Getting Up Close

[PhotoJunkie]

Getting Up Close


http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/my4shadows/Photography/anemone6.gif

If you want to fill the frame with a subject, how close can you get? The answer depends on how much you want to show, and the ability of your camera to focus on closeup objects.

Assignment

1. Get an interesting three dimensional object, such as a vase of flowers, to practice on.

2. Set your camera to Macro. If you are using an Olympus Brio, then you will find the macro setting can be chosen by selecting an image of a flower. According to the owner's manual, this allows you to get the front of the camera 8 inches away from the subject.

3. Shoot your subject from a range of distances. Look at your photos on the computer screen. How much of the object is in focus? You may find that you can't keep the entire object in focus when using Macro. This can be used to help make the most important part of the picture jump out at the viewer.

[Bridget :)]

I will get on this one...I don't have any flowers, hmmmm!

[Bridget :)]

OK...I got my flowers and practiced.

Let me know what you think... Critique away!!
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/howefb/flowers021.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/howefb/flowers020.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/howefb/flowers016.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/howefb/flowers017.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/howefb/flowers018.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/howefb/flowers019.jpg

[MistyAnn]

are you using auto-focus or manual? beautiful flowers though.

[Bridget :)]

I used macro. Why? tell me more...

[MistyAnn]

What type of lens? I believe you should have a AF or MF setting on it unless you got an "auto focus" lens only. A manual focus lens will give you a much more crisp photo. Try moving the flowers to a better lit area for more color as well. The photos are pretty dark.

Gosh I need to get my husband's computer fix so I can take photos too! Damn card reader doesnt work with his motherboard.. which we dont even have right now as the damn thing fried...My laptop doesnt have the card slot.

[Bridget :)]

So, I can use Macro with MF on the lens. I have Tamron AF 18-200mm lens.
Please tell me more!

[MistyAnn]

Your lens is a AF lens, you can buy a MF micro lens. I'm not a fan of auto focus because it doesn't always focus correctly, but the micro versions with AF are a bit cheaper. I love my Tamron, it's the 55-200 but still very worth the money, i believe the price has also come down since I bough it.. damn market ;) . I have a smaller 18-55mm lens that I switch back and forth too.

i'm looking at this lens http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=155&modelid=7400#ModelTechSpecsAct. I do need to get a new one.. hum maybe I'll get one for Christmas instead of a kitchen aid.To be honest I want a telephoto lens (you know the 2k to 10k lenses). YUMMY!

Your last photo would be my favorite of the set though. I love the angel! I just would have cropped some more of the background out as it's oof it draws your eyes from the flowers into the background. The 4th one is great as well. Just needs to be a bit brighter but great job overall!

Here's a MF micro lens:

http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Camera-Lenses/Manual/Non-AF-NIKKOR-Lenses.page

[MistyAnn]

another thing is to see what settings you camera is actually on. Like the mode and ISO settings.

[Bridget :)]

Ok...I am so confused! LOL!
So I should get a micro lens...50mm lens. I thought about Nikon 1.8 50mm

This is the one I have...
http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/18200_diII.asp

Should I be regretting that purchase.?

[MistyAnn]

That lens looks like it gets great photos. But the photos it's showing on the page are not "super up close" the thing with Micro is a 1:1 ratio is the true micro setting.

Nikon's 105 mm f2.8 has some amazing photos: http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/ProductDetail.page?pid=2160
but it has a hefty price tag of 800 bucks. It allows you to get more of the flower in focus. Check out this flower show with the lens http://www.flickr.com/photos/northisup/2701642575/in/set-72157603571375771/

Always check your micro rating if you plan to use the micro setting yours is a 1:3:7 AT 200mm. You have a great lens. It will just take some practice on getting it to the be the best you can get it to be. It doesn't happen overnight.

If you are going to be shooting micro a lot I would suggest the 105mm. The smaller the focal length the closer you have to get to the subject.. meaning the less likely you are to get those "bug" photos. Dont forget to let in as much light as you can to get better photos. Collection: http://www.flickr.com/photos/northisup/tags/afsvrmicronikkor105mmf28gifed/

[Bridget :)]

cool, thanks! I am going to be taking a class in Jan.

[MistyAnn]

That's awesome! My DH took a class at the local JC and loved it! He even got to develop his own photos lol.

[melissa]

These lessons are great! I have been waiting for a year to take a course...long wait lines. I will just have to keep reading this section. Thanks!

[Bridget :)]

I know...I love this info.
So, what do you think about the Nikon 1.8/f 50mm lens? Would that be a good one.

One more question...how do I focus in manual? I know it seems like a dumb question, but I usually use AF.

[MistyAnn]

There should be a switch on your lens IF it can do manual. You lens you showed me is an Auto. So if you have another lens there is a little switch that one position says AF and the other says MF. Change you camera setting to either TV or EV; M is you want Raw photos.

I'll search the other lens when I have time. Right now I'm tracking down an ob that does VBAC's.

[Bridget :)]

OK...my other lens had that option...this sucks so I can't shoot in manual...

[Bridget :)]

I am so sad now...

[PhotoJunkie]

Great tips Misty Ann! I liked the 2nd & 3rd pics the most, very pretty flowers

[MistyAnn]

Don't be sad bridget. You will be able to take great photos with the lens you have. It's just going to take some practice.

[Bridget :)]

Ok...I believe you! Hopefully I will learn more in the spring. I will keep practicing though. :)

[MistyAnn]

Yeah classes will teach you so much! You will rock that lens (and maybe another ;) ) when you get going. It just takes a while to fully understand everything and how it works. And it's not really easy to teach over a computer lol.

[Raquel]

damn you girls are makking me want a new camera. mine sucks compared to what you guys are talking about

[Bridget :)]

I have a Nikon D80! Just got it, so I am still learning!