I see some awesome macro insect photo's. How do you capture an image of a live insect with such sharp detail?
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I thought to send you here to the macro forum but I see this is already posted in the right section, so good luck. I'm sure someone will be along soon to give you better answers. But I do suggest the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section too.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-106-1.html
Greenguy33 wrote:
I see some awesome macro insect photo's. How do you capture an image of a live insect with such sharp detail?
2 things, good focus and off camera flash with diffused light
tinusbum wrote:
2 things, good focus and off camera flash with diffused light
Really? that's it, nothing else. ok.
MACT
Loc: Connecticut
If you can persuade them to stay still long enough, then focus stacking will give you everything in focus.
Greenguy33 wrote:
Really? that's it, nothing else. ok.
i usually shoot ISO 100, 1/200-sec at f/16, and if i change anything its the power of the flash although i did shoot some at f/22 this morning.
The key is relatively
short shutter duration (1/200-sec), synchronized with speedlight illumination.
Available light exposures usually require longer shutter durations, which will capture very small camera movement (you) or subject movement, (living insect).
Using a tripod can eliminate camera movement, but is so cumbersome in the field. Hand-held field macro-photography is easily possible with speedlight/softbox illumination. Take a look at various macro set-ups on pages 4, 5, & 6 here:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-4.html
Nikonian72 wrote:
The key is relatively short shutter duration (1/200-sec), synchronized with speedlight illumination.
Available light exposures usually require longer shutter durations, which will capture very small camera movement (you) or subject movement, (living insect).
Thanks Nikonian! Is it possible to use the high sync speed with macro and flash? (ie.. faster than 1/320 sec)
Greenguy33 wrote:
Is it possible to use the high sync speed with macro and flash? (ie.. faster than 1/320 sec)
No. With most digital cameras, a shutter duration
shorter than 1/200-sec wil capture a shadow of the shutter, rendering either the top part or bottom part of image black. Some cameras sync up to 1/250-sec.
There is an advanced method called High Speed Synchronization that is possible with more sophisticated speedlights, and you can read about it here:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-74372-1.html
Lens on same focal plane as subject
Once you start using some of these suggestions you will see results rather quickly. Then its a matter of practice and make small changes to improve your results. Welcome to our corner of the world.
martinfisherphoto wrote:
Lens on same focal plane as subject
Martin is describing keeping your subject within the narrow DoF while shooting macro. This means keeping lens
tangent to subject, which will keep subject parallel to DoF.
I will say, if you are using the 200mm lens, it's considerably trickier than shorter ones, at least for me anyway. Mostly, follow recommendations made hear by experienced macro photographers and just get out there and practice, practice, practice.
Going by your signature list, you seem to have everything you need with the possible exception of a L-bracket ($20-$40), ball extender (about $6-$15+) and softbox ($6-$15).
Be sure to post pix so we can help you along. No feeling like the one you get when you "nail" a shot ;) :D
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