4/12/2011
Camera Club of Hilton Head Island
www.cchhi.net
Understanding the basics of
Jean-Marie Cote
thefrenchguy photography 2011
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Understanding Macro Photography
Common Mistakes
Key Concepts
Equipment – Camera, Lens & Accessories
Techniques
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4/12/2011
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Dictionary definition:” very large in scale or
scope or capability - above average in size or
number or quantity or magnitude or extent
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Image created at life size or larger – ratio of
1:1 to 5:1
 Image showing very tiny details of an object
 Image taken with special lens or setting
 Image with details that our eyes cannot or
usually do not see
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4/12/2011
Image that has been enlarged,
zoomed/cropped to get more details
 Image with details created with a zoom
 Image showing a vast expanse – this is
reverse of macro economy
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4/12/2011
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Out of Focus or Wrong Focal Point
 Changing distance relative to subject
 Poor light
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Lack of Sharpness:
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Camera shake
Object movement
Camera setting
Lens quality
Background:
 Too bright, wrong color
 A distraction for the viewer
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Camera Shake - Blurry
Out-of-Focus - Blurry
In-Focus - Sharper
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4/12/2011
The background should enhance the subject – not distract the viewer
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Depth of Field (DOF)
Focal distance ratio – lens length to object
Stability – avoiding shake
Light on the subject
Gear and equipment
Technique – know your equipment
Patience and dedication
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4/12/2011
Generally very shallow with macro lens; can
range from 0.1 to 1 inch
 Difficult to see it even if using the DOF
preview
 Major challenge to good macro image
 Open room for creativity and fine art
photography
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Lots of details - f16
Good details - f11
It is all about seeing in a creative
way and being able to execute it
correctly
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4/12/2011
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The closer your are to your subject:
 The more difficult it is to get a sharp image
 The more difficult it is to light it
 The more stable you are, the better
 The more parallel you are to your subject the
better in terms of getting more in focus (if this is
what you want)
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Remember: a short depth of field and being very
close to the subject makes focusing difficult
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4/12/2011
The greater the magnification, the greater
the chances of an out-of-focus or a not so
sharp image
 Any tiny movement or shake will blur the
image:
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 Camera vibration
 Object movement (even a light breeze)
 External vibration (vehicle,people)
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Camera hand held
• Use a sturdy tripod
• Suspend weight under it ( your camera
bag for example)
• Use remote control
• Use mirror lock-up
Camera on tripod
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4/12/2011
• Wait for a better moment
• Use fast shutter speed
• Hold object steady
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The closer you are to the subject the more
difficult it is to light it properly
 Special effects can be created by using back
lighting
 Light must be diffused to avoid harsh
shadows, excessive contrast or fade out
effect
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4/12/2011
The limitation is our
imagination….
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A light reflector can sometimes be used
to throw diffused/soft light as long as
the lens is not too close to the subject
If working very close to the subject, a ring
light is your best choice in most cases
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4/12/2011
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Most of the pitfalls or issues can be overcome
with proper equipment
 Tripod
 Remote release
 Ring light
 Micro track
 Specialized lens
 Understanding all the technical stuff
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Macro photography can be done:
 Using a point and shoot camera with macro
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capability
Using magnifying filters
Using extension tubes (not extender tubes)
A low cost tripod
Shutter delay (timer)
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4/12/2011
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If your point and shoot has this capability, use
it as a starting point – you will learn a lot
Standard lens
Standard macro lens
Super macro lens
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4/12/2011
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Requires pro equipment:
 Macro lens
 Ring light, diffuser, reflector…
 Remote control device
 Heavy duty tripod
 Advanced SLR/DSLR
 Micro focus track
 Experience, dedication and patience
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Remote Control
Tripod (solid)
Wimberley Clamp
Extension Arm
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4/12/2011
Extension Tube
Transform a std lens
into a macro lens
Macro Lens
Micro Focusing Rail
Special Macro Lens 1x – 5x
Ring Light
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Magnification 5x w/specialized lens
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Study your subject
Define what is your subject:
 Depth of field
 Focal point
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Check equipment and camera setting
Check for stability:
 Camera and object (hold steady)
 Add weight to the tripod
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Experiment with different angles, distances
Test quality of light (DSLR histogram)
Test with JPEG format
Final images in RAW
Work in manual mode
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If using a lens with image stabilization, turn it
off while on the tripod
 Plan carefully before setting the camera and
tripod
 Study the light and how it is falling on the
object
 Make sure that the object is secured or will
not move while taking the image
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4/12/2011
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My website www.thefrenchguy.us
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