Photography Tricks - Macro Magic

If you delve into the incredible world of macro photography, with the aid of a few digital photography tricks, you can take photographs of insects that would blow your mind. A normal housefly may seem just annoying, but up close and personal, you can capture a macro image that reveals every single hair on its body and the millions of tiny dots that make up its eyes. You see an array of magnificent colours that you do not perceive with the naked eye. Once you have truly experienced macro photography, you will never see tiny creatures in quite the same way again.

Macro photography works on ratios from 1:1 (where the image is true to size) up to ten times enlargement (10:1). In most cases, the larger the ratio the more fascinating the final image. To successfully capture macro images will require investment in appropriate equipment - a decent camera and specialised macro lens. I normally use a Canon EOS400D SLR camera and a Nikon D90 f/2.8 macro lens. A vast range of lenses regularly come to market, so it is always a good idea to discuss options with your local stockist first.

Once you have spotted a bug you wish to capture, here are a few digital photography tricks to consider to ensure you don't scare it off before you have had the opportunity to grab your winning shot: -

* Get up early - bugs are still cold then and don't tend to fly off so regularly
* Don't block out the sunlight on the insects
* Keep low - as low or even lower than your subject, if at all possible
* Locate yourself near a popular plant or flower. Bugs may see you as part of the scenery if you are already there
* Smaller bugs tend to take less notice of you than larger ones
* If a bug flies off, don't panic. Give it a little while, and more often than not it will be back.

A flashgun can also be an essential piece of kit - for example, if you are shooting in near-dark forests. This location opens up access to a wide range of interesting insects. You can use the flash in its normal position on top of the camera, but another idea is to use a flash extension cord. In this case, take a friend with you who can hold the flash to the side, or to provide imaginative backlighting. You will find that a flash will also help to enhance the sharpness of your shots.

These are just a few digital photography tricks that will benefit your macro photography. It can be a challenging area, and trial and error is expected. Initially you may find yourself disappointed with results, but once you get the hang of it you will be glad you persevered. It's always a good idea to get some feedback, and a decent online photography course would give you guidance, as well as expert opinion on your work.



Discover how easy it is to take memorable photographs by using a few simple digital photography tricks. Please check out here for further information.

12 Common Digital Photography Mistakes

With digital cameras at their most affordable, anybody can be a photographer these days. Problem is, it takes more than a camera to take good pictures.

It takes a certain eye, a way of seeing things, to take pictures that make people go "Wow!". Fortunately, it can be learned. And the more you practice, the better you'll get.

If you're interested in becoming a good digital photographer, I recommend the "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros," a free report.

Start by taking a look at these most common mistakes people make when taking digital pictures:

1. Not knowing your camera

If you never read your digital camera's manual and learn its features and how to use them, you won't be able to make the most of it.

2. Not using a tripod

Tripods allow you to take the sharpest pictures even in low light. Use one as often as possible.

3. Not giving the camera time to focus

Digital cameras need time to properly focus and get the right exposure. It can take a fraction of a second or a couple of seconds. Account for this when taking pictures.

4. Relying too much on zoom

Using the camera's zoom feature makes the picture grainier. Get as close to the subject as possible.

5. Taking pictures against the light

This makes the subject dark and the background too bright.

6. Relying too much on the flash

Natural light gives the best pictures, so use it as much as possible. Flash tends to make images look harsh.

7. Not taking enough pictures

It's almost impossible to take the perfect shot at one try, so take many pictures. With digital photography, this doesn't cost you extra. Try different angles and compositions.

8. Always putting the subject dead center

Learn the rule of thirds in composition, and you'll have more interesting pictures.

9. Forgetting to check the horizon

When taking pictures with the horizon showing, make sure it's level.

10. Selecting a low-resolution setting

Your camera will allow you to select different resolutions. Don't be tempted to choose a low resolution just to save on memory space. Instead, buy additional memory for your camera and always take your pictures in high resolution.

11. Trying to take too much

Don't try to include too many things in one picture, such as people and scenery. A picture is more effective when it's focused on a single subject.

12. Not using the camera

You'll never know when a good photo op will come up, so have your camera with you at all times.

It may seem like a lot to think about, but with practice, these things will become second nature.

For those who want to learn even more digital photography techniques, check out the free report, "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros." It's a short but info-filled guide that will have you shooting digital pictures like a pro in no time.

Find out more about "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros" here:
www.learndigitalphotographynow.com