MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

[click to enlarge]

[click to enlarge]

The most important aspect of Macro Photography is that it must inform the viewer about the subject being photographed.
This can be achieved in many ways. The extreme detail of a Butterfly on its feed plant or a beautiful bloom. Texture, camouflage or actually carrying out its life cycle. Just capturing the strange habits or methods of survival in the insect world with our camera makes interesting subject photography.

A true macro picture must look authentic. Always make sure your subject relates to the plant on which it is taken as they use certain plants, leaves or flowers as camouflage. Make sure the natural feed plant or flower is always used especially if photographing indoors under controlled conditions and lighting.

The subject being photographed must be pin sharp with excellent detail especially the insects both feelers. They must be visible and clearly shown for “separation”. Backgrounds should be complimentary to the subject and appear as if taken in its natural environment. A green background for green conditions or browner background for a drier environment. A blue background with white shading representing the sky is acceptable proving it looks natural.

Macro photography is an amazing world of semi small to miniature creatures of which our knowledge is limited. It is only when we start photographing then and see how unusual and bizarre some of these creatures are in nature.
Under control conditions your subject must have quality lightening (Flash). Two flashes at 45 degrees on each side of your subject and diffused to produce a slightly softer lighting. Maybe one for backlighting as the subject being photographed could have fine hairs on the edge of its wings or on its body. By using a macro lens 100mm or 200mm you do not have to stand right on top of your subject. By being a slight distance away is enough to not disturb your subject. Use a cable release and fill the frame enough so that the subject can still move into the picture. If you do not have a macro lens you can use “Close-up” filters. They can be purchased with three lenses in a pack. 1, 2 & 3 are of different magnification strengths and can be used in different combinations to achieve the photograph you are wanting of the subject in your frame.
Film used is of your choice, either 50 ISO or 100 ISO and please use a sturdy tripod. The F-stop is set at either F16, F22 or F32, as you will need as much depth-of-field as possible. At this close range your background will blur and soften and your subject will stand out perfectly.
Always take care and ensure that your subject is a good specimen. Any flaw, such as a butterfly that has a few scales missing will be reflected in your photograph. This also applies to your feed plant or perch for the insect you are about to photograph.
Always remember that whatever subject or insect set up you are photographing, it must look the same as if you found it in its natural environment.

When in the field “fill-in” flash light on your subject is possible. The “fill-flash” will remove any shadows being cast by your subject, a leaf or some other object. So take care to check that your background has no obtrusive matter to detract from the main subject matter.

Give Macro photography a try and you will find a new, bizarre and wondrous world awaiting you as a photographer.

NORMA PEARMAN FPSSA