Macro Photography-Not just for the Pro’s Some Tips for Beginners

Macro photography is one of the most popular forms of photography. It is easily accessible, and it is a very broad genre of photography. Macro photography makes it possible to take great close up images of nature without leaving your backyard. We have tips to get you started taking macro shots. Pictures of leaves, flowers, sluggish insects, water droplets or any other object you want to get up close and personal with your camera.

DSLRs vs Mirrorless

Either DSLRs or mirrorless cameras work great. If you are looking at native mount options, DSLRs like the Canon EOS Rebel T5i SLR Digital Camera from Beachcamera.com are going to be ideal. All due to the large choice of available macro lenses and accessories. If you are open to using adapters, mirrorless cameras can be used with pretty much any DSLR lens as well. Having the live view on the LCD is very helpful for instant feedback.

Lens

The most convenient and flexible option, especially for a beginner, is to get a dedicated macro lens. The most popular models come in focal lengths between 90-105 mm, and have a 1:1 magnification ratio. 1:1 magnification means that, when you focus as closely as possible, your subject is as big on the sensor as it is in real life. Many of these lenses also have image stabilization, which is a good thing, as it makes composition a lot easier.

How to Focus

Learn to use manual focus especially when shooting moving objects like insects since the autofocus system in any camera cannot work fast enough to counteract your hand moving. Hold the camera with both hands, and preferably anchor your elbows against your sides or legs to give even more stability. Next, turn your focusing ring to the magnification you want to get. Then focus by slowly rocking the camera forwards and backwards while looking through the viewfinder. When the viewfinder image is sharp, take the photo. Simple as that!

Flash

If you are shooting very small subjects, such as insects, you will have to set your aperture to at least F16. You will have a chance of having the insect in focus. With a small aperture like that, and the need for a high shutter speed due to the shaking of the lens and the subject, a flash is a must. There are some situations in which a flash is not strictly needed like if you are shooting at F2.8 or F4, and there is plenty of sunlight.

Make good use of backlight

Make good use of morning sunlight to capture detail not seen otherwise. When it comes to macro photography, shooting into the sun can often help to highlight an insect’s tiny hairs. You do need to be careful not to capture lens flare though.

Angles

Try to find uncommon angles, such as shooting the subject from the side, from the front, or from below. Make use of your flip out screen on your Sony a7S II Full-Frame Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera from Beachcamera.com if you don't want to crawl on the ground. If shooting an insect sitting on a plant or a leaf, try pulling up that plant to hold it against the sky. It will give you an interesting angle and a more beautiful background. Macro photography is extremely accessible, which is what makes it so popular among both beginners and professionals. If you don’t get the shot you want your first time out, don’t give up. The fun is in the adventure.