5 Tips for Freehand Insect Macro Photography

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for watching! Subscribe for more videos! More regular content from me in these places: 💌 newsletter: mwroll.com 🌄 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll 🌆 patreon: patreon.com/micaelwidell 🐦 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell 📷 my favorite macro lens (buy it at this link - free shipping, good price): bit.ly/mwlaowa60 All photos in this video were shot with this camera: amzn.to/2MguZEt and I used this home built lens and flash setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoiQZWd_gKlropI If you don't want to build your own super macro lens, I recommend this one (great value for money): bit.ly/mwlaowa60 (I always buy my Laowa lenses from here - fast free shipping worldwide) I also love this super macro lens from Laowa: bit.ly/mwlaowa25 You could also get this one, which has a longer magnification range, but is heavier and more expensive: amzn.to/2MSOtQO This video was recorded with this small action video camera: amzn.to/2MOnVjw This video was recorded using this microphone: amzn.to/2Keu1bh

[@lovesumimusic5640]

instagram.com/sumihaan

[@kumarp4858]

very nice work mate. good on you , cheers for sharing your shots

[@black19591061]

⁰00

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

I work with a group of photographers with disabilities on Staten Island, and we just watched this video. They wanted me to tell you you much they enjoyed it.

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you 🙏🙂

[@Krizefugl]

when i was in the military during training in a forest our squad was told to lay flat in the forest in circular formation. the ground was almost all moss and we were like that for at least 15 minutes (which was a nice break at the time, too). but the longer i was lying there, the more everything around me started moving :D i saw so many spiders and insects that i have no idea what they are by just being in one spot but pretty much directly on the ground. so if you just wanna find insects to snap pictures off...find a mossy area and lay down :D

[@johnfrum9676]

nice story bro

[@rosscosan6647]

I’ve just started doing Macro photography. Love it ! Trial and error though in achieving focus all the time. Using my Nikon D500 with a Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro lens and also bought a Raynox 250 super macro lens . Thanks for uploading the video and tips. 👍

[@kylemorris6982]

These are the type of photos i try to take, i love this video because it shows how you have to connect with the insects to truly capture them. Appreciation for such small things is truly humbling. I will definitely use these tips.

[@Kojitsu]

The downside of working with mosquito models is they only accept blood as payment

[@briangc1972]

Sounds like my ex wife

[@keithartworker]

Great advice. Even going slower than 1/20th can create magical shots especially of your subject is in shadow. Since digital is "free" film you could push into seconds of exposure.

[@MrSpringfellow]

Thanks Micael and greetings from Cebu, Philippines. I really like the way you generate macro images so inspiring. I am a beginner at 58.

[@astro_zdenek]

Thank you so much for this video. I finally learned how to photograph insects better. You are the best photo-youtuber! 👍

[@Gemthermakleingk]

You and thomas shahan have very positive vibes and your videos are very relaxing, inspiring and full of true valuable knowledge. Thanks for sharing it!

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks! Thomas Shahan is probably the person who inspired me the most to start with macro photography.

[@Munchkin2000]

Excellent video, it has the right mix of just enough technical information and "have a go yourself" inspiration to encourage ones own efforts.

[@johnfrum9676]

30 seconds of protein drink does not make a video excellent.

[@martinrejzek7674]

Hi Micael, I have been watching your macro videos for some time now. It is a great source of inspiration. Thanks for doing this. I am an entomologist and I often wonder you would really benefit from using a simple beating tray when you are looking for suitable objects. You will be amazed how many insects fall when you tap a branch and put a small tray under it. Once you see them, you can try to place the insects back on a branch or a leaf and hope they stop running after a while.

[@MicaelWidell]

This is a great idea, I will look into it next summer. Maybe also some kind of net?

[@martinrejzek7674]

@@MicaelWidell Try to beat from leaves of birch and other broadleaved trees next spring. You will see a lot of cool Weevils for example. They will appear early as soon as the first leaves come out. Net can be useful for capturing very agile specimens (like bees or wasps) but it will be of little use for a photographer.

[@roybarnes-thewildlifeman1855]

10% of cooperative insects? Don’t know what you are doing but I find it’s more like 10% that ‘don’t’ cooperate. And I’m shooting with the MP-E 65mm lens…. Your advice about moving the branch to pose the subject is spot on. My go to settings are ISO 640, f/16, and synch speed of camera, adjusting flash output as needed.

