In The Garden

Y15HAL · 15-10-2007, 4:34 PM

Had a bit of spare time on my hands today, so thought i'd get out there and get some practise in with nthe camera. Im only a beginner so be gentle!

Constructive criticism/tips on how to improve shots would be good

T0MAT01 · 15-10-2007, 4:48 PM

That's a nice set considering you was just practicing with the camera!

My tip for photo number 1 would be to snap the dead stick out of the way before you take the shot!

lightpainter · 15-10-2007, 4:52 PM

Nice set, my tip for No 1 is try and focus on the flower, and not the leaf behind it, do you have adjustable focus points on you camera?

Yandros · 15-10-2007, 5:28 PM

3,4,5 & 6 are either good, or near misses. Not bad at all for a practice session.

Your framing is a little tight - for example on the B&W one you've lost the bottom of the lower flower, so my main advice would be to err on the side of caution so you can crop creatively later (or if they're cropped already, be a little less keen!)

Check the whole of the frame before you shoot, and remove or bend offending twigs etc, or recompose. #1 is the obvious example, but also look at #4 and notice that the stems in the background are spoiling that rather nice brown/green bokeh

Also, take a few shots at different f-stops for each subject. I'll normally go from wide open down to about f11/f13, depending on the size of flower. The passion flower would need a pretty big depth of field to get the whole thing sharp.

Y15HAL · 15-10-2007, 6:22 PM

Thanks for the feedback people!

I know exactly what you lot mean about pic number 1!

I was not very happy when i uploaded the pics! and then couldnt be bothered to go out again to take another pic!

I also notice what is mentioned about my framing. I think i will take pics a from a bit more distance in future, and also as mentioned, can crop later

Its a shame i was so lazy over the summer, there were some awesome oppurtunities to take pictures

More comments are welcomed!

Y15HAL · 16-10-2007, 4:42 PM

I am thinking of purchasing a tripod. I am assuming this will make the quality of the photos better as there will be no movement, but will it improve the quality alot??

I saw a thread on here, where some guy took some pics of spiders etc, real close up! The quality on the was superb! Am i right in assuming you would need some expensive lens to do that sort of thing?

Can anyone recommend a half decent tripod for someone on a budget

Yandros · 16-10-2007, 5:34 PM

What you're talking about here is 'macro' photography, which normally refers to photos at or around 1:1 image/subject ratio (ie the size of the image projected onto the sensor is "life sized".

Your Sigma gets pretty close (1:2 I think), but to get really close you need things like extension tubes, reversing rings, or a dedicated macro lens. I'll be interested to hear what the other closeup addicts reckon, but personally, having mucked around with closeup filters and macro converters years ago, having a proper macro lens is pure joy. Lenses like the £250 Tamron 90mm 2.8, Sigma 105mm 2.8 , or a second hand Nikon 105mm 2.8 are pretty much the sharpest lenses money can buy.

As for tripods...hmmmmmmm

For macro work, you need something very flexible, so either tripod with a reversible centre column, or a 'bent bolt' type that can be splayed out in wierd ways so you can get low to the ground. Anyone got any suggestions, as I daren't suggest my setup since he said the words "on a budget"

.

The best I can come up with is a Benbo mini trekker at £60 with a £30 Manfrotto ball head

jomike · 16-10-2007, 7:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y15HAL

I am thinking of purchasing a tripod. I am assuming this will make the quality of the photos better as there will be no movement, but will it improve the quality alot??

I saw a thread on here, where some guy took some pics of spiders etc, real close up! The quality on the was superb! Am i right in assuming you would need some expensive lens to do that sort of thing?

Can anyone recommend a half decent tripod for someone on a budget

I started off with a D50 and a Sigma 70-300 APO shooting closeups (see my flickr). It works well on larger insects like butterflies and dragonflies, but you do need some support like a good tripod (get the best you can afford).
I found I liked macro so much that I bought a Tamron 90mm 1:1 macro lens (£200 from Onestop Digital in Hong Kong). This you can handhold, but I tend to use my cheap tripod as a support if I can. You can see a pic of my setup here
if you scroll down. If you want to get more magnification, you can always get extension tubes and diopter lenses, but I suggest you master the 1:2 and 1:1 stuff first. As Yandros said, a dedicated macro lens will always get the best result.

Mike

Y15HAL · 17-10-2007, 1:05 PM

Thanks alot people! I think alot more practice, research is needed before i can make any more purchases

Need to read up on the stuff recommended etc

Man thanks for all the input!