If you get too close to your subject -- that is closer than your lens's minimum focusing…distance, -- then your lens won't be able to focus.…So, if you get up close, and you can't get focused -- your lens just searches back and forth, --…the first thing you need to do is start to back away.…Now, you can continue to try to auto focus as you pull the camera further from the subject,…but that kind of trial-and-error approach can take a while, because the camera is going…to keep focusing every time you try.…You might find it easier to employ a manual focus approach.…First thing I do is set my camera's focus to its closest focusing distance.…
Now, on this lens, I can actually turn the manual focusing ring without having to switch it…to manual focus. For other lenses, you have to make that change first.…So, what I do now is -- rather than trying to auto focus the camera to get it in focus; I'm…at my minimum focusing distance, -- I'm just going to move the camera back and forth until I get focus.…
Author
Released
3/29/2013After touring the possibilities of macro photography, the course details essential gear at several price levels, including lenses, flashes, and other accessories. Next, Ben explores the special challenges of macro photography: dealing with moving subjects, working with extremely shallow depth of field, focusing, lighting, and more.
The course also explores advanced close-up tools and post-processing techniques, such as using Adobe Photoshop to "stack" multiple shots to yield wider depth of field than a single shot can convey.
- What is a macro photograph?
- What is a macro lens?
- Finding good subject matter
- Evaluating macro gear like extension tubes and tilt-shift lenses
- Composing and framing shots
- Exploring depth of field
- Lighting macro shots
- Working with light tables
- Editing macro shots
Skill Level Intermediate
Duration
Views
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Introduction
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Welcome2m 13s
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1. Close-Up Shooting
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What is close up?2m 21s
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Working with extension tubes4m 30s
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Working with close-up lenses5m 41s
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2. Basic Macro Shooting with Gear You Own
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What is a macro photo?4m 15s
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3. Using Macro Lenses
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Choosing a macro lens2m 4s
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4. Macro Shooting Accessories
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Working with a bellows1m 55s
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5. Macro Lighting
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Working with direct light6m 13s
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Macro and the angle of light2m 24s
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6. Macro Shooting in the Field
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7. Depth of Field and Focus Stacking
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Conclusion
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Next steps1m 5s
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Video: Understanding depth of field and focus