Very first Macro

OK Please dont laugh but I am a Complete beginner and this is my first go at Macro. Nikon D7000 and Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1
Been reading a lot of info on different sites and watching some youtube tutorials ect. but still got a lot to learn.
Any advice or info will be Greatly Appriciated.

Hi Kevin. I am not the subject matter expert here but I would suggest shooting insects outdoor around green leaves to add some color to the image.

The images that you posted lacks the detail that one would expect from a macro lens. I would also adjust the white balance. The image on the right could have used some fill flash since the subject itself is already too dark.

Were this RAW or jpg images?

Not at all bad for a start. With macro, I think the challenge is deciding where the focus sits. From my research, it's the eyes generally. Lighting and focus is your current challenge. It's fun, ain't it?

Not bad for your first few shots. What were your settings? I'm thinking more depth of field is needed. Try flash and a fairly high f-stop, f16 or even higher. I like shooting these in manual, set the shutter to 320 and set your aperture high. The flash will adjust power to make the settings work as long as you are fairly close. I'm still learning myself. I had good luck with on-camera flash. My shadows were a little harsh though. All bugs are gone for the winter, but when things warm up, I will be experimenting with some homemade diffusers that some of the guys here have good luck with.
I think you can pump up the colors a bit too. Are you shooting raw?

And do you use any software for fiddling with the photos on your computer? If not, consider it as most macro shots are NOT one-off, out-of-the-camera happenings.

Not bad for your first attempt, I think you need better light and maybe a live subject. Practice on flowers and that out side and practice your technique.

High aperture, lots of light!! Light is a must for macro since your so close up.

Good first macro, you have an excellent lens make the most of it...

Here are first shots before crop.
Should I be getting closer then this?? so I do not have to crop the image.
First one f11. ISO 800. 1/60 sec
Second one f11. ISO 2000. 1/60 sec.
Using Lens on Manual, should this Lens get much closer, or is this far about average???

Thanks Kevin

kevinp said:

View attachment 72264View attachment 72265
Here are first shots before crop.
Should I be getting closer then this?? so I do not have to crop the image.
First one f11. ISO 800. 1/60 sec
Second one f11. ISO 2000. 1/60 sec.
Using Lens on Manual, should this Lens get much closer, or is this far about average???

Thanks Kevin

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Lighting is poor, yes this is about as close as you can expect without a close up filter such as a Raynox DCR-250. But you need to work on the lighting. You need diffused lighting to light your subject. Most of mine are shot at ISO 100, 1/320 sec, F/11 - F/16 with good lighting. Look on here regarding diffusers. Try and find live prey out int the sunshine, if you cannot do this then concentrate on flowers and getting them sharp and with colour. Light is the key and dead flies always look dead if you ask me.

Look at my macro lens comparison, I have done a lot of work on this and its all covered. Any questions feel free to ask.

Scott Murray said:

Look at my macro lens comparison, I have done a lot of work on this and its all covered. Any questions feel free to ask.

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Thanks. Everyone.
Just been practising indoors, really cold winter weather at the moment, nit many bugs around thid time of year.
Will try different settings. but need more lighting, so willl try and sort that out too.
Thanks Again.

kevinp said:

Thanks. Everyone.
Just been practising indoors, really cold winter weather at the moment, nit many bugs around thid time of year.
Will try different settings. but need more lighting, so willl try and sort that out too.
Thanks Again.

Click to expand...

Ok inside, make sure you have an over head light, a side light and maybe a back light. Light is the key.

Scott Murray said:

Ok inside, make sure you have an over head light, a side light and maybe a back light. Light is the key.

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Thanks Mate.
Will give it a try.

kevinp said:

Thanks Mate.
Will give it a try.

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The biggest key in macro is available light, if you can use on board flash then do so. It will be harsh light but that can be diffused in various manors. Just do and think and see what you end up with.

Aye, listen to The Scott. And then check out his Flickr page. That man nails macro shots (after I taught him how to do it).

[MENTION=9753]Scott Murray[/MENTION] -- would there be any point in grabbing a DCR-250 if I already have an 85mm 1:3.5 micro nikkor AF-S?

Keen Ai said:

@Scott Murray -- would there be any point in grabbing a DCR-250 if I already have an 85mm 1:3.5 micro nikkor AF-S?

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There would be no harm in grabbing one, I use mine on my Tamron Macro 90mm 1:1 for closer results.