macro - how to fade background.

[Guemene]

I have a canon Power Shot SX20 camera. With this camera I can take wonderful flower photos using f.2.8 and iso 100. I cannot fade out the background. I have tired over and over,but the background is always sharp. This is a problem I do not know how to solve.

Can someone with a similar camera tell me how to get the best macro photos which pop!

thanks so much

guemene

[BigFuzzy]

Digital compacts, due to the nature of their sensor size, will never be able to have the same Depth of Field (DoF) you may be expecting in macro shots. Have you actually seen others with your same camera do shots witha shallow DoF? I'm assuming all the shots you're trying to emulate are done with SLRs probably using an actual macro lens.

If you cannot "fade out" your background on the widest f/stop (which i assume is 2.8) with those settings, then I'm just guessing there's no way to do it (in camera).
Of course there's always the fake blur/bokeh in post-processing, but I think it's really really really difficult to get from looking horrible.

[thatBilly]

I've been interested in shallow DoF macro shots myself, I used to get great results from an old Kodak LS753! Now I've got a Pentax K-r but I'm just starting out...

So I had a quick search and found that perhaps a Raynox DCR 250 macro adaptor would help you achieve this. Here's an example: Needle and Thread | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[BigFuzzy]

Ah yes, good point Billy, I forgot about the possibility of attaching a filter to a digital compact, well noted!
PS love your Domo avatar!

[wulf]

Try getting the subject as close as possible and keeping the background as far away as you can.

Failing that, it is possible to get a reasonable effect in post-processing if you are happy working with layers (I can explain the twist I used to use with my pre-DSLR camera if that sounds possible).

However, while I am generally in the "more gear doesn't make you a better photographer" camp, there are certainly some effects which are so much easier to create with the right tools (wide aperture lens on a DSLR for what I think you want to achieve).

Wulf

ps. moved to macro technique

[RichardTaylor]

Edit: (Typed whilst the above posts in progress).
Try to have the background as far away as possible or be really close..

Some examples with a Canon G11 P&S
(1) Close up.

Camera Canon PowerShot G11
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 12.1 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias -2/3 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

(2) Or be really close.
Camera Canon PowerShot G11

Exposure 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture f/3.5
Focal Length 6.1 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias +2/3 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

(3) Probably at minimum focussing distance.
Notice not a lot of DOF.

Camera Canon PowerShot G11
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 6.1 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

[Guemene]

Thanks for the photos. I see your point, to take the subject away from the background. I am not sure what the attachment is that you name here. Do you mean a filter...? My lens cannot be removed. It is part of the camera.

Looking at the camera, (I am new to this,) can the attachment be fitted on the front of the lens where the normal filters would screw in?

I am learning layers on photoshop elements 9. I would much rather not have to do post processing with flowers... I want to get serious about my flowers, at least.

thanks for all the time to explain...

[thatBilly]

Take a look here: Raynox DCR-250 Macro Conversion Lens Review

The example I posted was taken with the same camera as yours and one of those adaptors.

[wulf]

Originally Posted by Guemene

I am learning layers on photoshop elements 9. I would much rather not have to do post processing with flowers... I want to get serious about my flowers, at least.

If you are serious about getting the best possible images of your flowers, you probably will need to spend time in the "digital darkroom" with post processing. However, it is better if you can use that for things like controlling colour and contrast rather than fiddling around trying to recreate the optical effect of narrow depth of field.

Wulf

[Guemene]

thanks for the tips. I can use some of the element 9 tools. Colour adjustment etc. quick mode. burning, etc. cloning etc. I just cannot fade out backgrounds.....lol (Layers is my daughter's dept.)

I took several photos of lilac today. I took your advice and shot a branch growing away from the others, thus, the dof is more faded, due to there being 'a distance of grass'....and a few hedges out of range.

Another idea I used today, was to place a white cloth over an outside table and place the lilac branches on it. I am quite happy with the result, although the photo might be a bit naff to a professional. I have to keep trying new ideas, until something works......

Re: elements 9. photoshop

I cannot see anywhere in elements where I can " fade out " without using layers.

thanks - your time has not been wasted. I really needed answers..

eve.