Macro Photography
One of the most fun techniques to experiment with when you have a camera is macro photography. Closeups of birds, flowers, and bees can fill a whole composition with color and detail, illuminating a small but complex world. When taking these shots, consider varying the angle at which you’re capturing the scene. If you shoot straight on, it can be a less dynamic composition. Try capturing your subject from the side or shooting from above or below.
The best way to get started with macros is to get a devoted macro lens, but there are more cost-effective ways as well. While there are minimum focusing distances for your lenses which prevent many lenses from being effective tools for macro photography, a close-up filter, or diopter, can function as a magnifying glass and give you that proximity when you put it on the end of your lens. Another method you can use is an extension tube, which puts distance between your camera body and the lens, allowing you to focus closer to your subject.
As you get closer to a subject, your depth of field becomes shallower. While this can give a dramatic flair to your photo and really add emphasis to one area, it can also obscure your subject. To fix this, you’ll need a small aperture. As you increase your F stop, however, your shutter speed will have to become longer to compensate for the lack of light. Sometimes it can even get up to a second or more, making a tripod a necessity. If you’re working with a moving subject like a bee, however, consider a ring light so you can get the light you need while also being able to move your camera.
