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Hate Racism, Sexism and various other ..isms

Have often been asked about some of my Macro Photos so decided to put some info down on the most frequntly asked questions.:

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Camera - Nikon D70 and recently Nikon D200

Lens - Sigma 105 DG Macro - Dedicated Macro lens is the way to go, unfortunately cheap closeup filters or telephoto lenses with a macro feature are O.K. but rarely get you the results of a macro lens - guess you get what you pay for.

Extension Tubes - Jessops own brand - usually the 31+21 to make a total of 52mm

Flash - SB800 -set to manual as I cannot get TTL when using my cheap extension tubes (edit - can now get TTL on my D200). Normally set to full power but lowered the closer to the subject I get.

Flash difuser - using the one that came with the SB800 (used a stofen omnibounce previously with my SB600) and the inbuilt drop down wide angle difuser. Really important to difuse the harsh light from your flash.

Recently been using my new manfroto 190 tripod - helps reduce my shakey hand held shots.

Camera settings - Manual mode - ISO 200 - 1/200th Second and f11 or f16 (again set on the lens due to my cheap extension tubes)

Recently I made a lighting rig to move the flash closer.
Took a cheap flash bracket (one of the ones that screw into the base of the camera and have a handle up the side). I then got a guy at work to drill a 6mm hole through the centre of the flash mount plate. Put a 6mm bolt through and secured with nuts. Then added a ball head and attached the flash via a cord to this.

It then allows you to position the flash very close to the subject which I feel produces better results. (See Lord V - he has a photo of his lighting rig which I basically copied - also he has some absolutely incredible shots) - www.flickr.com/groups/mimicry/discuss/66514/ )

As for focusing - I always manual - I find Autofous is too slow and impractical.

i just get the subject in frame and very very gently move the camera forwards or backwards to get the focus right.

Most of all though - I get to know where the insects like to rest. I can almost guarentee that there will be flies resting in the large bush in the back garden or on the compost bag near the back door.

You could try mixing up some sugar with a little warm water to make a thick sugar solution. Dab some near where you have found flies resting and they will often feed on it, giving you much more time to take your shot. Really helped me practice my technique.

Also try not to cast your shadow on the insects as this often scares them away. (Obvious I know but thought it was worth mentioning)

Patience is the biggest thing - at first you may not get a high percentage of your shots in focus but practice and the percentage goes up.


Hope this is of help to someone - please contact me if I have left anything out or you have any other questions.

PLEASE NOTE I DO THIS FOR A HOBBY AND I'M NOT CLAIMING TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY - JUST THOUGHT IT MAY HELP.