Christian,
I do my macro photos using an MZ-5, SMC Pentax FA 100mm f2.8 macro lens,
AF500FTZ flash and ASA400 film, either Kodak Supra, Fuji Superia or anything
else that looks good and cheap at B&H! The lens goes up to 1:1
magnification.
I always use this lens in manual focus mode. As most macro
photographers learn, depth of field is often so narrow that it's usually
easier to move yourself backwards and forwards to achieve focus than to move
the focusing ring. I assume you've already figured out that trick! As with
birds or other animals, it's almost always vital to focus on the critter's
eye(s). When a person looks at a photograph of another person or an animal,
if the eye(s) are focused then the photo looks fine, even if other things
aren't focused, and if the eye(s) aren't focused then the shot is destined
for the trash can!
As far as flash is concerned, I'm very unsophisticated - I just set it
to 24mm manual zoom and blast the hapless wee beastie with it. It's
surprising how few insects are put off by the bright burst of light, maybe
they're dazed and blinded by it! Butterflies often flinch, but don't fly
away, it's usually my movements that make that happen.
I often do insect photography using my Tokina ATX 150-500mm f5.6 lens.
It's not a macro lens by any stretch of the imagination, but it focuses down
to 8 feet and it allows me to keep enough distance to get photos of insects
which I simply wouldn't get with the macro lens. If I succeed in getting
the distant shots then I'll often "move in for the kill" with the macro
lens.
I used to use extension tubes together with a Tokina 100-300 f4, but I
usually got "hot spots" in the photo, even using the lens mounted on a
tripod with no flash, so I gave up on it. I still haven't figured out why
those hot spots happened.
There, you asked for my technique, so I've given you all you could want
and probably more!
Richard.
--- original message ---
From: "Skofteland, Christian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: RE: insect macro photos
Thanks Richard. I did notice a lot of caterpillar photos on your site!
The Io caterpillars were everywhere in that tree and it was impossible to
get a good head shot of one of them while they were feeding. In the end, I
filled the frame with color and spines and feet! I think the Velveta(sic)
did it's usually incredible job of color saturation and depth.
When I have time (and a lot more money (more on that later) I'm going to
build a multiple flash bracket for better shadow control and background
rendition.
I get a lot of comments about the mossie pictures from my co-workers. I
learned a lot about camera control and stability by shooting those one
handed. All I can say is the Grip B on the LX made it possible!
I'd be interested in learning your techniques with regards to macros. What
kind of flash, lenses, magnification rates, etc.
Thanks again.
Christian Skofteland
home phone: (1)(847) 244 5463
home page: www.richard-seaman.com
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