subscribe 0330 333 1113 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I 12 October 2019 41
87
Make tiny
adjustments
If you would like to make tiny alterations
to a close-up composition consider
using a positioning plate or focusing
rails. These devices sit between your
camera and tripod and allow you to
make minute adjustments by moving
the camera, which is the preferred
method of focusing when shooting
at such high magnifications.
Tracy Calder, http://www.cupoty.com89
Try focus
stacking
Rather than closing down the
aperture, focus tracking is a great
technique to achieve a macro
image with a large depth of field.
Mount the camera to a tripod and
take several images on a wide
aperture, altering the point of focus
slightly each time and merging
them into one image using
software such as Helicon Focus.
Jack y Parker,
http://www.jackyparker.com85
Be observant
Pay attention to the background and surroundings
of your subject and make sure you isolate it well, so that you
don’t end up with distractions. The closer the background
is to the subject, the more it will stand out in the picture, so
to achieve a pleasing background choose a subject that is
already isolated. Make sure the image isn’t too busy and keep
things simple. Be respectful, don’t pull up or trample on
flowers, but removing twigs or a blade of grass is acceptable.
Annette Lepple, http://www.personal-eden.com
86
Focus manually
Autofocus can struggle to
lock-on to small, nearby objects and
miniature detail – particularly in low
light or if the subject is low contrast.
Therefore, assuming your eyesight
allows it, focus manually instead.
You will find this a far more reliable
method, particularly when combined
with live view. This allows you to
zoom in to your point of focus
for unrivalled precision.
Ross Hoddinott,
http://www.rosshoddinott.co.uk88
Consider negative
space
Ask yourself how the negative space in
a picture relates to the area containing
the subject. Try to find a good balance
between the two. AP84
Follow the rules
The basic ‘rules’ of composition – such as directing
the eye using lead-in lines and positioning key elements
according to the rule of thirds – still apply to close-up
photography, so compose your pictures with care. AP
© ANNETTE LEPPLE
© JACK Y PARKER