Macrophotography

Macrophotography means capturing larger-than-life images. This section of photography requires some specialized equipment, techniques and camera settings to produce quality images.

Macrophotography Tips

Author: Nathan Burkett, Auburn University

Basics

When taking a photo, there are three variables (other than focus and zoom) that can be controlled to affect the quality of the photo. They are:

Shutter speed

the length of time that the shutter stays open during a photograph. The "slowest" shutter speed that can be use when holding the camera (as opposed to a tripod) is about 1/60 of a second.

Aperture

(a.k.a. F-number) the size of the hole that light passes through when taking a photo. This will affect the "depth of field" (how much of the subject is in focus). Higher aperture is better, giving better focal depth. F-number between 10-20 should give good depth of field.

ISO

Film speed. ISO controls how grainy the image will be. Lower ISO (100-200) gives less grainy images (this gives more detailed photos). In low light settings or action shots a higher ISO (800-1600) will make photos that are not blurry.

Camera settings

Av or A

You control the aperture setting. The camera determines shutter speed.

Tv or S

You control the shutter speed. The camera determines aperture setting.

M

You control the aperture setting and shutter speed

Tips

• For insect photographs, focus on the eyes of the insect. If the eyes are not in focus, the photo will not look good.
• Never focus on the background; the subject will be blurry if one does.
• If photographing a dark insect, use a dark background. If photographing a light-colored insect try both light and dark backgrounds. Non-reflective backgrounds are best. Backgrounds in shades of grey are good.
• Use flash whenever possible. This will allow the use of a low ISO and high aperture.
• A cheap flash diffuser (to reduce glare on a shiny subject) can be made by putting a piece of paper or transparent sticky tape over the flash.