Macro Experimentation

[docxnoel]

I was reading about shooting macro without the use of macro lens, as of now I only have my canon 18-55 mm kit lens and trying to maximize the usage. The readings suggest the use of extension tubes, reversing the lens and using close up lens with dioptric power such as +1, +2, +3 and +4. The close up lens caught my attention to try but I am in a tight budget, since I am working in an Optical Shop, here is what I did:

I put a +20D lens infront of my lens camera to magnify the subject.

Set the focus into manual, moving myself to the target to have a clear focus., and here is what I got......

Exif data
Camera Canon EOS 500D
Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

I know that using the actual macro lens is incomparable with the quality., so my question is, in a way, did I shoot my subject successfully and classified as macro shot, or it can be said that I shoot it using a macro lens?

edit: the lock measures 2 cm. x 0.5 cm.

[docxnoel]

yohooooooo, any macro lovers who wants to do an advice, or anyone, just give me any comments, I just new in macro and experimenting how to maximize my 18-55 lens., i love to polish this thing to share with you what I've done.

[cyber3d]

Hmmm, when I first saw your pic I though something was odd. So, I had to sit with it for a bit. YOu know, it is not bad. Not at all.

However, if I were to shoot a piece like this. I would do a few things. It is too monochromatic so it does not "pop". It is in your lighting setup and choice of background colour. Try black marble or something. Also for me, I would want to see brilliant highlights (done with spot lighting - may be use a flash).

From what I've seen...what sets the pro jewelry shots apart is deep, deep focus. Such that the entire piece is in focus. YOu can experiment with a rack mount for your camera which would allow you to move the camera closer with each photo and combining it in software. But, I have seen some pretty shots that were not in total focus.

Lastly, try the same shot with a super clean, brand new piece of jewelry. One that is flawless. it goes a long way in making your image nicer.

[docxnoel]

Thanks for the input and your advices are greatly appreciated, I'm gonna try it again.