Some Macro Shots From A Beginner...

MadDogMcQ · #1 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 12:42 PM

I recently bought a Sigma 150mm f/2.8 macro lens for my D300 and despite the crappy weather we've had over the last few days, I managed to get out inbetween showers and took some pix.

They're all hand-held on quite a windy day, so they're far from perfect, but I'm not too disappointed considering I'm a RANK amateur at this.

What do you think??

Ollie · #2 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 12:50 PM

From a beginner on a windy day hand held these are pretty good.

Get some decent weather and I'm sure you will be producing some great images.

The Sigma 150mm is a fairly heavy lens and although possible to hand hold I would recommend a tripod or at least a monopod to get the best out of it.

Stinky Bob · #3 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 12:51 PM

I am hoping to get a bit better at photography and if I can achieve shots like yours I would be more than pleased, well done.

Geoff F · #4 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 09:10 PM

As Roger said, a tripod will always prove useful.

With some subjects you will need a little bit of exposure compensation and will have to decide between overexposing/underexposing the insect/flower as you often can't have both. The same goes for focus which is why manual focus is usually best. Don't have too big an aperture as depth of field will always tend to be on the shallow side. If necessary, increase your ISO a bit.

My advice for flowers is to avoid direct sunshine and do a Custom White Balance which will help with those difficult colours.

Apart from that, keep photographing and experimenting.

tameblackbirds · #5 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 09:14 PM

I think they're preety good love the California poppy against blue background

Can't wait to see more of your pics

MadDogMcQ · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 08:30 AM

Thanks guyz. Yes, that Sigma is quite a handful but it felt quite balanced with the D300 with the additional weight of the battery grip. I have a couple of good tripods, but this little "photoshoot" was adhoc and spare of the moment.

I must admit, I was quite chuffed with most of them and I too like the oranges and blues of that "Californian Poppy" shot (didn't have a clue what it was called).

If nothing else, it's spurred me on to invest more time in macro work.

Thanks.