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New To Macro

Started 4 months ago | Discussions
pcassel Senior Member • Posts: 2,244
New To Macro
5

I purchased a macro capable lens in hopes that I can find macro subjects on my own property where usually I need to roam afield or get assignments to find subjects. I also picked up a focusing slider.

Here's my first attempt. It's of a spider who's created this Web on our patio. There was a wind and rainstorm going on with the animal trying to hold its Web together rather than face another rebuilding as it had to a few days ago. The spider was badly backlit.

Any criticisms for improvement appreciated.

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If I post one of my images, C&C both positive and negative is welcome.
-paul

 pcassel's gear list:pcassel's gear list
Canon EOS 10D Canon EOS 5DS R Canon EOS R7 Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
jonbev
jonbev Veteran Member • Posts: 4,076
Re: New To Macro

Your focus is spot on but the spider is not cooperating excellent try in the wind. please include the EXIF in the future.

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OP pcassel Senior Member • Posts: 2,244
Re: New To Macro

I will include info next time. It got stripped off exporting from PS to a JPEG. I'll explore how that doesn't recur.

Yes, the spider was moving about due to the wind/rain. I hope for better conditions next time.

It was a Canon R7 with a Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens.

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If I post one of my images, C&C both positive and negative is welcome.
-paul

 pcassel's gear list:pcassel's gear list
Canon EOS 10D Canon EOS 5DS R Canon EOS R7 Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
macrouser
macrouser Senior Member • Posts: 3,979
Re: New To Macro

I think you have done pretty well.   I usually use a flash.  With a subject that takes up so little of the frame with a darker background or not lit by the flash, I find I have to reduce the light from the flash.  I will often take a lot of different exposures till I get what I want.

I don't leave my own property very much but there are many things to find.  Most people are amazed that I have found so many species on just a small block of land.

 macrouser's gear list:macrouser's gear list
Sony SLT-A77 Sony a7R III Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM Sony FE 90mm F2.8 macro Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS +2 more
DigGary
DigGary Forum Member • Posts: 54
Re: New To Macro

I agree that flash is very helpful in macro photography. Also, i like to use a diffuser. For under $20 USD you can get a diffuser that mounts on the flash (good when taking the flash  off camera) or goes around the the lens, see link below (when flash is mounted on the camera). I haven’t used a ring flash but just use a regular godox flash made for sony that gets me TTL flash at a reasonable price.

lens mount diffuser example, I’m not recommending this exact one, just showing the idea: https://a.co/d/bEK8rDS

 DigGary's gear list:DigGary's gear list
Sony a6000 Sony a6400 Sony E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Sony E 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 PZ OSS Sony FE 90mm F2.8 macro +2 more
grsnovi Veteran Member • Posts: 3,030
Re: New To Macro

Great shot!

I've resisted shooting bugs so far, maybe I'll give 'em a try.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Sony SLT-A65 Sony a7R III Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 OM-1 +11 more
OP pcassel Senior Member • Posts: 2,244
Re: New To Macro

Thanks. I was hesitant because of so many great insect snaps around done by others but then I figured I may as well try. I'm looking forward to Spring when I'll go photo hunting for butterflies, damsel and dragon flies. It will take luck to get these animals to be in a good position plus to hold still long enough to show that position.

I'm going to try to get the imaging w/o disturbing the animal.

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If I post one of my images, C&C both positive and negative is welcome.
-paul

 pcassel's gear list:pcassel's gear list
Canon EOS 10D Canon EOS 5DS R Canon EOS R7 Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
DonBMichigan Junior Member • Posts: 38
Re: New To Macro

I stood outside near a giant web near my front porch for about 25 minutes once with my macro lens, trying to get something good, but the darn light breeze and my own muscles only got me a few that were reasonably good. I have done better with webs that were spun in dense bushes, as the wind was less impactful.

It was supposed to be one of my goals this year to learn better how to do handheld macro photography, but I didn't get to it enough. I see the recommendations for a flash, and that probably would have helped me in some cases for sure.

Don

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Olympus OM-D E-M10 II Olympus E-M1 II Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro Tamron 14-150mm F/3.5-5.8 Di III Olympus 12-100mm F4.0 +2 more
OP pcassel Senior Member • Posts: 2,244
Re: New To Macro
1

If I had to do this again, I'd use a monopod to avoid the fatigue issues of true freehand snapping. I've been spending the time between having posted the two images I initially took here to learn stacking using Zerene. I think like any photographic pursuit, getting the tech right is the foundation for any creative output so I'm there right now.

I also studied the spider images here that I admire seeing they all are taken face on which for me in this set was impossible. I'm now out of season (it's below freezing now outside) so will need to await Spring to revisit my insect animal 'hunting'.

-- hide signature --

If I post one of my images, C&C both positive and negative is welcome.
-paul

 pcassel's gear list:pcassel's gear list
Canon EOS 10D Canon EOS 5DS R Canon EOS R7 Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
DigGary
DigGary Forum Member • Posts: 54
Re: New To Macro
1

Early morning is often best as there is less wind. Also, take tons of shots as you get a low keeper rate.

...Gary
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandering.camera.guy/
Website: https://wanderingcameraguy.wixsite.com/photo

 DigGary's gear list:DigGary's gear list
Sony a6000 Sony a6400 Sony E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Sony E 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 PZ OSS Sony FE 90mm F2.8 macro +2 more
OP pcassel Senior Member • Posts: 2,244
Re: New To Macro

Thx. I was wondering about the keeper rate. Good to know.

-- hide signature --

If I post one of my images, C&C both positive and negative is welcome.
-paul

 pcassel's gear list:pcassel's gear list
Canon EOS 10D Canon EOS 5DS R Canon EOS R7 Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
macrouser
macrouser Senior Member • Posts: 3,979
Re: New To Macro

When conditions are like that, I like to use Auto focus with wide area and flash.  I often find that if I am taking a photo of a spider in it's web and the background is far away, I will need to use 2 stops less exposure than the auto exposure setting.

A tripod can help a lot.

 macrouser's gear list:macrouser's gear list
Sony SLT-A77 Sony a7R III Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM Sony FE 90mm F2.8 macro Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS +2 more
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