Messiah Kahn you have a lot to answer to!!

funkyphantom · 28 Jun 2007 at 22:43

Thanks for getting me into macro photography, i know these shots are no where near like yours but im really enjoying 'bug hunting' hers a few i managed to get today. I just seem to be struggling with focus atm, but im sure ill get used to it. Do you use manual focus or AF?

1

2

3

TheAlex · 28 Jun 2007 at 22:46

I really like the third one there, it looks sort-of abstract. What camera and lens did you use?

funkyphantom · 28 Jun 2007 at 22:48

hi, thanks for your comments.
nikon d70 + 2.8 60mm micro nikor lens

Messiah Khan · 28 Jun 2007 at 22:49

Not bad efforts. Decent compositions, and the colours are great(Reminds me of rhubarb and custard

) But as you've pointed out, the focus is off. I only use MF. AF is a waste of time when doing macro work. Basically focus roughly where you want it with the focus ring, then physically move the camera backwards and forward to adjust it. One trick I use it to use my breathing in and out to adjust focus very slightly. Normally i'll take a deep breath and hold it, but if you breathe out, the focus will shift slightly.

glitch · 28 Jun 2007 at 22:50

messiah khan said:
Normally i'll take a deep breath and hold it, but if you breathe out, the focus will shift slightly.

You don't use a tripod/monopod? I doff my hat to you, sir.

funkyphantom · 28 Jun 2007 at 22:51

messiah khan said:
Not bad efforts. Decent compositions, and the colours are great(Reminds me of rhubarb and custard ) But as you've pointed out, the focus is off. I only use MF. AF is a waste of time when doing macro work. Basically focus roughly where you want it with the focus ring, then physically move the camera backwards and forward to adjust it. One trick I use it to use my breathing in and out to adjust focus very slightly. Normally i'll take a deep breath and hold it, but if you breathe out, the focus will shift slightly.

ya, ive noticed that breathing really puts the focus off im yet to get a pin sharp one, but ill keep practising.

funkyphantom · 28 Jun 2007 at 23:00

just noticed i did a pretty gastly job at pp on number 2, so had another go, is this better?

Messiah Khan · 28 Jun 2007 at 23:05

glitch said:
You don't use a tripod/monopod? I doff my hat to you, sir.

Nope. Bugs move too much for tripods or monopods tbh. by the time id set it up, they would have got bored and died.

funkyphantom said:
just noticed i did a pretty gastly job at pp on number 2, so had another go, is this better?

Yeah, thats much better. I hadn't actually noticed, but the midtones were well weird in the first one.

glitch · 28 Jun 2007 at 23:06

messiah khan said:
Nope. Bugs move too much for tripods or monopods tbh. by the time id set it up, they would have got bored and died.

Well that's my one new thing learnt today!

I'd have thought a monopod would be a useful weapon, particularly one like the Manfrotto Neotec.

Messiah Khan · 28 Jun 2007 at 23:15

glitch said:
Well that's my one new thing learnt today!

I'd have thought a monopod would be a useful weapon, particularly one like the Manfrotto Neotec.

I wouldn't mind a monopod, but more for things like birds, or sports where I have to pan. When doing macro stuff(except the occasional flower) its all handheld. Make sure the shutter speed is a minimum of 160th(Or ideally 200th)(This is with my 150mm btw), combined with good technique (controlled breathing, arms tucked in tightly, good stance etc) and it should minimise the chance of camera shake.

ScarySquirrel · 29 Jun 2007 at 09:08

Another one to take up 'bug hunting' having seen MK's work

Messiah Khan · 29 Jun 2007 at 09:25

ScarySquirrel said:
Another one to take up 'bug hunting' having seen MK's work

Good stuff.

Just remember to be carefull with the bugs and disturb them as little as possible. A good bughunter is a responsible bughunter, lol.

ScarySquirrel · 29 Jun 2007 at 09:52

messiah khan said:
Good stuff. Just remember to be carefull with the bugs and disturb them as little as possible. A good bughunter is a responsible bughunter, lol.

I had better stop swearing at them when they fly off then

funkyphantom · 29 Jun 2007 at 09:57

Those squirrels are a bit scary tho

ScarySquirrel · 29 Jun 2007 at 10:44

funkyphantom said:
Those squirrels are a bit scary tho

That is a point, I haven't tried snapping squirrels yet (taking a picture that is, not breaking them in half)
Might try when the weather is better