Tags:madamemonty says:
A very nice tutorial and beautiful shots too 
Photography Tutorial: The Ultimate Guide to Macro Bug Photography
This tutorial will go through steps you need to take to get incredible macro shots of bugs. There are different settings to get each shot... but in this tutorial I go over what I prefer to do to ensure a more eye-appealing shot.
Let's get started!
Author:
Let's get started!
End result:
Author:
Views: 9585
Score: 9.32 / 10
Author earned: $30
Step 1
For both scenarios, there are three tips that are the same .
1. Set your “AF Point Selection” to focus on the center.
a) In bug macros, you are basically bringing out a specific part of the subject you are trying to shoot. I highly recommend this setting. You can really ruin the shot if your focal point is NOT in focus.
In the first picture you can see that the focus is on the mouth where the eyes would be much more appealing
Step 2
The second picture the focus is on the eyes which has color and it’s eye-catching
Step 3
2. Always add a bit of contrast to post editing. It will sharpen those areas you are trying to bring out. Just don’t go overboard with it.
3. Leave your ISO to automatic. The settings I mention below are if the subject/s are in extreme shade or light. They help to keep your shutter to a reasonable setting for holding the camera and getting the shot with minimal movement.
Step 4
Next are two scenarios that I have typed up some short flash notes to create that perfect look.
Scenario 1: Subject is in the shadow
1. Flash needed
2. The higher f-stop will reduce the washing out of the subject you can see a lot when using a flash at close rangeHigh ISO (400-800) 1600 ONLY if subject is in really dark area and can’t be moved. This tends to cause high noise but below is a program recommended to fix it. You want to stay away from noise as much as possible due to reducing it can take away from the detail you are trying to bring out.
3. F-stop between 9-11
a) The higher f-stop is due to some lighter subjects washing out easier than others
4. Shutter speed (1/80-1/200)
a) Any slower can result in a blurry subject due to not being able to keep your camera steady if no tripod is in use. You might not see it at first glance but when enlarged it becomes obvious.
Subject in medium shade:
f/9.0(for less DOF), 100mm fixed macro lens, ISO 400, Shutter 1/160, flash fired
Step 5
Subject in light shade:
f/5.6 (for DOF), 100mm fixed macro lens, ISO 400, Shutter 1/160
Step 6
NOTE:
A Noise reducing program will be very helpful in increasing the attraction and clarity of the shot when you use a high ISO. WWW.imagenomic.com is where I got the FREE program I use and I really enjoy it. Very user friendly and again… it’s FREE. You can purchase the ability to clean up multiple shots at one time for a very inexpensive amount as well.
Step 7
Scenario 2: Subject in BRIGHT light
1. No need for a flash
2. Lower f-Stop for a nice DOF and specific area of focus (f4.5-f5.6)
a) Low ISO 100-200
b) High shutter (400-800)
3. Higher f-Stop for a larger area of focus and less DOF (f6.3-f9.0)
a) High ISO 400-800 (May require higher if in VERY bright light)
b) Slower shutter (100-250)
Subject in bright sun light: Focused on the eye. A bit of raise in f-stop allowed for more area in focus and darkened subject a bit. I also stepped back a bit to increase the area in focus and planned for a crop in post-editing.
f/6.3,ISO 400,Shutter 1/200
Step 8
Medium sun light: Focused on the eyes. Raised shutter to darken image.
f/4.5,ISO 400,Shutter 1/640
Step 9
NOTE:
I’ve noticed that a lot of dark bugs/subjects in direct sun still turn out dark so it’s a good idea to use a flash to get those details. Just follow the same rules as the Bright Light steps but an even higher f-Stop and/or faster shutter
Step 10
There are a lot of different scenarios that can affect your shot. Here is a quick rundown of the tips I have.
1. Leave your ISO on automatic unless your subject is in dramatic places. (Too much light or too dark). Then adjust accordingly to the above steps. The auto is pretty accurate and gives you the ability to just focus on f-Stop and Shutter speed to get the right lighting and DOF.
2. Raise your f-Stops when using flash to reduce/eliminate washing out the subject from being so close when taking the shot
3. ALWAYS watch your focus area. Ensure you have the main area of concentration IN FOCUS
4. Set your AF point selection to CENTER
5. Don’t go below 1/80 unless utilizing a tri-pod and then you might want to get a wireless remote to eliminate shaking or use the 2second self-timer.
