I need help with close ups!
Sep 18, 2014 16:19:43 #
I have recently bought a new camera and it came with several gadgets that I probably shouldn't try to use in one setting! lol I really love taking close up shots of nature in general but really flowers. I tried using a macro lens today and a regular lens but don't seem that I am getting the results I want. Could you offer some insight? Thank you
The attached pics were taken today with my NIKON 3200 18-55mm camera with the macro lens attached.
The attached pics were taken today with my NIKON 3200 18-55mm camera with the macro lens attached.
I was trying to capture the bees getting a snack, at one time there was 6 different species on this one flower.
(Download)
Little purple flower that I really love...
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purple something?
(Download)
Sep 18, 2014 16:28:57 #
1) focusing (manual focus is best) Burst shooting if not steady could be a solution
2) dof too narrow (A priority is easier with a fixed ISO - Manual exposure is best)
3) never-mind (lens comment)
4) never mind (camera mode comment)
5) there is a macro section led by Nikonian that can really be of help.
2) dof too narrow (A priority is easier with a fixed ISO - Manual exposure is best)
3) never-mind (lens comment)
4) never mind (camera mode comment)
5) there is a macro section led by Nikonian that can really be of help.
Sep 18, 2014 16:31:34 #
Sep 18, 2014 17:52:43 #
Is it the focus that you are disappointed with? Are you able to use a tripod? These 3 shots are of quite tiny objects, so perhaps practice on larger subjects until you're more comfortable?
The True Macro forum is here, if you're interested:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html
The True Macro forum is here, if you're interested:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html
Sep 18, 2014 19:19:57 #
I can share with you some of my techniques,
1)Manually set white balance/shoot raw/not too high on ISO depending on your camera, don't need too much graininess.
2)Use filler light
3)Depending on your depth of field about mid point of f - stops and what type of background detail, set your shutter speed,- for a black background high shutter speed and change shutter speed/f-stops for different results.
4)if you are shooting bug/bees use a tripod for resting your forearm or part of your body for steadiness.
5)try manual and auto focus, if the subject you are shooting has many objects in view try manual.
6)don't worry about bad shots, be ready for the next bug
7)run test, test, test...
8)if your pictures are somewhat blurry and you know that you have the focus correct and several pictures, check your diopter on the viewfinder and after that is correct make sure your lens/camera is calibrated for focus. I read some where that sometimes lenses are blurry on the near focal point when shooting close ups.
9)shoot/evaluate, shoot/evaluate...
10)Good Luck!!!
1)Manually set white balance/shoot raw/not too high on ISO depending on your camera, don't need too much graininess.
2)Use filler light
3)Depending on your depth of field about mid point of f - stops and what type of background detail, set your shutter speed,- for a black background high shutter speed and change shutter speed/f-stops for different results.
4)if you are shooting bug/bees use a tripod for resting your forearm or part of your body for steadiness.
5)try manual and auto focus, if the subject you are shooting has many objects in view try manual.
6)don't worry about bad shots, be ready for the next bug
7)run test, test, test...
8)if your pictures are somewhat blurry and you know that you have the focus correct and several pictures, check your diopter on the viewfinder and after that is correct make sure your lens/camera is calibrated for focus. I read some where that sometimes lenses are blurry on the near focal point when shooting close ups.
9)shoot/evaluate, shoot/evaluate...
10)Good Luck!!!
Sep 18, 2014 19:44:46 #
Composition, focus, lighting.
Focus - Goldenrod is hard to shoot (1st image) as is Joe Pye Weed (3rd image) - where do you focus on such a multi-dimensional subject? You can't get it all in focus at that distance. Extreme close-up, or back a ways to get the entire plant will work better. Manual focus is the way to go. Tripod not essential - check out the True Macro forum to see the stellar results people are getting hand held.
Composition - distracting backgrounds are the biggest problem. You want more contrast between foreground and background, or more (relative) distance between the subject and the background so that the background is blurred out. Then, what is the main point of focus and where do you want that to be in the image? You can learn a lot from folks here about creatively using a limited depth of field.
Lighting - off-camera flash will help a lot with the type of shots you are after. Again,check out the True Macro forum for lots of ideas and help on flash set ups.
These small wildflower blossoms in their natural setting are a tough challenge. You are off to a good start.
That is Ironweed there in your second shot. Nice. I was shooting that today.
Ironweed, Goldenrod, and Joe Pye Weed are among the most difficult wildflowers to capture, in my experience. I have been working on them for years.
... and insects. When you see an insect on a flower you are shooting you need to focus on the insect or wait until it leaves, because an out of focus insect will wreck an otherwise great shot of the flower.
Mike
Focus - Goldenrod is hard to shoot (1st image) as is Joe Pye Weed (3rd image) - where do you focus on such a multi-dimensional subject? You can't get it all in focus at that distance. Extreme close-up, or back a ways to get the entire plant will work better. Manual focus is the way to go. Tripod not essential - check out the True Macro forum to see the stellar results people are getting hand held.
Composition - distracting backgrounds are the biggest problem. You want more contrast between foreground and background, or more (relative) distance between the subject and the background so that the background is blurred out. Then, what is the main point of focus and where do you want that to be in the image? You can learn a lot from folks here about creatively using a limited depth of field.
Lighting - off-camera flash will help a lot with the type of shots you are after. Again,check out the True Macro forum for lots of ideas and help on flash set ups.
These small wildflower blossoms in their natural setting are a tough challenge. You are off to a good start.
That is Ironweed there in your second shot. Nice. I was shooting that today.
Ironweed, Goldenrod, and Joe Pye Weed are among the most difficult wildflowers to capture, in my experience. I have been working on them for years.
... and insects. When you see an insect on a flower you are shooting you need to focus on the insect or wait until it leaves, because an out of focus insect will wreck an otherwise great shot of the flower.
Mike
Sep 19, 2014 03:26:27 #
Brookecjwilson wrote:
I understand your camera and zoom lens. What does "with the macro lens attached" mean?The attached pics were taken today with my NIKON 3200 18-55mm camera with the macro lens attached.
Sep 19, 2014 06:50:14 #
Sep 19, 2014 12:28:15 #
Perhaps practice with small items that will 'hold still' for you, in a more controlled area? Even a flower in a vase on your kitchen table?
Another thing to try: Set your lens, with the close up device, to a specific focal length, and focus distance - then move the entire camera toward & away from your subject to achieve focus & framing. . . rather than picking a distance from your subject & trying to zoom & focus.
Good luck & keep practicing!
Another thing to try: Set your lens, with the close up device, to a specific focal length, and focus distance - then move the entire camera toward & away from your subject to achieve focus & framing. . . rather than picking a distance from your subject & trying to zoom & focus.
Good luck & keep practicing!
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