First macro shots (Bee, Spider, Flower)

First macro shots (Bee, Spider, Flower) · Posted by *afroed*, 11-06-2009, 03:36 PM

Some of you might have heard my story about trying to get a macro lens. I end up selling my DA *50-135mm so I can afford a Tammy DI 90mm. Here are my first few shots with it. C&C are welcomed

Orchard Spider

Black Eyed Susan

Bumble Bee

For more pics visit my photoblog: Daily Picture Project

rparmar · 11-06-2009, 06:45 PM

Don't take this the wrong way, but practice practice, practice. Macro is very difficult to get right. Getting the exposure right is one thing (third shot) and then you need to get precise focus (second shot) and enough DOF to get what you need (first shot). While each of your photos points out shortcomings in technique I am sure that with many hours devoted to the craft you will only get better!

*Ash* · 11-06-2009, 07:06 PM

Robin's right, Edson.
Macro's another world of photography, requiring small apertures, high ISO (when handheld or needing fast captures) and lots of light. Mastering it may take time, so practice.

Focusing issues are by far the most disappointing when it comes to macro results, so pick the right place to get focus smack bang on, and work from there.

*afroed* · 11-06-2009, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by rparmar

Don't take this the wrong way, but practice practice, practice. Macro is very difficult to get right. Getting the exposure right is one thing (third shot) and then you need to get precise focus (second shot) and enough DOF to get what you need (first shot). While each of your photos points out shortcomings in technique I am sure that with many hours devoted to the craft you will only get better!

Thank you so much for the criticism. That' exactly what I needed. Tho I felt pretty satisfy with those 3 shots, I realized they were lacking in many areas. I knew macro was challenging but I never thought it was this much. But that's why I wanted to dive in it in first place. For the first shot, I had the lens attached to a teleconverter that I took the glasses out of and I was shooting handheld over the spider which was a nightmare. I thought about getting my tripod out for it but I was going to be late to school and there was a wasp hunting for my blood. Second shot I see what you are saying and third shot too, I had to use the the camera's flash and that was the best shot I could salvaged.

Thanks again Robin. Instead of getting a million reply for any pictures I posted here I rather have just you commenting cause that was extremely helpful.

Originally Posted by Ash

Robin's right, Edson.
Macro's another world of photography, requiring small apertures, high ISO (when handheld or needing fast captures) and lots of light. Mastering it may take time, so practice.

Focusing issues are by far the most disappointing when it comes to macro results, so pick the right place to get focus smack bang on, and work from there.

Thanks too Ash. I remember in that macro post I had where a few ppl were going at it about whether flash or tripod was the way to go. I come to realize that both of them are extremely important in certain situation. A good flash set up is a must when chasing bug and a tripod will do the job when shooting flower or cooperative bugs. I'm working on a rig for a flash gun now and I'm about to pull out my tripod too. My goal is to shoot a macro everyday until I get to a level where i can be fully satisfied.

flippedgazelle · 11-06-2009, 09:31 PM

I think the OOF area in #2 is interesting.

The yellow flower is a black-eyed susan.

The scary small spider is an orchard spider. Don't be nervous around it - I've become friends with one, and she's usually pretty reliable.

*afroed* · 11-06-2009, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by flippedgazelle

I think the OOF area in #2 is interesting.

The yellow flower is a black-eyed susan.

The scary small spider is an orchard spider. Don't be nervous around it - I've become friends with one, and she's usually pretty reliable.

Thanks for the IDs mate. I'll see if the spider is still around tomorrow to take a better shot at it. I was more afraid of getting stung by a wasp than the spider doing something to me.

Barnster · 11-07-2009, 12:49 AM

When you can,try to use a tripod,and if you need to take a shot where it's not possible,a good steady hand is required,because of the shallow depth of field.With the bee shot,you seem to have the centre of focus on the legs.Try to have it focused on the eye/head area.That's where you hit the money.

*afroed* · 11-07-2009, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by Barnster

When you can,try to use a tripod,and if you need to take a shot where it's not possible,a good steady hand is required,because of the shallow depth of field.With the bee shot,you seem to have the centre of focus on the legs.Try to have it focused on the eye/head area.That's where you hit the money.

Thanks mate. I just pull out the tripod this morning for some macro shot and it showed great improvement. I'll definitely try to get the head of the insects next time instead of legs. But the legs of this bee are rather sexy tho.

rparmar · 11-07-2009, 09:15 AM

It's difficult to work without a tripod. You also need an awful lot of light or a flash setup, since you will likely be at f/22 just to get some DOF. Instead of a tripod I get some mobility but a lot more stability with a monopod, which I bought essentially just for macros.

Glad to be of some help.

*OrenMc* · 11-07-2009, 09:16 AM

I'll add just a little to the already great input.
Don't Give UP!! As stated above that it takes practice, practice , practice it also takes patience, patience and more patience. When you nail your shot it is worth it.
As rparmar said " you will only get better ".

*afroed* · 11-07-2009, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by rparmar

It's difficult to work without a tripod. You also need an awful lot of light or a flash setup, since you will likely be at f/22 just to get some DOF. Instead of a tripod I get some mobility but a lot more stability with a monopod, which I bought essentially just for macros.

Glad to be of some help.

A monopod will be my next purchase. After using my tripod today, I quickly realize it's too heavy to lug around everywhere. It's a stand for sniping. For urn and gun, the flash n monopod set up would be ideal.

Originally Posted by OrenMc

I'll add just a little to the already great input.
Don't Give UP!! As stated above that it takes practice, practice , practice it also takes patience, patience and more patience. When you nail your shot it is worth it.
As rparmar said " you will only get better ".

Thanks for the input mate. Fortunately giving up is not in my dictionary. Just today I've seen some great improvement. I'll post some pics up later.