First time using macro...

[MudCrawler]

So i just started trying to take serious photos, and start using better techniques. I did distance shots, and outdoor lighting at the zoo last weekend and posted pics, and now i tried out the macro setting for a first. Now this isnt a Macro LENS, but just a selection on the camera in manual mode.

So i tried to find some suitable indoor lighting to enhance the goldish colour on this buddha statue i have, and started messing with the macro setting. Here are the results. Any tips on getting better macro results, or lighting ideas as well?

Thanks

ORIGINAL Buddha (just to show what im working with)
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1043/originalbuddhauq2.jpg



Macro Shots:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7074/buddhabb2.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8730/buddha2nr7.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/2027/buddha3fz5.jpg

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8365/buddha4rm0.jpg

[djayz]

try positioning the light so its more even rather than spotting in onto the object

shine it on to a white wall or use a white piece of paper placed a couple feet away

if you shine light directly on a shiny surface you get white spots which make the non white spots looks blurry.

hope that helps :thumbsup:

[MudCrawler]

Originally posted by djayz
try positioning the light so its more even rather than spotting in onto the object

shine it on to a white wall or use a white piece of paper placed a couple feet away

if you shine light directly on a shiny surface you get white spots which make the non white spots looks blurry.

hope that helps :thumbsup:

Thanks man. Im going to try the paper idea, and maybe try to make some lighting rigs. Im havin fun learnin though. Hell of a cool hobby.

[3g4me]

Hey i got a buddha like that too.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/adrian69/5.jpg

[TurboMedic]

Also, with macro be very aware of your DOF...as you'll notice, you can really see your focus point, which is ok, you want some bokeh in some situations (flowers, insects, etc), but make sure you get enough focussed area in the photo, otherwise it looks like you're emphasising something like a nose, or the lips, etc. If you want reaaaallly close macro, use extension tubes, like Kenko ones...you lose metering on most, and auto focus, but get good at photos and it should be easier.....

[DJ Lazy]

Originally posted by TurboMedic
like Kenko ones...you lose metering on most, and auto focus, but get good at photos and it should be easier.....

Pretty sure I still have metering and AF when I use my Kenkos.. :dunno: