LIVE AMA with Caroline Jensen

[miar]

Do you have any advice for people new to macro photography?

[CarolineJensen]

Quote

Do you have any advice for people new to macro photography?

Yes! Macro is so much fun! I would first stop down more than you think. I tried for years to shoot wide open with my 90 macro, but that just doesn't work well. I like to start at f8. Everything is much more shallow with a macro lens, due to how close you are to the subject.

I like to add light too. I haven't had good luck with ring lights, but I do use battery-powered LED lights mounted to my camera to add fill light. I also use my small flash to add light as well. It is harder with skittish subjects, like insects, but fine for water drops on flowers!

Also, never forget glycerin water! It adds nice little drops that are easy to photograph and don't run away. I have found a facial mister (battery powered) works great to build up the tiniest of drops.