llamb Loc: Northeast Ohio

I need a little help... A brain aneurysm thirteen years ago left me with a slight learning disability, but I have been able to overcome this by reading, re-reading manuals and stubbornly trying to grasp anything new. I am, however, having a difficult time trying to get involved in macro photography. I have always taken photographs of nature - birds and wildlife mostly. By spring I hope to be able to get some shots of the insects and spiders by our pond. All pictures will be outside in daylight. I have gotten some good close-up shots, but wish to progress to the next step. I want to use my Nikon Coolpix P900 for which I have acquired a Raynor DCR-250 macro conversion lens. This may not be the most suitable rig for my needs, but it is what I have and it is what I want to use.

I have a few questions:
What scene/mode setting should I use? Please be specific, I may be way off base here.
Should I zoom in or out?
How far should I be from the subject?
Thanks, in advance.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

First of all, you need to understand the difference between 'close-up photography' and 'macro-photography'. This is essential, as your Nikon Coolpix P900 point-&-shoot camera has an Optical Sensor Size of 1/2.3-inch (6-mm x 4.75-mm), one of the smallest manufactured. You are at a severe disadvantage concerning true macro-photography.

Start reading here:
FAQ: How to Document Field-of-View of a Macro Lens
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-36370-1.html

Then continue reading here:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-36372-1.html