Macro / Close-Up Intro
Why do we shoot close-ups? Sometimes because we are required to as part of our photo service or business. Sometimes because an object catches our eye and we want to explore it further. Sometimes because we see some detail in it and want to study it at our leisure. And sometimes, just because…
Macro photography often involves finding an everyday object and photographing it at such close proximity and in such detail that it becomes unusual and startling. You’ll be pleasantly surprised and gratified at the myriad details that surface in our macro photos. Of course you may also be annoyed at the lack of detail that shows up in your macro and close-up pix. This course is intended to help you get the details you want in these shots.
Although it is not my intention to cover composition in this course, some reference to it is unavoidable. If your pictures have sharp detail and good lighting and they still seem blah, you may need to pay more attention to composition and suchlike matters. Unless you are shooting moving critters, you will generally have time to explore your subjects thoroughly. Spend the time to make the shot just right; check the background for color and distractions; check the frame (you’re using a tripod, right?) for items you don’t want in the picture; make sure the focus and exposure are the way you want them. Try slightly different angles and lighting. In close-up work, it takes surprisingly little to change the photo markedly. Explore and experiment – you’ll get better pictures and you’ll learn more as well. Don’t be afraid to move to the best position. If you don’t come back from a photo outing with dirt on your knees and maybe elbows and face, you may not have adequately explored your subject.
What is the subject?
Where is the subject in the frame?
Does the light enhance the subject?
Does the background enhance the subject?
Does the foreground enhance the subject?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are taking your pictures:
1. Decide on the magnification you want for the picture and set up for that.
2. Simplify your image as much as possible.
3. Fill as much of the frame as possible with your subject.
4. Decide where your zone of sharp focus should be and make sure it is there
5. Try various angles to see which one works best for your intentions
6. Make sure the background is the way you want it (probably out of focus)
7. Eliminate anything that will be distracting.
8. Use the best photographic technique of which you and your equipment are capable.
Macro photography often involves finding an everyday object and photographing it at such close proximity and in such detail that it becomes unusual and startling. You’ll be pleasantly surprised and gratified at the myriad details that surface in our macro photos. Of course you may also be annoyed at the lack of detail that shows up in your macro and close-up pix. This course is intended to help you get the details you want in these shots.
Although it is not my intention to cover composition in this course, some reference to it is unavoidable. If your pictures have sharp detail and good lighting and they still seem blah, you may need to pay more attention to composition and suchlike matters. Unless you are shooting moving critters, you will generally have time to explore your subjects thoroughly. Spend the time to make the shot just right; check the background for color and distractions; check the frame (you’re using a tripod, right?) for items you don’t want in the picture; make sure the focus and exposure are the way you want them. Try slightly different angles and lighting. In close-up work, it takes surprisingly little to change the photo markedly. Explore and experiment – you’ll get better pictures and you’ll learn more as well. Don’t be afraid to move to the best position. If you don’t come back from a photo outing with dirt on your knees and maybe elbows and face, you may not have adequately explored your subject.
What is the subject?
Where is the subject in the frame?
Does the light enhance the subject?
Does the background enhance the subject?
Does the foreground enhance the subject?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are taking your pictures:
1. Decide on the magnification you want for the picture and set up for that.
2. Simplify your image as much as possible.
3. Fill as much of the frame as possible with your subject.
4. Decide where your zone of sharp focus should be and make sure it is there
5. Try various angles to see which one works best for your intentions
6. Make sure the background is the way you want it (probably out of focus)
7. Eliminate anything that will be distracting.
8. Use the best photographic technique of which you and your equipment are capable.
