I used to do the same thing, back in my film days, when I couldn't afford a macro lens.

In fact, one of the last photos that I took using a reversing ring was almost 50-years ago (48 to be exact) as seen below.

Shortly after this, while I still couldn't afford a macro lens, I opted for a cheaper solution, a set of extension tubes. This was superior to reversing the lens since the extension tubes connected the lens' aperture controls to the camera so that you could use the automatic thru the lens exposure system. The set came in three sizes, 14, 21 and 28mm. They could be used individually or in pairs or even all three, to get maximum magnification.

Today, with my Sony a6500 mirrorless camera, I can now afford a dedicated macro lens, in this case, an Artisans f2.8 60mm Macro lens. That being said, I also have a set of extension tubes for my E-mount lens, only this set consists of two tubes, a 10 and a 16mm, which again, can be used individually or together. And again, they allow the full automatic functioning of your lens, including aperture as well as focus.

Now here's that nearly 48-year old picture: