June 6, 2014

Macro Photography Tips (at the National Botanical Gardens)

I recently taught a class for the Manassas Park Community Center at the National Botanical Gardens in Washington DC.  While macro photography may seem like a departure from the wedding photography that I am usually busy with this time of year they actually have a lot in common.

Macro photography is one of those types of photography that requires a lot of practice to master.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind next time that you go out to practice.

1) Use a tripod and a timer.  Macro lenses already have a limited depth of field so when shooting macro photography – especially if it is dark or windy – use a tripod and set your aperture to a larger number (f/16, f/22, etc) to ensure sharp images.

2) Go abstract.  You can get really close to your subject with a macro lens, so take advantage of this fact to make some abstract images that focus on color, shape, and line rather than a literal representation of the flower or subject.  Experiment and have fun!

3) Use manual focus.  Once again the shallow depth of field comes into play.  Using manual focus allows you to fine tune exactly what you want to be in focus in your images.

4) Play with focus throughout the frame.  Try some experiments where you shoot the same subject and move the focus point near and far in the frame and compare the outcomes.

Do you have any other great tips?

Share them in the comments!

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

Macro Photography Tips

 

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