Closer!!!

[compleks]

Hey guys.
This is my first attempt at macro photography. I'm fairly happy with the results, but want to get closer!
(I've got a feeling this will become addictive, haha)



The above photo was taken using a D90, with a Sigma 28-105mm lens mounted on about 65mm of extension tubing (standard cheapo 3 tube eBay pack).
Shot at a focal length of about 80mm from memory?

Now. This photo was shot by "I speak in math" (forum member)


You can see more of his work here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/enoeske/InsectPortfolio#
(I think all are shot with extension tubes also)

I want to get clearer and closer shots, like 'math' is getting.
What is my best approach?
Anytime I get down to 50mm I'm so close to my subject that I either block all light or scare them away!! Frustrating.
Will reverse mounting a lens help me stay further back while still getting those close up images?

Heeeeelllppppp meeeee pleeeeeaaaseeee.

[JFSanders]

Send a pm to I speak in math. I am sure he will go over with you what he did and used to make his photograph. There is a book if you are so inclined that I found very useful when it came to making macro shots. Close up & macro photographers guide by Robert Thompson. Jim

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by compleks

Will reverse mounting a lens help me stay further back while still getting those close up images?

No, you'll probably have even less working distance and get a much higher magnified view of the subject.

Flash can be used to get round the lens shading the subject problem but sneaking up on flies can be tricky so I'm afraid you just have to keep trying. There are some tactics you can use to help increase your chances though - if the subject is busy doing something like eating or mating it probably won't spook as easily. You can shoot when the air is cooler and the subjects less active. I've also found that shooting when there's some wind about can help.....I'm guessing that when the wind is moving much of what a fly can see they don't notice the movement of the approaching lens as easily.

Some folk also like cropping to make their images look closer

[wulf]

You can see how narrow your depth of field is - it is very clear on the plant stalk! That can't be avoided when working at such close range but two tricks that might help are:

1. Cropping (as Andrew mentions above).

2. Dead flies! I haven't tried this (although I once did a session with a dead bee) but it would avoid the problem of your subject flying off when you are trying to focus.



Wulf