10 Top Tips for Macro Photography

Steady
Camera shake can be a real problem at high magnifications due to longer exposures and shallow depth of field. Use a tripod or assume a sturdy position. Have the mirror lockup mode activated and preferably use a cable release.

Windy Conditions
Shooting macros of delicate subjects is impossible on a windy day so go equipped with a makeshift windbreak. A small clamp and stand may be enough to steady flowers and plants.

Props
Add impact to the shot and create an early morning feel with a water spray to imitate dew or rain.

Sharp as Possible
Maximise the depth of field by using an aperture of f/11 - f/22 and keeping your camera parallel to the subject. Use your depth of field preview button to see the result and if the preview is too dark, take a test shot and check the shot on your LCD.

Get Close
Ordinary lenses won’t let you get close to a subject. There is no substitute for a macro lens that can reproduce 1:1 or life-size reproduction. A focal length of 100 or 200mm will give a good distance to work from.

Manual Focus
Auto focus is a wonderful timesaving addition to your camera lens but can be tricky with close-ups as it battles back and forth to any subtle change or camera movement. Try switching to manual focus and choosing the focus point yourself. To make the most of the depth of field focus on the middle part of the subject.

Backgrounds
Try to avoid backgrounds of the same colour, otherwise your subject will blend into it. Clutter and patches of bright light will draw your eye away from the subject.

Fill in Flash
Add sparkle in dim conditions and reduce shadows and contrast on bright sunny days.

Get Light Subjects Right
With white butterflies for example standard camera metering can be fooled into underexposing so be prepared to add two stops of positive exposure compensation to eradicate this.

Diffused Light for Detail
Avoid burned out highlights and maximise fine detail by shooting on bright overcast days when the light is diffused and not harsh and direct. If you can’t avoid shooting in direct light then use a diffuser to soften the light.


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