My first real bug macro shot
Mar 14, 2018 08:39:04 #
My world had been covered in white and I haven't been able to get bug shots since I got my macro lens at Christmas. When Spring finally comes, I'll be able to go out and practice. The other day I saw a ladybug on my kitchen counter. Not sure where she came from but I took the opportunity to practice some macro. I'd appreciate some advice on how to make it better. (My one problem with this is that it looks like she has 3 legs. But she is really just walking toward me). When bug season comes again, I'll be posting more and asking for more help!
Mar 14, 2018 09:26:22 #
aschweik wrote:
My world had been covered in white and I haven't b... (show quote)
Hi Audrey. For some strange reason I could not get the metadata on bug shot. What F stop did you use? Do you know about focus stacking?
Mar 14, 2018 10:15:52 #
Here's the details...should have posted these with the photo.
Nikon D7200
90mm
f/4.8
ISO: 1000
1/125
cropped
I have not yet attempted photo stacking but I know it is in my future. :). More to learn!
Nikon D7200
90mm
f/4.8
ISO: 1000
1/125
cropped
I have not yet attempted photo stacking but I know it is in my future. :). More to learn!
Mar 14, 2018 10:38:54 #
aschweik wrote:
Here's the details...should have posted these with the photo.
Nikon D7200
90mm
f/4.8
ISO: 1000
1/125
cropped
I have not yet attempted photo stacking but I know it is in my future. :). More to learn!
Nikon D7200
90mm
f/4.8
ISO: 1000
1/125
cropped
I have not yet attempted photo stacking but I know it is in my future. :). More to learn!
What I see is your F stop should be around F8 or 11. If you have a tripod use one.
Mar 14, 2018 11:24:02 #
This is the Asian ladybug (Harmonia axyridis), which had moved into your home to spend the winter. There are probably many others.
You did quite well at 1/125 shutter speed, which is a slow-ish shutter speed for macrophotography. I suppose you were helped by propping the camera on a solid surface.
A more reliable shutter speed would be 1/200 or faster for handheld macro. This will pretty much remove the effects of camera shake under most circumstances. I like f/11 and ISO 200 to 400. ISO 800 if needed (but then you might start seeing sensor noise).
Did you use the on-camera flash or an external flash?
You did quite well at 1/125 shutter speed, which is a slow-ish shutter speed for macrophotography. I suppose you were helped by propping the camera on a solid surface.
A more reliable shutter speed would be 1/200 or faster for handheld macro. This will pretty much remove the effects of camera shake under most circumstances. I like f/11 and ISO 200 to 400. ISO 800 if needed (but then you might start seeing sensor noise).
Did you use the on-camera flash or an external flash?
Mar 14, 2018 11:26:24 #
good start! my settings are f9 to f16 ss 250 iso 400 and alway a flash with diffuser.no tripod,most of us dont use them.you will miss a lot of shots trying to set it up.
Mar 14, 2018 13:14:12 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
This is the Asian ladybug ( i Harmonia axyridis /i... (show quote)
I did use the countertop to steady the camera. And I used a diffused external flash...I believe coming from the left side. I took a bunch of pictures that day and tried different things. Thanks for the suggestions on camera settings. I think this spring and summer I'll be doing a lot of macro practicing and learning focus stacking!
Mar 14, 2018 13:26:56 #
tinusbum wrote:
good start! my settings are f9 to f16 ss 250 iso 400 and alway a flash with diffuser.no tripod,most of us dont use them.you will miss a lot of shots trying to set it up.
what he says, I started with a tripod, abandoned it shortly after, keepers went up 90%, flash stops movement
Mar 14, 2018 13:31:59 #
aschweik wrote:
My world had been covered in white and I haven't b... (show quote)
really close, you can see the focus band in front where the paper is showing fibers, it makes it easier if you learn to see and adjust to it as you move back and forthMar 14, 2018 14:15:12 #
napabob wrote: really close, you can see the focus band in front where the paper is showing fibers, it makes it easier if you learn to see and adjust to it as you move back and forth
really close, you can see the focus band in front where the paper is showing fibers, it makes it easier if you learn to see and adjust to it as you move back and forthyes. I focus on the nearest feet to 'ground' the critter, and try also to get the eyes in focus. The depth of field then gives me what it will give.
With focus stacking you would want to start in front of the subject. But I have never tried it.
Mar 15, 2018 14:34:53 #
You don't have to wait for bugs and insects to use your macro lens. Look around the house, inside and out for likely subjects. Flowers are perfect subjects and when looking very close you will see a geometric design of smaller flowers on the inside of the larger flower. Ice crystals from the freezer might make good subjects, jewelry, watch faces, objects stacked close together such as colored pencils, paper clips and so on. There are any number of tiny subjects to photograph.
I like the lady beetle photo you submitted. It is much better than my first macro bug photo.
Good luck and be sure to share photos.
Dennis
I like the lady beetle photo you submitted. It is much better than my first macro bug photo.
Good luck and be sure to share photos.
Dennis
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