6. Playing with one setting may require you to change another. Example would be if you take a shot with an f-Stop of 9.0 then decide you want more DOF you take it to 4.5. Your subject will be very dark so you will need to lower your shutter and/or ISO.
Play around with the settings and find a subject that will sit and pose for you. I love dragonflies and I can tell you they are just as curious about us as we are of them. Different color ones have different personalities and in my experience the Blue Dashers are the nicest. Move up VERY slowly to them without crunching the ground and I guarantee they will stay for you
Step 11
For my final result I wanted to showcase a few of my favorite macros. Hope you enjoy! :)
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35 Comments:
gotmeamuse says:
Yes, well done indeed!
(1 year and 130 days ago)
Lamantine says:
Fabulous tutorial my friend, great shots and very well explained steps, good luck on approval !!
captgeo says:
Looks great. Well done!!!!
(1 year and 130 days ago)
jawshoewhah says:
Works for me! Nice job!
(1 year and 130 days ago)
EmiK says:
Very cool, I've learned a few things= )
(1 year and 130 days ago)
friiskiwi says:
Nice work
(1 year and 129 days ago)
jcfreak6363 says:
Nice!!!
(1 year and 129 days ago)
adeincyprus says:
superbly written and explained, even 'idiot proof', well done.
(1 year and 129 days ago)
marina08 says:
Great guide on that bugs! Really helpful!
(1 year and 129 days ago)
layerstack says:
Great tut! Thanks for the web address www.imagenomic.com, cant wait to try this out 
arca says:
Very well done tutorial. One that I will reread and even play with in real life. I found it easy to follow, with good examples and enough variety that it will be useful! Thank you!
(1 year and 129 days ago)
cocor says:
Great shots and very professional explanations! Thanks!
(1 year and 129 days ago)
jerostone says:
Most enlightening, all the more now that I bought myself some new filters! Not quite sure what I'm going to do with them, but, now that I have a few hints, I might as well give it a try.
(1 year and 129 days ago)MnMCarta says:
Thank you everyone for taking the time to go over this and vote! Your feedback has been really encouraging! A really specialy thanks to Captgeo for helpin me with my grammer and spelling! You have no idea how much that meant to me 
Glam0urGirl2007 says:
GREAT JOB! great vote from me!
(1 year and 129 days ago)
WYSIWYG says:
Well done!!
(1 year and 129 days ago)
amandamichelle says:
great detailed tutorial!!!
(1 year and 129 days ago)
locxoul says:
love it...
(1 year and 129 days ago)MnMCarta says:
Thank you alll sooo very much xoxo
barryn37 says:
Great Job!
(1 year and 129 days ago)
jeaniblog says:
Well done, great work!
(1 year and 129 days ago)
jbillitteri says:
Your the BAM! I'm saving this for future reference.
(1 year and 128 days ago)
wind says:
Good! My compliments!
(1 year and 128 days ago)MnMCarta says:
Thank you!!! Hope it really helps everyone!
erikuri says:
Fantastic, it really helps people like me, that don't understand much of photography, only for hobby!
rbsgrl says:
Great job Amanda! I had no idea you were capable of such professionalism! Really, good job. You make me proud!
erathion says:
Fantastic explanation author...With your tips even with average camera nice result can be achieved...thanks
(1 year and 126 days ago)
Momof4boyoboys says:
Well Amanda...I am very impressed with this tutorial!!!! I cannot wait for the bugs to start coming out here where I live so I can try this for myself. Great Job and very professional. "Way to Go Girl"
Mikaelbg says:
Great job Amanda =)
(1 year and 114 days ago)DigitAL says:
That is a great tutorial...very concise! well done Amanda. 8)
(1 year and 112 days ago)captgeo says:
Hey!!!!! You made it. Congrats!!!!!!! 9.41/10 too!!!! Great Job
(1 year and 109 days ago)MnMCarta says:
Thank you everyone for all your support! It means a lot to me really! And thank you PXL for asking me to do it and for the pay. That was really unexpected and greatly appreciated!
(1 year and 109 days ago)
drskn08 says:
Amazing dear... and the software link you provided that is also kool... thanx for sharing !
(248 days ago)
Very well made and great example photos...a well finished tutorial IMHO
(1 year and 130 days ago)