Macro Photography Tips

Tips For Better Macro Photography 

Focus On Focus
Let’s just take the focus off of macro photography and focus on photography in general. When you are taking a simple photograph, a one that’s not a macro shot, it’s extremely important to focus. Focus thus becomes that much more important when you have macro shots on the table. For best macro results, it is advisable to make sure the object is in exact focus. If you’re using a digital camera, this becomes that much easier. You simply have to zoom in to know for sure if the object is in exact focus or not.

Lighting Needs
Lighting really is one of the biggest issues when it comes to macro photography. Most photographers are just not familiar on how to use light to advantage when taking macro photographs. This is mostly because with macro photography it is extremely difficult to place a source of light between the camera and the object. Even in natural light settings, it becomes difficult to get a good shot with the camera that close. To overcome this advantage it is best to use a ring flash or a two-flash, lens-mounted set up for greater clarity and enviable focus. At times, it is also possible for sunlight to create annoying shadows on and around the object. To defeat this effect, simply cover the object with a white translucent umbrella. This will really help you get perfect macro shots of the object in question.

It’s All About Exposure
Exposure plays a very obvious role in macro photography. Good exposure makes for good macro photography and bad exposure makes for bad macro photography. It really is as simple as that! For desired exposure, it is a must to check for the distance between the film or sensor and the object. Remember, the greater the distance between the film and the object, the longer the exposure. Adjust the distance between these two variables to arrive at your desired degree of exposure. A great way to check for the correct exposure is to check your histogram as often as possible.

Cut Away Clutter
If you know anything about photography, you probably would know that when a person looks at a photograph, his eye almost always gravitates to the brightest object in the photograph. If this brightest object is not the object in focus, it can simply be branded as clutter. Clutter is the bane of macro photography and has to be done away with. Sometimes however, it becomes extremely difficult to cut on clutter, especially when taking macro shots of nature. However, where there is a will there is a way. So, if you are really looking at getting rid of clutter, you can do so by shooting at a wider aperture. Alternatively, you can physically remove the objects that you think is going to come between you and a perfect macro shot! You can also use a ring light, which can help focus less on the background and more on the object in question.