Every photographer comes to a moment to start with macro photography experiments and experiences. This kind of images, when you close things up, give a brilliant possibility to have another view on daily life circumstances and show simple things in usual light. Usually, people think and say that some special equipment is required if a photo-artist, whether one is a complete beginner or an experienced photographer. Nevertheless, we would like you several moves you can always try to make using a DSLR camera.
1. Lenses make perfect
Professionals always express an opinion that no macro photography is possible without special lenses. The recommended ones are 50-60mm or at least some 100mm things. If you're a highly professional, then you are aware of a 1:1 ratio to get acceptable outcomes.
2. Manual focus aids
If you get close to an object, and you can somehow connect with it, the best practice is to focus manually, because this way you get the best control over your shots in terms of your attitude and vision. In the best case, the object should stay still, and if the thing would move somehow, or if you want to capture something moving, then you always can switch to automatic mode of focus.
Professional tip: don't apply f-stop larger than f/16 when focusing on your object.
3. Depth of field makes the difference
It is great when images in macro photography have an attractive depth of field. To get it, you should estimate the distance to the object of the shot. If you decide to make your pictures sharp, adjust lens aperture accordingly. Decide on that matter before you start shooting, and it will simplify your job a lot. Never forget to read some articles with
macro photography tips for professional photographers and amateurs.
Professional tip: Try aperture settings from f/22 to f/45 to get sharper images.
4. Aperture settings
When applying the macro photography options of your DSLR, you will see that it will recommend you aperture about f/2.8. Remember that you do not need keeping your aperture low. Any higher value will make your images sharper. Apply low aperture if you want to have some tiny details to be in focus.
5. Backgrounds are distinguishing
Your choice about the depth of field in macro photography is quite narrow. For you, it should emphasize the necessity of your background as a crucial factor to create a remarkable picture. If you want to get more opportunities with the colors of background, look for various angles that will eventually help you reach more interesting colors. Even subtle change of angles can make your composition entirely different. Remember, that in some cases, backgrounds can distract.
6. Flash: with or without?
It is absolutely up to you. Some photographers say that flash makes your objects sharper and bring more brightness to the whole shot. While others think that flash doesn't help a lot. To find it out is your job. At least, you can always try some options for flash and see what is going on.
7. Tripod proper application
For sharper images, it is quite advisable to apply a tripod. A tripod will enable you reaching sharper shots at slower shutter speed.
Professional tip: When using the 100mm lens, a shutter speed you need should be at least 1/100 or even higher to make your shots even sharper.
8. Vary patterns
Most of the natural patterns are used too often. That is why it is better to stay open to something new, which is possible because so many things still exist in nature unseen by most photographers even among insects and plants. Beauty expresses itself in various ways, so take your time, observe, and look for it in natural
environments. Have a look at these - examples of cricket insect photos.
9. Patience pays off
All kinds of this noble art need patience, but macro photography is very special in this respect. When you are taking photos of insects, small animals or other things that are moving continuously, learn their movements first, and when you get the dynamics, concentrate and make your photos. The more patience you develop, the better outcomes you get, anyway.
10. Crop your shots
Macro photography can bring some unexpected difficulties in terms of the integrity of composition because even very light movements while shooting might alter the picture completely. So don't think twice to apply the crop to get your picture more detailed and raise even more attraction to your work.
Macro photography shows this world in such a detailed way that it may look surprisingly beautiful while having in your shot something plain and usual. So, don't stop in your search for inspiration, now you have even more opportunities to capture amazing things around through macro photography.
