Trying to be active again

**Just1MoreDave** · 10-08-2019, 04:21 PM

If you see a photo you like, figure out why you like it and how to incorporate that idea in your shots. You can duplicate the technique in a macro shot even with a boring subject, then be ready for something interesting.

**csa** · 10-08-2019, 04:28 PM

Welcome back Lisa! You will so enjoy macro photography. Looking forward to seeing more of your photos!

WondringLisa · 10-08-2019, 04:48 PM

I do need a better tripod. With weight on the front of my camera my tripod tends to have a gradual downwards creep.

**aslyfox** · 10-08-2019, 04:51 PM

" there's a [ section ] for that "

Pentax Accessory Reviews » Tripods and Rigging

Read more at: Tripods and Rigging - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

________________________

for a sturdy table top one:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/accessoryreviews/-moman-mini-tripod.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/22-pentax-camera-field-accessories/36082...ml#post4206692

Last edited by aslyfox; 10-08-2019 at 04:57 PM.

**ramseybuckeye** · 10-08-2019, 05:10 PM

Originally posted by WondringLisa

There's a nature reserve in town, and a few reserves and gardens I can travel out to occasionally as I have a car again these days. I have also started keeping ants, so in the future there will be macro opportunities there (see attached test shot) :-)

A nature reserve will have many many macro opportunities if you like nature. You may also want to try focus stacking.

Originally posted by DW58

If you haven't got one already I'd suggest a good tripod. One of the things I enjoy about macro is many of the most mundane things we see everyday take on a completely different look at the macro level. Have fun.

I can't shoot macro without a tripod, make sure you get one that is rated well above the actual weight of your gear.

Originally posted by WondringLisa

I do need a better tripod. With weight on the front of my camera my tripod tends to have a gradual downwards creep.

I would also recommend a tripod with a Arca compatible quick release, and one that can get very low. A beanbag can be useful for low shooting too. Don't forget to have a lot of fun shooting.

WondringLisa · 10-08-2019, 05:35 PM

I do have a mini tripod that isn't too bad that has legs that can go sideways to go low.

Unregistered User 8 · 10-08-2019, 06:23 PM

Hi Lisa. Good that you are back, and that you have found that you enjoy macro. Looking forward to seeing mmaannny more images from you.

WondringLisa · 10-08-2019, 06:30 PM - **4 Likes**

On sunday just gone I drove to Richmond Park in London to shoot Deer there :-) (with camera obvs lol)

Roe Deer | Wond'ring Photography | Flickr

**UncleVanya** · 10-08-2019, 08:40 PM - **1 Like**

The non wr version of the 100 macro has an aperture ring ring which makes extension tubes or reversing easier.

**david94903** · 10-08-2019, 10:05 PM

Welcome back

With a 100mm macro lens, you don't have to go far. I do a lot of macro/close up work from the comfort of my house. And if I'm feeling adventurous, I'll go out to the yard, LOL! Weather is never an issue when shooting macro, nor is time of day. And you can pretty much shoot anything. I'm always grabbing flowers from the supermarket to shoot. That's always fun.

As mentioned above by DW58, if you're going to do macro/close up work, definitely invest in a tripod. I'd look for one that allows for a lot of flexibility like the Manfrotto 190XPRO or a Vangard Alta Pro.

You Tube

I have an older Manfrotto 190XPROB with an Acratech Ultimate Ball Head. Great for macro work, can pretty much move the camera where I want it.

There are some great videos on Youtube for macro idea generation. And of course Naas (a PF member) has an excellent extreme macro site that is worth checking out. Extreme Macro Photography

Looking forward to seeing your work.

HoutHans · 10-09-2019, 03:28 AM

It's good to be active and train the eye, so welcome aboard and enjoy the macro work (I have an M100/4 macro). The great thing is that you can just take it outside to the nearest plant and discover an entirely new word.

**aslyfox** · 10-09-2019, 03:36 AM

Originally posted by WondringLisa

On sunday just gone I drove to Richmond Park in London to shoot Deer there :-) (with camera obvs lol)

nice

macro ?

___________

seriousy, the D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro gives you a nice short telephoto lens as well as a nice macro

the 100mm gives you some working room so you don't have to be right on top of your target for 1:1

**PJ1** · 10-09-2019, 03:36 AM

I like your roe deer. Nicely captured.

WondringLisa · 10-09-2019, 04:50 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

nice

macro ?

___________

seriousy, the D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro gives you a nice short telephoto lens as well as a nice macro

the 100mm gives you some working room so you don't have to be right on top of your target for 1:1

I shot the deer before I got my macro lens

veato · 10-09-2019, 05:02 AM

Originally posted by WondringLisa

Hi all,

It has been some time since I was last really active with my Pentax due to work and health (the former I no longer have). i am trying to get myself back into it and have been travelling out more with my camera as and when i can with some good results. I still have trouble thinking of interesting ideas for places and things to shoot (any suggestions?)

In the last week I have picked up a 'Pentax smc DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens' and a ring light after I received a decent size tax rebate, as I have long had an interest in macro photography and figured it was a good opportunity.

Hopefully I will start entering photo contests once more before long.

