Everything you need to know to shoot macro in just 10 minutes
The bugs are out in force as we enter summer. And this makes it an excellent time of year for taking up macro photography. Macro photography is a fun activity that allows us to get closer to the little elements of the giant world that surrounds us. When you’ve never done it before, though, getting started can be difficult. Where does one begin?
There’s a whole wide range of lenses, flash brackets and gimmicky doohickies out there for macro, and it can all feel a bit overwhelming. Well, here’s Micael Widell with his video to teach you the basics of macro photography in just 10 minutes.
[Related reading: How to shoot macro bug photography in your own backyard]
Micael’s video won’t have you out shooting masterpieces on your first macro expedition. But it does provide a lot of different ideas for how to get started, beginning with the gear. There are a mass of macro lenses out there. Every camera manufacturer makes their own for their camera system, and then there are third parties like Laowa, Sigma and others who make macro lenses for multiple camera systems. If you’re on a very low budget, though, extension tubes is probably your best place to start.
It’s not just about the camera and lens, though. Gear covers lighting as well. There are as many lighting options for macro as potential subjects. It’s something that only really you can decide for yourself based on your own image tastes. However, Micael does show off several different techniques he uses to get a pleasing light, along with one or two no-budget modifier ideas.
The settings and technique tips offer some great advice. Whether it’s to ensure good exposure, to nail perfect focus, or just to make your life a little easier, you’ll almost certainly pick up some good suggestions in this one. Even expert macro shooters may learn a thing or two!
