a novice’s entry into the world of macrophotography dave stone university laboratory high...
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A Novice’s Entry Into The World of Macrophotography Dave Stone University Laboratory High School Urbana, IL . What is macrophotography ?. Macrophotography is close-up photography of small objects or small parts of large objects. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
A Novice’s Entry Into The World of Macrophotography
Dave Stone
University Laboratory High School
Urbana, IL
What is macrophotography?Macrophotography is close-up
photography of small objects or small parts of large objects.
Macrophotography allows the user to see things that are too small or occur too rapidly to be readily seen using the naked eye.
What is macrophotography?Macrophotography is close-up
photography of small objects or small parts of large objects.
Macrophotography allows the user to see things that are too small or occur too rapidly to be readily seen using the naked eye.
Past Image-related Involvement
Video-based
Used to slow movements of myself and my dogs in agility training
Key Areas of Focus
My timingMy body movementsMy footworkMy cuesDog’s timingDog’s body movementDog’s footworkDog’s cues
Training VideoVideo played from my computer,
though it can be accessed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKUS5RIfr-E&feature=PlayList&p=59D88AE42334D656&index=2
Macrophotography: A lens for seeing structure and behavior
Macrophotography Workshop (June, 2009)
Alex Wild– Nature Photographer– Postdoc in
Entomology–Myrmecos
Photo by Alex Wild
Some General QuestionsDo you need a DSLR for excellent macrophotographs?
No, there are many very nice, very versatile compact digital cameras available, though shutter lag can be an issue.
Do you need a macro lens for excellent macrophotographs?
No, macro mode on most digital cameras works well. Are there options other than purchasing a dedicated macro lens?
Yes, they include close-up filters (which work as a magnifying glass) or reversing a lens [best if you use a prime (non-zoom lens)] with a reversing ring.
Some General QuestionsDo you need a DSLR for excellent macrophotographs?
No, there are many very nice, very versatile compact digital cameras available, though shutter lag can be an issue.
Do you need a macro lens for excellent macrophotographs?
No, macro mode on most digital cameras works well. Are there options other than purchasing a dedicated macro lens?
Yes, they include close-up filters (which work as a magnifying glass) or reversing a lens [best if you use a prime (non-zoom lens)] with a reversing ring.
Some General QuestionsDo you need a DSLR for excellent macrophotographs?
No, there are many very nice, very versatile compact digital cameras available, though shutter lag can be an issue.
Do you need a macro lens for excellent macrophotographs?
No, macro mode on most digital cameras works well. Are there options other than purchasing a dedicated macro lens?
Yes, they include close-up filters (which work as a magnifying glass) or reversing a lens [best if you use a prime (non-zoom lens)] with a reversing ring.
So, why buy a macro lens?Macro lenses excel in sharpness across the
entire image, contrast and overall photo quality.
Summer of Photography(Summer, 2009)
Lots of Arthropod-related ProjectsBeeSpaceReadingTechnique
Summer of Photography(Summer, 2009)
Reading Books
Summer of Photography(Summer, 2009)
Reading Blogs
Alex Wild’s “Myrmecos”
Ted MacRae’s “Beetles in the Bush”
Summer of Photography(Summer, 2009)
Technique
Equipment Nikon D50 60mm Nikkor Macro lens
Challenge #1Lens practically touches whatever you are
photographing
Often 2” to 3” from specimen
Challenge #2Razor thin depth of field
Challenge #3Lens interference with onboard flash
Challenge #4Photographing nocturnal activities
Time is of the EssenceBeing in the field at the right time is key.
Mornings are times of less activity.Late AM and early PM hours are times of high
activity.
Different bloom times allow you access to different pollinators and predators.Spring and Fall – Best in the wooded areasSummer – U of I Arboretum, 1st and Windsor
Time is of the EssenceBeing in the field at the right time is key.
Mornings are times of less activity.Late AM and early PM hours are times of high
activity.
