My First Macrro

[TYBOH]

I took this morning and this is my first time using manual mode ...And this is my first DSLR



Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
Exposure Program: Manual

[KodiakStar]

Nice shot, but wondering why you were at f7.1 What lens were you using?

And what focus did you have the camera set for?

[TYBOH]

The lens is a 18-55mm kit lens it was set at 55mm for the shot I dont know why I was at f/7.1 ...I tried several different settings and this one turned out the best ..Maybe because it was very early and overcast

[Osprey]

Your photo is a bit soft, but it's certainly a good try for a first macro attempt. The biggest problem you have is that the 18-55mm is not a dedicated macro lens, even though it has the pseudo-macro flower image on the side.

I'm assuming you did a straight resize from the original image?

One thing when taking macro shots is to make sure that you are not too close to your subject that the lens cannot focus correctly. Even if you are in manual and the image looks focussed through the viewfinder, it may not be so.

Your lens has a minimum focus distance written on the lens. In the case of the 18-55mm, this is 0.28m (28cm) or 0.9ft (11in) and if you are closer than this you will not get a clean image. Better to step back, get a crisper photo and then crop the image later.

Another thing, before going manual, make sure that your diopter is adjusted for your eyes. This may already be the case, but if not, auto-focus on a subject and then check your focus is correct before switching to manual mode.

f7.1 was not all that bad an aperture to use, I frequently use between f4 and f8, but remember to use your exposure compensation dial as well to get the exposure correct.

Also, don't forget to sharpen your image as the last step in processing. All photos need an element of sharpening after being resized for the web.

Hope I've been of some useful help.