True macro photography starts from 1 : 1 and larger ratios. In
order to achieve it we use macro filters, extension tubes, reverse
mount lenses, bellows or macro lenses which give such ratios. We
can also use a combination of the above mentioned equipment;
- macro filters give relatively poor results in terms of quality but
are a cheap alternative. You use them by screwing to the end
of the lens just like you would do with a UV filter. Macro filters reduce light and may cause image distortion.
- reverse lens mounting works similarly to macro filters. In this
case we use the reversed lense like cluster of macro filters.
Choosing this method will greatly reduce the light available, but with practice and skill can give astonishing results.
- extension tubes are also relatively inexpensive and at the same
time very user friendly. They physically increase the distance
between the lens and the sensor or film plane. In addition you can combine a few tubes together.
- a bellows unit works in the same way as extension tubes but you can
regulate the distance flawlessly. The unit can increase the
distance between the camera and the lens by up to 30cm. Working with bellows requires great skill and you usually need an
extra light source.
- there are 3 basic lengths of macro lenses: 60mm, 100mm and
180mm. Each of them gives a ration of 1 : 1 but they differ by the
working distance. Longer lenses allow greater distance from the
photographed object. This is especially helpful when working
with shy species or once that are potentially dangerous (may bite).
However, the longer the lens, the more difficult it is in use. Longer lenses will not forgive minor mistakes nor movement.
Minimal depth of field is typical to macro photography. With such a
feature light is an absolutely crucial factor. The best results
are achieved with ambient light, which is not always easy because of
clouds or shadows. You may want to think of alternative light sources.
A
simple alternative is light reflected from aluminum foil or an
equivalent. This
is not always comfortable and sometimes not possible (not enough light,
strong wind, not enough arm span). In such cases the only way is using a flash unit.
When shooting macro,
mounting your flash traditionally (above the prism) may not be the best idea, because the lens itself
throw shade on the photographed object.
It will be helpful to
move the flash away from the camera (by using a |
 |
cable), or by using a
flash extender, like the one designed and described by Arkadiusz Stopa (www.stopa.cso.pl/technika/intex.html). A very comfortable and good solution is a flash
unit mounted on the lens. It can be either
|
a ring lithg or a dual flash unit.
Such options bring excellent results and allow full control over the light. A very practical solution
of using external flash unit just as a fill in. In such cases the we use
the ambient light as a primary light source and set the flash just in "gentle"
mode, just enough to get the details out. Thanks to that we don't loose
the natural background, which tends to be black when using strong light and
short exposure.
We can not forget
about the tripod which can come in very handy. It's best when each leg can be regulated
separately, which will allow us to set up the tripod stably in any terrain.
It's very comfortable if your tripod has a removable stem that allows it to be placed horizontally or upside down. Thanks to that
we can take pictures at ground level. |
Last but not least is
practice which is the most important in any type of photography. |