Different bloom times allow you access to different pollinators and predators.Spring and Fall – Best in the wooded areasSummer – U of I Arboretum, 1st and Windsor
My First RuleNo baiting, no chilling, no stunning, no killing.
Rules for Photographing Arthropods 1. Move slowly.2. Find a spot that appeals to you and wait.3. Moist areas always have largest diversity.4. Utilize knowledge of arthropod senses and
behaviors.Look for shadows on the underside of leaves .Never get between an arthropod and the sun.Take advantage of territoriality.Take advantage of vision differences.
5. Use the whole of the frame to tell your story.6. Contrasting and bright background colors are key in
many of the best images.
Rules for Photographing Arthropods 1. Move slowly.2. Find a spot that appeals to you and wait.3. Moist areas always have largest diversity.4. Utilize knowledge of arthropod senses and
behaviors.Look for shadows on the underside of leaves .Never get between an arthropod and the sun.Take advantage of territoriality.Take advantage of vision differences.
5. Use the whole of the frame to tell your story.6. Contrasting and bright background colors are key in
many of the best images.
Rules for Photographing Arthropods 1. Move slowly.2. Find a spot that appeals to you and wait.3. Moist areas always have largest diversity.4. Utilize knowledge of arthropod senses and
behaviors.Look for shadows on the underside of leaves .Never get between an arthropod and the sun.Take advantage of territoriality.Take advantage of vision differences.
5. Use the whole of the frame to tell your story.6. Contrasting and bright background colors are key in
many of the best images.
Rules for Photographing Arthropods 1. Move slowly.2. Find a spot that appeals to you and wait.3. Moist areas always have largest diversity.4. Utilize knowledge of arthropod senses and
behaviors.Look for shadows on the underside of leaves.Never get between an arthropod and the sun.Take advantage of territoriality.Take advantage of vision differences.
5. Use the whole of the frame to tell your story.6. Contrasting and bright background colors are key in
many of the best images.
Rules for Photographing Arthropods 1. Move slowly.2. Find a spot that appeals to you and wait.3. Moist areas always have largest diversity.4. Utilize knowledge of arthropod senses and
behaviors.Look for shadows on the underside of leaves .Never get between an arthropod and the sun.Take advantage of territoriality.Take advantage of vision differences.
5. Use the whole of the frame to tell your story.6. Contrasting and bright background colors are key in
many of the best images.
Rules for Photographing Arthropods 1. Move slowly.2. Find a spot that appeals to you and wait.3. Moist areas always have largest diversity.4. Utilize knowledge of arthropod senses and
behaviors.Look for shadows on the underside of leaves .Never get between an arthropod and the sun.Take advantage of territoriality.Take advantage of vision differences.
5. Use the whole of the frame to tell your story.6. Contrasting and bright background colors are key in
many of the best images.
Champaign County Camera Club (Fall, 2009)
Became part of a local community of photographers
Introduced me to critique
Introduced me to improving my technique and images through competitions
PSA International CompetitionsEntomological Society of America 2010
National Insect Salon
PSA’s Seven DivisionsColor Projected ImageElectronic ImagingNaturePhotojournalismPhoto TravelPictorial Print3D
Each division offers an information center, study groups, division memberships, and competitions.
PSA Star Ratings: NatureThe Nature Star Rating system was initiated to provide recognition for proficiency in international nature exhibitions. All acceptances must be in PSA recognized nature exhibitions.
Star Level # of Acceptances
# of Different Titles
1 18 6
2 36 12
3 72 24
4 144 48
5 288 96
Book Recommendation
2011 PSA CompetitionsRidgewood Camera ClubEntomological Society of America
North Central BranchSaguaro International Nature
ExhibitionFresno International ExhibitionGreat Lakes Digital SalonMississippi Valley Camera Club
Do Your Homework1. Establish categories (e.g. Nature –
Open vs. Nature – Wildlife).2. Look for special designation awards
(e.g. organisms under 1 cm in length).3. Look through postings of past year’s
accepted images.4. Select images based on background
of judges.
