Got my first Macro Lens

[jeremyinsf]

Would love to see what you do with it!

I took this picture with my new lens... the flower is smaller than a Quarter!

[Polarizeme]

I'm having some light issues. I think there isn't enough light in the space I'm shooting pictures. I'll have to play with the F stop values, I don't really understand them yet. Well the triangle of light speed and iso is what I'm trying to figure out

[jeremyinsf]

What brand camera do you use? Do you have a tripod?

For lighting, I highly suggest this, if you don't mind spending a few more bucks:

Amazon.com: LimoStudio-Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit: Camera & Photo

I got it at the suggestion of another member here and it's totally, totally worth it in my opinion.

[Polarizeme]

I have a light box and several lights, umbrellas, and also a flash off camera. I was trying to take at some high shutter speeds, which really isn't necessary.
Here is a Pleurothallis something with the name Rome. I don't know what species it is. The flowers are less than 1/2"
the first picture is the captured image and the second is the cropped in image.
Canon Rebel XTi with a Canon 100mm f2.8 lens
Shot at 1/60 f2.8 ISO100





Tips are welcomed and encouraged!

[jeremyinsf]

It's hard to tell how much you know (a lot!?) vs what you don't about your camera... I'm going to guess you've already tried to use the A-DEP setting on the camera, at least to start with? And setting the exposure level?

Your picture tells me you are on the right track... it's all new and an adjustment for anyone!

[Polarizeme]

I've had the camera for a little while and never really worked with it. (there is always something else more important, kind of thing). You are correct in assuming that I don't know much about the camera. I've been reading and shooting to try and figure it out.


Here is a M. paivaena. I need a greater depth of field to get the look I'm after in the photos, a crisper image of the whole flower. So I need to move from an f 2.5 to maybe f 8?
Maybe I need to up the ISO to 200-400? to adjust for the lower light.

[jeremyinsf]

I totally get it, and you are not alone - I think most people 'wait' to learn how to use their powerful cameras!

If I may suggest, put the camera on the tripod, set the dial to A-DEP (automatic depth of field) and then set the Exposure control (usually a range of -2 to +2 on that camera) to -2 and start with that. You might need to then move up a bit on the exposure level the other way, depending on the flower etc.

The A-DEP will help make a maximum depth of field, set the F-stop and shutter speed where it needs to be, and the exposure control will compensate for a small bright image with a mostly very black background.

From there, play around with it!

If you don't have a remote control, I'd suggest one of those too:

Amazon.com: Canon Remote Switch RS60 E3: Camera & Photo

Once you start with those settings, you will see what the camera is settings things at, and you can then take more control and adjust it.

Hope that helps some!

[Polarizeme]

Thanks Jeremy, I'll try using the a-dep mode.
I appreciate the feedback, it helps when you are running blind

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by Polarizeme

Thanks Jeremy, I'll try using the a-dep mode.
I appreciate the feedback, it helps when you are running blind

Hey Polarizeme - how are you getting along with it?

[ronaldhanko]

Great purchase, Tindo! I use my macro lens more than any other and there is always something to photograph with it.