Macro Photography

by: Carolyn Bright

One of the two general ways to improve macro photography concerns the equipment used. This includes using the zoom, and flash options properly, as well as possibly purchasing additional hardware. It’s best to use a zoom lens with a wide angle. Don’t use digital zoom—pictures can be edited later using image editing software. Most cameras have a ‘macro’ setting, which allows you to focus on objects only a few cm away. It’s important to use the LCD monitor, and not the viewfinder, to preview an image, as the viewfinder will not give an accurate representation of the image or the depth of field. Then again, sometimes the LCD won’t either—in this case it’s necessary to upload them onto a computer to view them properly.

Getting a macro lens will allow much greater magnification of the subject than the normal lens will. The camera’s flash can be used to give depth to an image, if used properly; however, it can also ruin an image. A ring flash can be purchased, if a flash is needed but the camera’s flash option is not appropriate. It fits around the lens, and bathes the subject in a ring of light when set off. However, this often has the effect of eliminating the sense of dimension in a picture, as it reduces or eliminates shadows. Therefore, some ring flashes can be set off at only parts of the ring. Finally, the camera’s exposure should be increased if the picture is too dark, or decreased if it is too bright.

The second general way to improve photographs regards the environment and subject being photographed. The background, for example, is important; it mustn’t overpower, or clash with, the subject. Grey poster board is useful, as it is neutral, and doesn’t reflect light a great deal. Black or white are alternatives, though these are more reflective. Because of the reflective properties of different materials, texture is also important. If the shadows on the subject are too dark, a reflector (any object, such as tinfoil, that reflects light) can be used to lighten them. Pointing the object toward the shadow will bounce light to that area. However, it’s important to ensure that the reflector is a neutral colour, or white, so it doesn’t alter the colour of the subject. The placement and quality of light is also important.

Flat objects should be lit evenly so that all areas can be seen equally, and objects with raised detail, such as coins, should be cross-lit. Where soft, diffused lighting is necessary, a light tent can be used. This is a translucent object (e.g. a milk carton) which can be placed over the object, and serves to bathe it in even lighting. This works especially well for objects such as jewellery, on which the shine and glare of light may interfere with obtaining a clear picture.