Macro Photography - 10 tips to shoot amazing macros

1. Get real close to your subject

The first step to shooting effective macro photographs is to get close to the subject. Macro lenses, at their closest magnification, allow you to shoot the subject at life-size magnification. Compact cameras are very useful too if you wish to get close. Most compact camera’s allows you to get as close as 5cm from the subject, while some even allow you to get closer than that.

2. Avoid casting a shadow

While shooting macro you need to get as close to your subject as possible and so chances are that your shadow may be cast on the subject. You may resolve this issue by changing your shooting position

3. Use the right tripod

Use a versatile tripod whose legs can be spread out almost flat on the ground. After all, macro photography may often need you to lie down flat on the ground, and you should have a tripod that can be set to a very low height too. Also, ensure that your tripod is extremely sturdy. Being sturdy usually means that the sturdiness is directly proportional to the weight of the tripod so chances are that it may be heavy and inconvenient, but in the case of macro photography you will need all the stabilization that you can get.

4. Isolate subject from background

In case of macro photography it is always better to isolate your subject from everything else in the frame, giving it a prominence thereby attracting viewers attention directly to it. Since your subject is tiny, if you could move it to a better location then do it. Usually when the distance between your subject and the background is very less, rendering the background out of focus is a tricky job, because you may need to use a higher aperture in order to compensate for the macro lenses shallow depth of field. So experiment and attain the right balance between depth of field and isolating the subject. If needed use the on board flash to isolate the subject from a cluttered background. Reduce the power of the flash by approximately 1 EV.

5. Use props to attract insects

A hyperactive insect may calm down if it can find some element that it recognizes. Place toothpicks or twigs around the area you plan to shoot in the insects will come directly on to them to rest. They always prefer a high vantage point than the rest of the seen.

6. Use close up filters

Close up filters do exactly what their name suggests. They allow you to get really close to the subject, even while using a basic kit lens. The advantages of close up filters are many. They are pocketable, convenient and can be easily screwed on to the lens. Their only downside is that they reduce sharpness slightly.

7. Fill your frame

When shooting extreme close ups of everyday objects, observe the edges of your frame carefully before you shoot. Fill the frame with the entire subject for maximum impact.

8. Invest in high quality optics

When buying your first DSLR, do not spend too much on it. Buy an inexpensive model and spend the rest of your money on lenses. The fine detail that can be resolved by a high quality lens is what makes a macro photograph truly magical.

9. Switch off noise reduction

In camera noise reduction softens fine detail, which is an essential part of any macro photograph.

10. Look for darker backgrounds

If the background behind your subject is distracting choose a different vantage point. Dark backgrounds are ideal for macro photography since they allow the main subject to stand out. Tiny subjects shot against black backgrounds attracts attention of the viewers.

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