Entering the world of photography...

[Jiva Sztraka]

Hiho.

For around 10 years now, I've always been fascinated with wildlife... Insects and reptiles being my favourite/specialty. For the last year or 2, I've been wanting to get into some photography as a means of motivation to get back into the world of entomology/herpotology (not as easily motivated these days, as I'm the only one interested in this sort of thing around here).

I'm hoping the combination of macro photography, and education sought from various internet communities specialising in this area; will alas give me the motivation needed to perhaps get occupation in this sort of area (in other words; motivate my ass to go to uni).

So then... Lets get to business!
I've done quite a lot of research over the internet, plus from my brother who has a little bit of background on photography (mainly landscape). Ordered basic set of equpment to get me started, should arrive early next week (Monday/Tuesday Australia).

Canon 10d and EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM are all I can afford at this time... but its enough to get me started. I'm aware I'll need to invest in a decent flash (preferrably the MT-24EX Twin Lite) and various other accessories which will help a great deal.

In the mean time I'm currently learning about certain macro settings (aperture, DOF, ISO etc), which seems fairly straight forward, but I'm sure learning definitions is only the very beginning... and 90% of mastering macro photography will come from practice and patience (learning from my many mistakes I'm sure to endure).

Although I am indeed a complete ameteur, I have a considerable amount of knowledge in being able to learn things fast... so no need to stress yourselves out in attempt to explain things as "simple" as possible.

For now, I need to know what other accessories a macro photographer (specialised mainly in insects) is expected to have... and also any convenient tools you've found useful throughout your experience. I'm somewhat of a perfectionist, so I do expect some decent work from myself. For that reason, I'm willing to spend a bit of money.

Also just any pointers you feel would contribute, would be nice. Although most help will be needed after the equipment arrives.

Thats it for now... sorry for the long read. Perhaps this should of gone to the introduction thread, but since I'll be spending 90% of my time on these forums here, I thought it'd be better to just skip right here.

Thanks for your time, and nice to meet ya's all.

 

[KrisCarnmarker]

Hi Jiva!

Welcome to the world of macro!

I think you started with a great setup. The 100mm f/2.8 is a great lens. One thing you will need, considering you interest in insects, is a flash unit of some sort. You mention the MT-24EX, and that is an excellent choice. I first used the built-in flash (no good), I then tried the 580 flash (too heavy) and then a small 220. While the 220 works fairly well, using the MT24-EX is a joy and results in great images if you set the ratio to 1:2 or even less. I have tried different macro flash brackets as well, and they help a lot, but it is cumbersome.

Other things to put on you wish list:

A couple of books: John Shaw's Closeups in Nature and Macrophotography: Learning from a Master. Both very good books, the latter one with some interesting home-made equipment that can help out with catching insects in flight, for instance.

A set of extension tubes so you can get even closer. If you do macro from a tripod, then a focusing rail is almost indispensable, e.g. the RSS B-150B rail.

Have fun!

 

[Ray West]

Hi Jiva,

The advantage with macro, and digital, is that you can practice. You can practice manual focus, depth of field settings, whatever, sat at your desk, in front of your pc, even hooked directly to your pc. You don't need a live subject, a pen top will do.

Others will tell you the disadvantages -

Best wishes,

Ray

 

[Michael Brown]

Hello Jiva,

Some wonderful suggestions have been made that will set you on the right path into the world of macro.
I will second that in the world of macro shooting, a rail is a must.
I still use a older Velbon rail. Maybe not built like the space shuttle, but it works just fine for me!
There are quite a few rails out there that are much better, but still I think that they are priced to high for what I would use them for.

I am also in the camp of macro shooters who prefer to use natural light.
Sometimes I will use the Canon 420EX flash for some fill light, but usually have it off camera and from a distance, shooting through a diffusor.
Get yourself some diffusors to help cut down on the light coming from a flash, maybe some reflectors to help add some natural lighting when needed, or to help cut down on some of the wind that may be blowing about, ... all will come in handy.

A "Wimberly Plamp", http://www.tripodhead.com/products/plamp-main.cfm can be very useful out in the field. I always have a couple of them attached to the tripod!

I will post some more as I think of them. (Got to get to work here)
But probably the most important thing to have with you at all times while shooting macro? "Patience"