane of focus gets narrower.

      • ingrid on August 6, 2011 at 9:45 pm

        Thanks, but does this mean, with my macro lens at f/2.8 and I’m as close to my subject as I can be that my aperture is getting more narrow and as such the plane of focus is broadening? Sorry, I’m if being dense.TIA~ingrid

  8. Caroline Telfer on August 3, 2011 at 11:27 am

    I would dearly love the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro. It really is not worth even trying close-up photography without a decent lens…

  9. bdaiss on August 3, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    I love to shoot macro…but haven’t done it since getting my dSLR. A macro lens just wasn’t in the budget. So thank you for reminding me to put it on my wish list and start scrimping my pennies! (I love love love that pasque flower shot!)

  10. Clipping Path on August 4, 2011 at 12:22 am

    Wow Lovely macros! Very helpful post thanks a lot for sharing with us:-)

  11. Renee W on August 4, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Britt, you continue to amaze me with both your talent and knowledge!!! Now I think I’ll go shoot some macro…………

  12. Jenn on August 12, 2011 at 9:30 am

    What amazing shots! Thanks for the information!

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