Close Up Photography
Cameras made today make close-up photography simple. There is, however, some useful information that can help make your close-up subjects more effective, sharper, and easier to approach. First, it's important to know how to set your camera in order to allow for focusing at distances that range between 4 and 12 inches or so. The photos below illustrate the "generic" close-up icon that most manufacturers use, which is the flower icon. Image 1 is the function dial from a Canon G10 camera, which is a small "point and shoot", but with a lot of options…(even shoots RAW files), while still providing "automatic" short-cut settings for certain types of shooting modes. The flower icon button shifts the camera from Macro mode to Regular mode. The screen will then inform the photographer that the Macro mode is on, (see images 3 and 4). The Macro mode on this camera will allow for successful focus up to 3 inches or so.
Often the frustrations with close-up photography come from blurry images. Because the focus is so critical due to the very limited depth of field it is difficult to hold the camera steady while remaining very close to the point of focus. A tripod then becomes an extremely useful tool. If you don't have access to one or the shot does not permit the use of one, try setting the camera on a solid ground thus avoid hand holding as much as possible.
Image 2 illustrates the mode dial of a DSLR, (in this case, the Canon 60D). Setting the dial to the "flower"/macro mode, will facilitate close-up photography.
If you are using an I-Phone or I-Pad to take photographs, you can also get very close for effective close-up photography. These devices allow for closeup focusing but you need to tap the focus "box" on the area that you want focused right before you take the picture. The problem that I find with these devices is holding them steady. Any slight movement will shift your focus and make the image out of focus, or blurry, due to the motion of your hand. Being aware of this is helpful as you can figure out ways to brace your arm, hand, etc. in order to keep the device from moving during the shot.
Professional scientific close-up studies are achieved with a variety of equipment…more than the average camera or device can provide. Accessories such as extensions, specifically made close-up lenses or diopter, and adapters that allow for lens reversals are a few techniques that are used by professionals. I have included above a link to a professor who does extensive insect photography…his site also offers a lot of information on techniques and accessories for close-up work, especially relating to the sciences.
Often the frustrations with close-up photography come from blurry images. Because the focus is so critical due to the very limited depth of field it is difficult to hold the camera steady while remaining very close to the point of focus. A tripod then becomes an extremely useful tool. If you don't have access to one or the shot does not permit the use of one, try setting the camera on a solid ground thus avoid hand holding as much as possible.
Image 2 illustrates the mode dial of a DSLR, (in this case, the Canon 60D). Setting the dial to the "flower"/macro mode, will facilitate close-up photography.
If you are using an I-Phone or I-Pad to take photographs, you can also get very close for effective close-up photography. These devices allow for closeup focusing but you need to tap the focus "box" on the area that you want focused right before you take the picture. The problem that I find with these devices is holding them steady. Any slight movement will shift your focus and make the image out of focus, or blurry, due to the motion of your hand. Being aware of this is helpful as you can figure out ways to brace your arm, hand, etc. in order to keep the device from moving during the shot.
Professional scientific close-up studies are achieved with a variety of equipment…more than the average camera or device can provide. Accessories such as extensions, specifically made close-up lenses or diopter, and adapters that allow for lens reversals are a few techniques that are used by professionals. I have included above a link to a professor who does extensive insect photography…his site also offers a lot of information on techniques and accessories for close-up work, especially relating to the sciences.
Links and Articles Related to Close-Up Work:
Digital Camera World Digital Photo School Article Tips from Geoff Lawrence.com from Instructables.com |
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Below are some examples of close-up observations with a variety of subject matter and cameras.