So what makes a good Macro shot?

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

12/18/2003 11:03:18 PM · #1

I've been checking out past Macro shots on the site to try to get a bite on what defines a Macro shot. Is depth of field most important or is it the closeness of the shot? What should one's main focus be when planning a macro shot?

Thanks, in advance, for any input!
Jen

wkmen

Olympus SP-570 UZ

12/18/2003 11:12:19 PM · #2

you will get many opinions - mine is:
showing something not usually noticed or visible
proper focus
texture is a plus

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

12/18/2003 11:39:38 PM · #3

All of the normal creative considerations for color, composition, etc. apply as normal. Macro shots can fit into almost any category of photography, e.g. wildlife, abstract, landscape, still life, etc.
From a technical perspective, there are some uique considerations for macro shots. DoF is certainly something to pay attention to; you are usually looking for the widest possible DoF, since it is so narrow at high magnifications. Speaking of magnification, high magnification shots seem to impress, mainly because they tend to show the normally invisible attributes of the subject.
I agree with wkmen that interesting textures can play an important role, but I don't know if this is more true than for non-macro photography, would tend to say not. Strong use of texture is always a plus, macro or not.
Lighting for macro photography is always a challenge. At high magnifications, it is rare that available light is sufficient. The challenge, then, is to supplement with flash and make it look natural. No harsh shadows, no overblown "direct flash" look, no funky color balance problems from mixing cooler flash with warmer incident light.
There are also culttural differences in what is considered great macro photography; the norm in the US is to strive for more DoF, but the tradition in Japan is to use very narrow DoF artistically. Two very different approaches.
Macro photography is a challenging area that can be the focus of a life's work, but need not be viewed as too difficult. In particular, consumer/prosumer digicams are well suited to US-style macro photography, since the DoF obtainable is large due to small focal lengths. I still like to use my Nikon 995 for casual macro work for this reason.
A final word on the definition of "macro"; technically, a macro shot should provide > 1x magnification, that is, the subject should be as large or larger on the sensor as in real life. This definition is rendered obsolete, IMHO, by the advent of digital cameras with small sensors and high pixel densities. What really distinguishes macro photography is the revelation of aspects of the subject not normally visible without the aid of magnification.
I hope you find my ramblings helpful; bear in mind they are simply my peronal opinions...

Imagineer

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

12/18/2003 11:55:16 PM · #4

Very interesting Kirbic. And I love the Asimov quote!

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

12/19/2003 12:01:07 AM · #5

Both, very helpful! Thank you. I just wish I could get some of those really great close-ups that I've seen. I'm sure it has a lot to do the camera and lenses used, but I guess it also takes the eye to see it in the first place.

Maybe it's my camera (ok, it's probably the user) but there's no way I can even come close to some of these. Hence, my original request for info. If I can't get the really close close-ups, what should I focus on next. And your feedback has helped me greatly!

Thanks guys!
Jen

faidoi

Pentax K10D

12/19/2003 12:07:57 AM · #6

Try the magnifying glass trick.

Koriyama

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8D

12/19/2003 12:08:30 AM · #7

Originally posted by jenesis:

Check out Cheap Enhancements for Low End Digital Cameras, it'll give you ideas about how to get macro from a camera.

Or, you could buy a macro filter. I use one on my minolta. It does degrade the image quality a touch, but used effectively, can produce nice images. They're quite cheap, too. Mine cost 2000 yen (about 10 pounds sterling).

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

12/19/2003 12:11:49 AM · #8

Also see thread.

12/19/2003 12:29:25 AM · #9

Fantastic... the wealth of info on this site astounds me! I'd like to take a moment to thank my friend Jay for turning me onto this place and also to all the helpful folks who peruse these forums. I believe I've become addicted. :)