Macro @ Ubin

[Krisgage]

Hello everyone, here are some photos that I would like to share. It is my 1st attempt at outdoor macro shoot of flowers and insects. Photos taken during the West Shooterz Pulau Ubin outing which is also my 1st time going there.

How I feel taking those shots ?

It is hard and tedious. You need to have a stable hands or if not , like me , I use a monopod. The subject is very tiny, sometimes it stays on the leafs and when the wind blows, the leafs moves, decrease the chances of getting a clear shot. It is best to use manual mode because if for example you are taking spider on its web, the AF function do not know where to focus. And finally, flash. Some inserts or flowers will be under shade or darker part of the forest, you need flash to illuminates them. Direction and position of the flash is very important, if not it will turns out unnatural or washed out (totally white or over exposed).

1. I love this shot. I find it cute as the bug is nibbling on something.



2. This is a flying insert. Amazingly, it stays very still on the leaf.

[Krisgage]

3. Spider on its web



4. Flower buds ... maybe

[Krisgage]

5. The bloom and the non bloom flowers



6.

[Krisgage]

7.




- Ends

[teebs]

Not bad for a first time macro shoot.

But do take note of the uneven lighting in #2. Not sure if you are using a diffuser with your flash because the back of the insect is a bit over exposed but the head is in the shadows.

[TroyP]

What was your camera setup and settings?

Shot no.1, your DOF is very thin and the focus was a bit deep (may need to use smaller aperture, F8/11/16).
No.2, you can tell there's a strong morning/afternoon sun coming in from the left. You'll need to use flash to light up the right side of the subject. Since you were using monopod, it may be possible for you to use your hand/object to cast a shadow over the subject to block the harsh light from the sun.
Keep shooting, you'll get the hang of it in no time

[Krisgage]

Originally Posted by teebs Not bad for a first time macro shoot. But do take note of the uneven lighting in #2. Not sure if you are using a diffuser with your flash because the back of the insect is a bit over exposed but the head is in the shadows.

Thank you. I did not use flash cos the sunlight is very glaring and bright, afraid of over exposing it.

Originally Posted by TroyP What was your camera setup and settings? Shot no.1, your DOF is very thin and the focus was a bit deep (may need to use smaller aperture, F8/11/16). No.2, you can tell there's a strong morning/afternoon sun coming in from the left. You'll need to use flash to light up the right side of the subject. Since you were using monopod, it may be possible for you to use your hand/object to cast a shadow over the subject to block the harsh light from the sun. Keep shooting, you'll get the hang of it in no time

Thank you. I am using D70 with 60mm macro lens.

[kool81]

Originally Posted by Krisgage Thank you. I did not use flash cos the sunlight is very glaring and bright, afraid of over exposing it. Thank you. I am using D70 with 60mm macro lens.

Just keep trying... Once you start with DOF, you will need a flash... Tripod will be more useful in term of stability but if you feel u want the speed and mobility, Monopod is the way to go. One way to make it more stable is to control your breathing. Hold your breath and slowly press the button... Just as how you will fire off a rifle.. Not sure if you have been to army yet, you looked rather young when i saw you yesterday... yeah i am the one with the Sigma Len that you all were peering through at Chew Jawa...

[Krisgage]

Originally Posted by kool81 Just keep trying... Once you start with DOF, you will need a flash... Tripod will be more useful in term of stability but if you feel u want the speed and mobility, Monopod is the way to go. One way to make it more stable is to control your breathing. Hold your breath and slowly press the button... Just as how you will fire off a rifle.. Not sure if you have been to army yet, you looked rather young when i saw you yesterday... yeah i am the one with the Sigma Len that you all were peering through at Chew Jawa...

Yes, I will keep trying, thanks for your tips. I am NS-man liao

I am in love with ur Sigma 500mm liao

[princej]

Good attempts, keep on shooting.

Shot #7, I noticed on the right side below, in the backgroud, is it an insect?

Sorry, my eyes kinda distracted by that.

Anyway, all good shots.

[Krisgage]

Originally Posted by princej Good attempts, keep on shooting. Shot #7, I noticed on the right side below, in the backgroud, is it an insect? Sorry, my eyes kinda distracted by that. Anyway, all good shots.

Thank you

I am sorry I had no idea what is that in the background. Thanks for pointing out, I did not realised that.