Macro in breezy conditions ..

[jaybie]

I spent an interesting half hour or so trying to get a decent image of this spider and ladybird but the breezy conditions defeated me in the end. In this image it is clear to see the movement but what strikes me is that the centre of it is fairly sharp. Any idea why this is ?



What do you other macro enthusiasts do in breezy weather - just give up

BTW for all its faults I still quite like this shot.

JohnB

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by jaybie

What do you other macro enthusiasts do in breezy weather - just give up

Yes, or use a ring-flash (but I'm not particularly fond of macro with flash)>

Jim

[PMG]

Probably give up or try to shield a bit, if the image matters (cos its something you are not likely to see again - ie: on hols in a far flung place not often visited!) then some sort of record shot has to be attempted ......... I would try a tripod and f11 and a volley of shots to see if something out of them was in focus where you need it to be sharp! Or a lower f number 5.6 or 6.3 and fill in flash set at -2 or -3 and try several until you have the right f number and the right amount of flash. A ring flash will work if you have one - tho I'm still coming to terms with mine ...... and if the background is blacking out and you are really concerned about having this as good as poss - consider a false background: a green pullover, a green peice of paper, beige shirt, a camo jacket and experiment with someone holding it behind the subject - until its adding colour but not focus ........ and remember if its a plain solid colour and your only good shot shows that its material behind you can always 'magic wand' it and then 'blur' till you can't see the weave

Pauline

[Johnny81]

I'm relatively new to macro photography and what I do is set up a mini tripod set an F number of about 11, 16, 22, get into live view and wait for a break in the wind and adjust the tripod and focus quickly if I need to. I guess it's ok with a garden spider that will pretty much stay in the middle of a web for a long period of time, but annoying if its a bug flapping around on a leaf and will probably fly of as the wind breaks!.. I have no experience as yet with a ring flash - no way I can afford one just yet

[Dorts]

For close-ups of orchids in windy conditions I use a flash off the camera, on a seperate tripod above and to the side of the subject. Gives more definition and natural shadows than a ring-flash.
Alternatively, when possible, use a makeshift wind-break.
Dorts.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Dorts

Alternatively, when possible, use a makeshift wind-break.
Dorts.

I never have much success with wind breaks. The wind always seems to eddy round them and sometimes makes the situation worse.

Jim

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Yes, or use a ring-flash (but I'm not particularly fond of macro with flash)>

Jim

Funny old world isn't it? I never take macro shots without using flash.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by jaybie

What do you other macro enthusiasts do in breezy weather - just give up



JohnB

Aquarium photography

[jaybie]

Interesting stuff, thanks for the input. I use flash both on and off camera for some macro work especially if I want to darken the background as in the posted image. My preference is to use as much natural light as possible though. One of the problems I have have with my new camera (D5100) is that the sync speed is 1/200 where my old camera (D40) was 1/500 which does make a difference especially if hand holding. Going all manual helps.

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

Aquarium photography

I knew you would have the sensible answer Neil must give it a try.

JohnB

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by jaybie

Interesting stuff, thanks for the input. I use flash both on and off camera for some macro work especially if I want to darken the background as in the posted image. My preference is to use as much natural light as possible though. One of the problems I have have with my new camera (D5100) is that the sync speed is 1/200 where my old camera (D40) was 1/500 which does make a difference especially if hand holding. Going all manual helps.



I knew you would have the sensible answer Neil must give it a try.

JohnB

Whilst Neil is doing something sensible like aquarium photography, I do water shots without the wildlife! Lack of imagination is my biggest problem.