The Canon Magazine 51
ESSENTIAL MACRO TECHNIQUES
WIDE-ANGLE
MACROS
A wide-angle macro, like
the incredible Laowa
15mm we used here,
requires a different
approach to macro. The
angle of view means the
backdrop will be more
visible. This is great for
context, but it can be
a challenge to find an
uncluttered backdrop.
I found an expanse of
sky or water to be a good
option. The Laowa is
manual focus only, so
I preferred to shift the
camera back and forth
to find the point of focus.
The aperture is manual-
only too, so manual
exposure is a must. As
such, it’s a challenging
lens to use, but offers a
unique field of view.MACRO 3 NEW VIEWPOINT
Fresh perspectives
Macro lenses come in all kinds of focal
lengths. Most common are those around
100mm, but if you want an unusual
perspective, you can seek out other lenses
like the specialist Laowa 15mm 1:1 used here.
It’s a super-wide angle macro, and to get up
close to the subject, it needs to be almost
pressing against the front element of the
lens. This can prove a challenge... but for
more placid creatures and plants the lens
can offer a unique field of view by showing
both the subject and its surroundings.
Kit needed: Wide-angle macro lens
Exposure: f/11, 1/250 sec, ISO400
MACRO 4 JUST ADD WATER
Water drops
Water can be a great addition to your
macro shots. Of course, to get the look of
fresh rainfall we can use a sprayer filled with
water. Try spraying the background plants
too, as the little drops will catch and reflect
the light, resulting in beautiful bokeh
highlights in the background behind your
subject. If you find the water runs off your
plant too quickly, try mixing it with glycerin.
This sticky, sugary substance makes the
water more durable and glutinous.
Kit needed: Macro lens, tripod,
Speedlight, softbox, light stand,
water sprayer, glycerin
Exposure: 1/100 sec, f/5, ISO100