40 12 October 2019 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I subscribe 0330 333 1113
Technique TIPSANDTRICKS
Macro&close-up
9 0
Be aware of the light
Very often the best light
for photographing flowers is bright and
overcast. Because the light is diffused
by high white cloud, it doesn’t create any
shadows. If you do photograph on a sunny
day, however, using a reflector will help
boost the light on the shadowed side
of the flower. Sue Bishop,
http://www.suebishop.co.uk
9 1
Check the forecast
Keep an eye on the local forecast.
Many flowers are tall and delicate and will
be greatly affected by wind movement.
Still days (when the wind is less than 5mph)
are best for flower photography.
Ross Hoddinott,
http://www.rosshoddinott.co.uk
92
Experiment with
a lightbox
If you still have a lightbox lying around, put
it to good use by arranging leaves or other
translucent objects on it. For striking
results, select specimens with clear,
well-defined shapes and good venation.
Tracy Calder, http://www.cupoty.com
93
Accessorise
Tweezers, paintbrushes and
fishing line might seem like strange objects
to pack in your kit bag, but each one has its
purpose. Tweezers can be used to remove
dead leaves or stray debris; paintbrushes
are ideal for removing stray pollen, and
fishing line is great for holding distracting
foliage out of the frame. AP
94
Think backdrops
Build up a store of attractive
backdrops. Visit car boot sales, ask friends
for bits of old wood, metal etc. For a great
range of lightweight, realistic-looking
backdrops take a look at the Photo Boards
series, http://www.photoboards.org. AP
95
Lift the shadows
I like to use available natural
light where possible, but when I want to lift
the shadows, or perhaps reveal detail on
the underside of a mushroom, I use a
Manfrotto Lumimuse. This pocket-sized
tool is a continuous LED light source, which
allows you to see the effects in real time.
Tracy Calder, http://www.cupoty.com
96
Stay dry
Waterproof trousers are a must
when you’re lying on the ground shooting
fungi or leaf details. Over the years I have
used bin bags, ground mats and picnic rugs
to lay on, but you really can’t beat a good
pair of waterproof strides. For total
protection I like Páramo – the Cascada II
trousers, which are durable and well-
ventilated – and they often find a place in
my bag. Tracy Calder, http://www.cupoty.com
Faking rain, focusing accurately,
and being observant all help to
increase your hit rate when it
comes to shooting plants and bugs80
Fake morning dew
Flowers look so much better when
captured in the morning light, with a dusting of
dew droplets clinging to the petals. However, you
can bypass the early alarm wake-up call by using
a standard garden atomiser bottle, which can be
picked up for a couple of pounds, to create the
look of morning dew.
Matty Graham, http://www.pixel-click.com79
Look for skeletons
If you slow down and look around, you
might notice some skeleton leaves or petals.
These delicate structures have veins resembling
road maps and rivers and they make attractive
compositions. Think about the background
behind the leaves; go for something plain or
lightly textured. This type of subject often suits
the black & white treatment.
Tracy Calder, http://www.cupoty.com81
Use backlight
Backlighting really suits
insects, as it tends to highlight
their form, detail and intricacy.
It particularly suits the
translucency of butterfl ies. Low
early-morning or late-evening
light is perfect for shooting
backlit subjects – the quality of
the light is warmer and softer
too. Position yourself carefully,
so you sandwich your subject
between the light and your
camera. TTL metering can be
fooled in tricky light, so check
the histogram and apply positive
exposure compensation if your
images are underexposed.
Ross Hoddinott,
http://www.rosshoddinott.co.uk82
Get a beanbag
When you’re shooting subjects close
to the ground a beanbag can provide great
support. Bags can be purchased fi lled or
unfi lled, with lining or without. You can fi ll a bag
with dried beans, rice or corn, but if you want
to avoid the contents rotting when damp then
opt for plastic pellets. AP83
Check the edges
Grass, twigs and leaves can sneak
into the frame when you’re concentrating on
the main subject. Most of the time you can
crop these out later, but it’s good practice to
get things right in-camera. Use live view and
magnify the focus area. Pan around the frame,
paying particular attention to the edges.
Tracy Calder, http://www.cupoty.com© TRACY CALDER
© MICHAEL ORTON / GETT Y IMAGES © TRACY CALDER
© ROSS HODDINOTT