So, let's say you are out in the world, and you see the cool, small thing, or the fascinating…detail, and you get in close with your lens, and you frame up the perfect shot, but when…you have pressed the shutter button to focus, the camera just hunts around, and it never locks on.…This is going to be the first big problem that you are going to encounter with close-up shooting.…Sometimes, you simply won't be able to get your lens to focus when you're in close.…This happens because every lens has a minimum focus distance; inside that distance, your…lens won't be capable of focusing.…
For example, if your lens has a minimum focus distance of 8 inches, then you'll have to…be at least 8 inches from your subject for the camera to focus.…Now, if you are using a zoom lens, that minimum focus distance is the same, no matter what…focal length you have the lens set to.…This means that I may not be able to solve my focus problem by changing camera position and focal length.…Here's what I mean.…Let's say I want to take a picture of this flower. So, I am going to come in here, and…
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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Exploring Photography: Lens-Reversal Macro
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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 minimum focus distance