Timothy Older Larger than life…
The dictionary definition of macro photography is photography producing images that are larger than life. It is extremely close up photography, and is usually of very small items – such as insects. There are 4 different lens types you can use to obtain high quality macro images. The first, and best quality, is a dedicated macro lens – such as the Canon 100mm macro EF. Alternatively, there are cheaper options out there – including reverse ring, macro filter, or macro extension tubes. The best cheaper alternative, in my opinion, are the macro extension tubes. These can be obtained via ebay for around £15 – £20 and are a great way to get some experience in field of macro photography.
Here is an in-depth review of the alternatives to buying a dedicated macro lens. View more.
Depth of field…
If you are to venture into some macro photography yourself, it is important to note that depth of field can become very shallow. This means that the focused area of the image become very shallow/small – and large areas of the image become blurred/out of focus. Due to this limiting point – it worth baring in mind that you will need a large F number (a small aperture), and flash is very handy. ISO may need to be increased. Longer shutter speeds are also likely to be required. On top of these requirements, it is also worth taking several images, with different focus points. These images can then be blended together, and “focus stacked”. Doing this gives you an image with the whole subject in focus – even with the very shallow depth of field of macro photography.
Here is a great article with more details on focus stacking, and how to do it correctly. View more.
Macro Photography #MacroMonday
And finally….
Get on over to our Facebook page. Make sure to the page, and play along with our weekly #MacroMonday game. In #MacroMonday a new #macro image is uploaded every Monday morning at 7am UK time. Guess the image, and share with your friends and family on facebook, twitter, or google +, and wait until 8pm UK time for the answer to be revealed.
