A few days ago Mario launched a survey about what topics you were missing on the blog, well, among many others, two were very recurrent in your requests: lighting and macro. You are a very important part of the blog and we are all ears to your requests (that’s why the survey, of course). This is the first item to come out of the oven at your request. And this time twice, I’m going to talk about both: lighting and macro. Throwing the house out the window! 😉 But if you want to delve deeper into photography lighting in general, you can’t miss this mega guide with tips and tricks.
The macro is usually a great unknown for the beginner photographer. Or something like a topic that attracts you but you see it unattainable at the moment. This happens because macro lenses are usually prohibitively expensive and because the fantastic and very cheap alternative is not known: investment rings and extension tubes.
The importance of good lighting in macro photography
Why combine these two themes? Well, because the lighting in photography is always important, you know, I’m very heavy… What I don’t know if you know is that in macro, controlling the lighting well becomes even more necessary. A macro must be well lit, yes or yes. In another type of image, if it is somewhat underexposed or overexposed, it can have a pass if there are other elements that take on more force or if this excess or lack of light has become a creative element of the image.
In macro this does not happen, for the simple reason that this type of photography is based on small details that can only be seen under adequate light. You will understand after reading this that lighting a macro photograph well becomes essential.
But in addition, light is vitally important for other reasons:
- If you use some of the cheap alternatives to macro lenses, the light input will be visibly affected. That is, you will need more light than you would need under normal conditions. The more distance you put between the subject and the sensor, the less light will enter and the more you will have to compensate for this lack.
- With macro lenses, the depth of field is quite small, so to be able to enlarge it if you want, you have to stop down a lot, with the consequent reduction in light input.
- If you photograph insects, something very recurrent in macro, as they have the “vice” of moving ;), you have to shoot with fast speeds. Another light reduction.
Well, you see these reasons enough to pay special attention to lighting, right? So let’s go to it.
Studio or interior lighting
Lighting in the studio is not the same as if you go out to photograph bugs and plants in the field. Just as it is not the same to make a portrait in a studio than in the street. Obvious. I’m going to start telling you about the options of the studio, because some of them will be useful for outdoors 😉
Of course I’m going to skip your camera’s built-in flash, as it will give you more problems than solutions, especially if you use extension tubes or the like. Of course, if you have no other option, you can resort to an invention similar to this. Yes, you have seen correctly, it is a jar of Pringles chips, those so addictive that they must be really harmful to health, but what they are to light up macros are a great alternative and the most economical! In the link, the author explains how to do it (in English) and on YouTube there is usually a tutorial like this one that explains how to make a macro diffuser with the Pringles bottle.
Ring flash. The ring flash is a ring designed to fit around the lens. It is the one that is most associated with macro photography and the ideal when you want to avoid any type of shadow. It just so happens that removing the shadows completely will also leave the image somewhat flat. In this case you have to decide what you are looking for or what you need. Here you have a cheap one, make sure that the one you are looking for is compatible with your camera. You have more options here. Warning, this flash will be useful for macro, or for very close objects, but don’t expect it to get you out of trouble at a greater distance 😉
external flash This is surely the most versatile option you can find. You have them of different power and you can use them on multiple occasions in addition to the macro. Of course not all are advantages, it has a drawback main, its frontal position. But, I have some good news (or two).
You may bounce it on another surface: on a white wall, a spotlight, or even on the ceiling. You should know that in this way you will lose power, although if you are looking for diffused light, this is your method 😉 And you have them at a very affordable price.
You also have the possibility to use an extension cable to be able to direct the light where it best suits you.
Twin flash or twin flash. We are already moving away from the economic recommendations.
This flash goes up in price a lot, although its reasons have to cost more. If it is to get started it is not the best option, but if you are already in the depths of the macro and instead of going out you need to immerse yourself more and more, it may be your option, as it is the best for macro photography. It has two heads joined by a clamping ring coupled to the objective you are going to use. Due to the proximity to the subject, the light quality is great and, in addition, this proximity makes the source appear large with respect to the object or being photographed, thus achieving a soft light. The main difference with the ring flash is that you can point the heads in the desired direction.
Long exposition. (Not suitable for bugs, other living beings or any object that moves 😉 ). I think it’s obvious why it doesn’t do anything for it to move, but just in case I’ll clarify. Long exposure is having the shutter open longer in order to let in more light. If in that time your main character moves, goodbye photo. That’s why I also strongly recommend the use of a tripod.
outdoor lighting
If you go out into the countryside in search of small living beings, be they bugs or plants, you will have a great ally: natural light. But of course, this is not always perfect and you have to know some tricks to make the most of it.
What time is the best?
If what you are looking for is that the bugs are calm, that the plants have the morning dew or a backlight that highlights some hairs or highlights all the beauty of the wings of a butterfly, better opt for the first and last hours of the day. These are the hours that are most often recommended in photography in general. Drawbacks? That you may lack light. In that case you would have to use one of the options in the previous section or reflectors.
Similarly, a cloudy day, so advisable for other types of photographs, here can give you problems. Chances are you need extra lighting. Remember, it’s macro, you can’t miss the details or it will lose most of its appeal.
What about the midday light? Well, although it is very hard for other types of photography, this effect does not occur as much here, the reason is much smaller so the light is not as punctual. That’s why noon is not such a bad time for macro photography. And if you have excess light, you can always use a diffuser or reflector to fill in the shadows. You don’t need a big one, remember that we are talking about small motifs, tissue paper, cardboard or a tetrabrik can serve you perfectly.
Artificial light
Artificial light outdoors will not only serve to make up for the lack of natural light, but it can also help you fill in shadows or enhance textures. You can combine natural light with artificial light, even multiple light sources combined as you see fit to highlight your subject and all the tiny details that make it up.
Your light
Finally, I appeal to your inner light, the one that motivates you to create, photograph and get excited about this art. Without it, no other light will suffice.
And remember, if you don’t practice, what you read won’t help you at all. The best thing about macro is that you can practice it without leaving home. You have no more excuses, so go for the camera right now!
Of course, before I am going to ask you a small favor, if you have found this reading useful, share it on your favorite social network, Facebook, Twitter or Google +. Thanks a million and until our next photo appointment!