Lisa

New macro lens and need some inspiration? Try these cards LightBox Photography Cards: Macro Edition. I have the normal and the macro decks and used them to set myself a weekly '52' challenge.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Can an active gimbal replace a tripod?	biz-engineer	Photographic Technique	3	02-24-2019 08:03 AM
Is shake reduction always active?	Tigs	Pentax DSLR Discussion	3	05-17-2018 03:37 PM
Hello again, and again.. and again.....	ghigoblin	Welcomes and Introductions	9	01-11-2017 02:22 PM
For Sale - Sold: SMC D FA MACRO 1:2.8 100 mm WR -----PRICE DROPPED again- again-again-again	watchman323	Sold Items	12	12-09-2013 11:18 AM
Purple fringes, and trees, again, and again, and again.	Calmsea	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	39	08-16-2013 02:27 PM

10-08-2019, 04:21 PM	#16
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	If you see a photo you like, figure out why you like it and how to incorporate that idea in your shots. You can duplicate the technique in a macro shot even with a boring subject, then be ready for something interesting.

10-08-2019, 04:28 PM	#17
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Welcome back Lisa! You will so enjoy macro photography. Looking forward to seeing more of your photos!

10-08-2019, 04:48 PM	#18
WondringLisa Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 77 Original Poster	I do need a better tripod. With weight on the front of my camera my tripod tends to have a gradual downwards creep.

10-08-2019, 04:51 PM	#19
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,582	" there's a [ section ] for that " Pentax Accessory Reviews » Tripods and Rigging Read more at: Tripods and Rigging - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database ________________________ for a sturdy table top one: https://www.pentaxforums.com/accessoryreviews/-moman-mini-tripod.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/22-pentax-camera-field-accessories/36082...ml#post4206692 Last edited by aslyfox; 10-08-2019 at 04:57 PM.

10-08-2019, 05:10 PM	#20
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,294	Originally posted by WondringLisa There's a nature reserve in town, and a few reserves and gardens I can travel out to occasionally as I have a car again these days. I have also started keeping ants, so in the future there will be macro opportunities there (see attached test shot) :-) A nature reserve will have many many macro opportunities if you like nature. You may also want to try focus stacking. Originally posted by DW58 If you haven't got one already I'd suggest a good tripod. One of the things I enjoy about macro is many of the most mundane things we see everyday take on a completely different look at the macro level. Have fun. I can't shoot macro without a tripod, make sure you get one that is rated well above the actual weight of your gear. Originally posted by WondringLisa I do need a better tripod. With weight on the front of my camera my tripod tends to have a gradual downwards creep. I would also recommend a tripod with a Arca compatible quick release, and one that can get very low. A beanbag can be useful for low shooting too. Don't forget to have a lot of fun shooting.

10-08-2019, 05:35 PM	#21
WondringLisa Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 77 Original Poster	I do have a mini tripod that isn't too bad that has legs that can go sideways to go low.

10-08-2019, 06:23 PM	#22
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Hi Lisa. Good that you are back, and that you have found that you enjoy macro. Looking forward to seeing mmaannny more images from you.

10-08-2019, 06:30 PM - 4 Likes	#23
WondringLisa Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 77 Original Poster	On sunday just gone I drove to Richmond Park in London to shoot Deer there :-) (with camera obvs lol) Roe Deer \| Wond'ring Photography \| Flickr

10-08-2019, 08:40 PM - 1 Like	#24
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	The non wr version of the 100 macro has an aperture ring ring which makes extension tubes or reversing easier.

10-09-2019, 03:28 AM	#26
HoutHans Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Appingedam Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,123	It's good to be active and train the eye, so welcome aboard and enjoy the macro work (I have an M100/4 macro). The great thing is that you can just take it outside to the nearest plant and discover an entirely new word.

10-09-2019, 03:36 AM	#27
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,582	Originally posted by WondringLisa On sunday just gone I drove to Richmond Park in London to shoot Deer there :-) (with camera obvs lol) nice macro ? ___________ seriousy, the D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro gives you a nice short telephoto lens as well as a nice macro the 100mm gives you some working room so you don't have to be right on top of your target for 1:1

10-09-2019, 03:36 AM	#28
PJ1 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toowoomba, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,486	I like your roe deer. Nicely captured.

10-09-2019, 04:50 AM	#29
WondringLisa Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 77 Original Poster	Originally posted by aslyfox nice macro ? ___________ seriousy, the D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro gives you a nice short telephoto lens as well as a nice macro the 100mm gives you some working room so you don't have to be right on top of your target for 1:1 I shot the deer before I got my macro lens

10-09-2019, 05:02 AM	#30
veato Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Nottingham Posts: 543	Originally posted by WondringLisa Hi all, It has been some time since I was last really active with my Pentax due to work and health (the former I no longer have). i am trying to get myself back into it and have been travelling out more with my camera as and when i can with some good results. I still have trouble thinking of interesting ideas for places and things to shoot (any suggestions?) In the last week I have picked up a 'Pentax smc DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens' and a ring light after I received a decent size tax rebate, as I have long had an interest in macro photography and figured it was a good opportunity. Hopefully I will start entering photo contests once more before long. Lisa New macro lens and need some inspiration? Try these cards LightBox Photography Cards: Macro Edition. I have the normal and the macro decks and used them to set myself a weekly '52' challenge.