Photographing fungus
Nov 4, 2014 19:23:43 #
I have been attempting to photograph some fungus found on an old damp log. I am having trouble getting the actual fungus sharp and clear. I have made several attempts - hand held, tripod, changing settings; each attempt on manual with 100 ISO, D600. This particular one was shot at f/6.3 at 250. The actual fungus always appears 'noisy'. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks i.a.
Nov 4, 2014 19:39:18 #
Focus is definitively the problem, that and the narrow dof.
The EXIF data does not specify if you manual or auto focus. In subject like this one, manual focus is always best as the auto focus cannot find the 'edges' it needs to lock on.
Once focused manually you may want use 'burst' shooting as the focus area is narrow. You can push the ISO up to 400/800 w/o significant noise.
The EXIF data does not specify if you manual or auto focus. In subject like this one, manual focus is always best as the auto focus cannot find the 'edges' it needs to lock on.
Once focused manually you may want use 'burst' shooting as the focus area is narrow. You can push the ISO up to 400/800 w/o significant noise.
Nov 4, 2014 19:42:33 #
I really don't mean to sound like a smart ass, but if you are taking this picture on manual, get your eyes checked. It isn't in focus. Did you set you dioptic on your view finder? If you choice to shoot aperture, set your camera for spot focus. You might also stand back a little further. Hope this might help.
Nov 4, 2014 19:53:24 #
Northlander wrote:
I have been attempting to photograph some fungus ..... I am having trouble getting the actual fungus sharp and clear. ... The actual fungus always appears 'noisy'. Any advice would be much appreciated. ...
it might help if you placed the fungus in the same plane as your sensor.
Nov 4, 2014 23:14:19 #
Thank you Leon, Oldtigger, and Rongnongno for your most helpful replies to my problem. I've been out putting your suggestions into practice - still working on it. (No - Leon, not a smart ass - just helpful!! :-) ) Thanks again.
Nov 5, 2014 06:26:38 #
Put the camera on the same plane as the fungus, get as close as your lens allows, focus very carefully and use a tripod or other support if possible. If you use a flash try to disperse the light by using some sort of diffuser over the light even if it is only toilet paper.
Nov 5, 2014 08:38:27 #
May I ask what lens you are using? Are you trying to capture the whole stump with the fungus or just part of the fungus? I totally agree with Brenda about using a flash and diffuser to soften the image but also, as she suggests, you do need to use a tripod for steadiness and focus specifically on what you want to photograph.
Good luck and please let us know how the project is coming along.
Dennis
Good luck and please let us know how the project is coming along.
Dennis
Nov 5, 2014 09:58:34 #
[quote=Northlander]ISO could be set to 400 or 800 and f stop shut down to f 8 or f11. Your DOF (depth of field) is too narrow with f 6.3. David
formula for shutter speed is 1/mm which is 1/78. 1/250 is not needed.
formula for shutter speed is 1/mm which is 1/78. 1/250 is not needed.
Nov 5, 2014 10:29:42 #
You should make sure you are not to close to the fungus for your lens to focus. Check your manual for min. focus distance for the lens you are using.
Nov 5, 2014 11:09:04 #
You might use a tripod, use aperture priority and shut down to perhaps f22? for maximum DOF. I doubt if fungus is going to move in a long exposure and you can still use ISO 100 or 200 for minimum noise. And as others have pointed out, manual focus very carefully and put the sensor plane parallel to the fungus "plane".
Nov 5, 2014 12:11:51 #
Northlander wrote:
I have been attempting to photograph some fungus found on an old damp log. I am having trouble getting the actual fungus sharp and clear. I have made several attempts - hand held, tripod, changing settings; each attempt on manual with 100 ISO, D600. This particular one was shot at f/6.3 at 250. The actual fungus always appears 'noisy'. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks i.a.
As the fungus seems to be on an angled plane that is not parallel to the sensor, I doubt that you will capture all in good focus. Consider waiting until the fungus is in the shade, focus stack with a series of images with the focal point changing from the near to far regions that you wish to capture. I would use f/11 and a Tripod for the slow shutter speed.
Nov 5, 2014 14:08:06 #
To get the really fine detail of fungus you might want to consider a macro lens.
Larry
Larry
Nov 5, 2014 14:14:12 #
treadwl wrote:
To get the really fine detail of fungus you might want to consider a macro lens.
Larry
Larry
Thank you Larry - I tried that - still not 100%. I'll try again today (providing the weather doesn't put a stop my 'backyard' photography).
Nov 5, 2014 14:36:18 #
treadwl wrote:
To get the really fine detail of fungus you might want to consider a macro lens.
Larry
Larry
Agreed. But a Close Up filter +1 or +2 would be less expensive.
Nov 5, 2014 15:15:40 #
Thanks Shakey. I have tried a macro stack and a 24/85. It's all a matter of practice me thinks!!!!
Enjoy your cruise. :-D
Enjoy your cruise. :-D
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