Macro Photography
Macro photography is an extreme close-up of something small and showcases tiny objects with incredible detail. Technically, all you need for macro photography is a lens that can focus close to your subject.
My setup is a hybrid of Sony and Canon
Using a Sony a6500 (shutter speed is 11 fps) coupled to a Canon EF 100mm f2.8 is macro lens with Godox flash and cone diffuser for field based stacked focus macro photography. Coupling is via the Sigma MC-11 auto adapter.
Glossary
Dedicated Lenses
A macro lens is a lens that specifically allows you to focus extremely close to a subject at a ratio of 1:1 (and sometimes greater) with respect to the camera’s sensor size.
Extension tubes
Extension tubes for macro photography allow you to shift the focus zone of the lens you’re using so that the smallest of items are crystal clear. You can use bellows for variable extension and greater magnification but are better suited in the studio than in the field.
Focus stacking
Focus stacking is an in camera technique where we take a number of shots at different focus planes. This is usually set at the closest point of the subject and we gradually move the focus forward (to cover the range of subject you want in focus) by either moving the camera or changing the focus with the focus ring. There are pros and cons with each technique and successful blends.
Lighting and diffusers
Using a light diffuser for macro photography has many benefits. It will soften the light preventing harsh highlights and lessen hotspots on reflective surfaces.
Focus rails
For studio work a focus rail really helps however in the field it doesn’t really help with so many variables hand held focus stacking is probably better.
Workflow
The goal of focus stacking is to take a photo of as many in-focus slices as you can and then Photoshop (there are other software like Zerene Stacker and Helicon) matches them together into a fully in-focus composite.
We are looking for a good selection of images that cover the subject for focus.
Retouching typically ghosting and where the subject moved and the blend wasn’t perfect.