Various Nature CategoriesNature – Open
No human elements, domestic species, or modifications other than cropping and global changes.
Nature – WildlifeSee Nature – Open above. Organisms must be photographed in their natural environment. No zoo, game farm or landscape images.
Special Designation AwardsBest example – “Organisms
under 1 cm in length” award offered by the Entomological Society of America North Central Branch
Encourages photographers to photograph a subset of organisms they would not normally photograph
Non-PSA CompetitionsInvertebrates in Education and
Conservation Conference, Tucson, AZ
Four days of morning presentations and Sonoran Desert afternoon/ evening field work
Hosts a photo competition judged by conference participants (academic institutions, museums, zoos and aquaria, captive breeding program directors, authors of the major arthropod field guides).
Participants focus more on detail and difficulty of getting the shot.
Realizations After My FirstYear of Competitions
Most Successful ImagesMy most successful
images have been those 1) with strong detail, 2) a good contrasting background, and 3) show an action such as predation, courtship or mating.
Most Successful ImagesMy most successful
images have been those 1) with strong detail, 2) a good contrasting background, and 3) show an action such as predation, courtship or mating.
Most Successful ImagesMy most successful
images have been those 1) with strong detail, 2) a good contrasting background, and 3) show an action such as predation, courtship or mating.
Most Successful ImagesMy most successful
images have been those 1) with strong detail, 2) a good contrasting background, and 3) show an action such as predation, courtship or mating.
Storing ImagesDuring Michael Jeffords presentation last year
he stated that he had thousands of slides to organize.
I realized that I had to plan how to organize my images AND I wanted them to be available to others.
This led to creation of Things Biological (http://thingsbiological.wordpress.com/).
Origin of “Things Biological ”
Video played from my computer, though it can be accessed at https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/stone2/uiwp/video.html
WordPress as a Means of Sharing Your Work
Allows for storage of a vast number of images
Intuitive InterfaceEasily customizable to your needsBuilt in search functionAllows you to easily link to online
resources and videos
Nature Blog Network“A nexus for the very best nature blogs
on the net. If you're looking for outstanding blogging about birds, bugs, plants, herps, hiking, oceans, ecosystems, or any other natural topic - or if you blog on those topics yourself – this is the place for you!”
So, what have I learned that can be of value to others?
Three macro lens ranges are commonly available
50-60mm lenses are best for handheld shots and stationary objects.
Require the shortest working distance15.0 oz. (425 g) $375 - $475My preference
100-105mm Macro LensMost commonly available macro lensWorking distance of about 1’ awayWhen you use built-in flash, the longer
105 lens may block the light path$475-$90019.837 oz., 562.4g
200mm Macro LensExtra long focal lengthWorking distance of about 1’ away$1684-$1794Heavier, requires a tripod
Several other technologies can magnify your image size.
TeleconvertersTeleconverters fit between your lens
and the body of the camera.
Canon calls them extenders.
1.2x, 1.4x, 2x, 3x$150-$220
Extension TubesTeleconverters without any opticsPiece of metal with bayonet fittings on each
side, fits between the camera and lensThe best extension tubes (Kenko) connect
electronics of the camera with electronics of the lens.
$170 - $180 for a set of three
Enhanced LightingFor Night Photography - Headlamp
Enhanced LightingRing Flash
InexpensiveFlat image
Enhanced LightingXotoPro
Provides the ability to move the flash units, adding greater depth and definition
Allows for hand-held photography in the field or mounting on a tripod in the studio
$350
Enhanced LightingXotoPro Images
Enhanced LightingXotoPro Images – Red Light, Auto Focus
Camera SupportTargus Monopod
Extends to 5.5 feet Foam hand grip and wristband Quick-release leg locks Rubber foot with ground spike 1 lbs.$10-$15
Some Future Directions
Image StackingHelicon Focus
Work with a Better Camera
14.2 Megapixel Sensor
1080p HD Cinematic Video
Continue Watching and Learning…
…And Take A Lot of Pictures!