November 2013 Macro Class

Stunning 'study in pink' by Kerrie Dixon, Nikon D7000 + Tamron 90mm Macro lens

November saw me running a special two-day workshop all about shooting Macro. Now Macro is defined as being the ability to represent a subject at a magnification ratio of 1:1, or larger (i.e. larger than real life in the viewfinder). Because you are shooting a subject at very close range, Macro photography sets up a unique set of photo problems: camera shake, subject shake, extreme shallow depth of field, overshadowing (the subject), too much contrast and scrappy subject matter (which of course, you don't see with the naked eye). Even so, the photos seen here demonstrate a good understanding of how to overcome many of these shooting limitations.
The only real requirement for this class was to bring along a Macro lens. Most had either the 100mm or 90mm macros (Nikon/Canon/Sony), although I used an older Canon EF50mm f2.5 lens and another participant had the equally excellent Canon EF60mm MACRO lens. 

Brilliant clarity in this medium close up from Steph Bryen. Canon EF100mm Macro

Bring your own monster!  Dead cicada, head-
on by Zoe Thayer, Canon EF60mm lens

The workshop was held on a property in Bilpin just off the Bells Line of Road. If you are interested in joining one of these (irregularly held) two-day workshops, drop me a line and I'll pop you on the wait list. The next one is planned for August 2014.  Meanwhile, here are just a few of the best:

Who's bought Moku Hanga for iPad? Excellent close up from Kerrie Murphy with
added effect using a Japanese woodblock software app from Jixi PIX

Stunning ultra-close up using extension rings on an Olympus OM-D. Pic by Belinda Baccarini. If Macro produces a shallow DOF, adding extension tubes makes that depth shallower still.

Gorgeous little ladybug going about her business. Macro shot by Tina Brauer.

'Thumbs Up', staghorn detail by Natalie Hitchens. Canon EF 100mm

Agapanthus coming into flower.
At left: This is a fill flash shot at f11.
On the right, same plant, no flash at f16.
Only one f-stop and yet a noticeable difference in the depth of field. The flash adds a slight colour improvement...

Small Blue butterfly.
I take my hat off to all those wildlife photographers that shoot great great shots of these incredible flighty lepidoptera. Butterflies land for a second or two only, so unless you happen to be standing in front of the leaf or flower it chooses to settle on, you have little chance of getting a good shot. Luckily I not only got off one shot of this little guy, I managed to get the right part, the head, in focus. Canon EF100mm lens.