[@AddictedtoProjects]

AWESOME TIPS!! I'm so glad I found this video suggested to me by the algorithm today (I'm already subscribed, but it popped up). I was trying to get some 'quick' macro shots in today in my garden, for 10mins at lunch, and I quickly ran into a lot of the issues you've mentioned. Like choosing a willing subject, skittish insects and moving the branch rather than the camera. I made ALL of those mistakes! :D Thank you so much for sharing so much of your knowledge and experience with the world. I've learned a lot from you already, and this is only the start of my journey into 1:1+ Macro photography :)

[@MicaelWidell]

Happy to hear that :)

[@Alex-gv5yv]

Thanks a lot for your video. I have started my macro photo expirience and your video is so useful for me! Thanks!

[@Artyomthewalrus]

I don't know, I do feel quite accomplished after I sink an hour into getting a super skittish, but strikingly beautiful butterfly. It requires you to step back, study it's movements, and calmly/patiently stalk it. Although more often than not, that means wasting a lot of time and not getting a single decent shot, but I enjoy the challenge nonetheless. (one time I ended up chasing a butterfly into the forest, got lost, and took almost 5 hours wandering around to find my way back to a road. And I didn't get a single shot of the butterfly) Most of the time I don't bother, but sometimes I just feel like the challenge. That being said, I enjoy photography more for the excuse to chill out in nature moreso than actually getting beautiful pictures. I'm a terrible photographer, but I absolutely love it

[@grodz437]

Waldo Exactly!

[@Zargaaa]

@Waldo, when you were wandering in the woods, lost for 5 hours, was anyone looking for you? And having a really hard time finding you? And then one kid just glanced in the woods for 5 seconds and says, there he is?

[@starbright5069]

Love your photos! I love how relaxed, yet informative and hands on your video is. Thanks for this

[@tkermi]

Thanks for the video, gareat info. With timid insects you can try to use 100-400mm/100-500mm super-tele zooms with 2x teleconverter and get about 0,7x magnification from about 1m (3,3') away. Works grear for larger insects.

[@psoon04286]

Thank you. It was inspirational and more importantly, motivational👍😊

[@JamiHuff]

No frills, sound advice. As a novice I found this video extremely helpful. Thanks. ✌

[@YaStarz]

I guess Ill buy the sigma 105 mm first. When I am more experienced, Ill try to build a lense like yours.

[@guywilliamstoker972]

How did you find that lens?

[@priyabichave7489]

I have signi pro 2 in 1 lense 1 macro 1 wide

[@anthonyskellern5970]

A wonderful and inspiring video, thank you so much for sharing your skills and enthusiasm for the smaller creatures around us that are missed by most people - their loss! Just a note for others wanting to get into macro handwork with limited finances - try extension rings. I regularly use a 10mm ring on my Lumix and find it very useful for close-up work on wildflower detail, as well as the odd helpful shieldbug, butterfly, or even longhorn beetle!

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes extension rings is definitely the best way to get started cheaply!

[@franklawler7055]

Great video packed with tips that are very helpful to Macro newbies like me. Started doing this sort of photography last summer as I got fed up with the lack of good light in the U.K. for my fast action nature shots. Spent two hours on a 10 foot stretch of undergrowth, so you could say that I found it fascinating! Thank you for your advice.

[@pyotrpig]

so inspiring. the spring is coming and your videos make me want badly to try out macro shooting

[@MicaelWidell]

Yeah soon it is warm enough again for the insects to be seen all around :) Get ready!

[@chongkongsang5060]

Slower shuttle speed for higher magnification ? That's something new to me. I need to give it a try. Thanks

[@MrGflan]

I’m coming back again today to thank you for suggesting the low shutter speed. I’m using the heavy canon 180mm L lens with the kenko tubes. A pretty heavy setup, matched to the Youngno twin flash setup, but it works great for me. I didn’t realize I could shoot this heavy lens at as low as 1/60 or a second without IS, but you are right that the flash allows me to get this low with sharp images. The 180mm has a huge benefit in allowing me to be about 2 feet away from my subjects and I rarely spook them. Thanks again man. And mornings are great too like you said.

[@bloodsweatandbeers4684]

The shutter speed will depend on the insect. Butterflies rarely stay in the same place for too long especially if you're required to get close to photograph them.

[@fufumccuddlypoops5502]

This is one of very few macro photography tutorials so thank you! Especially insect photography, it’s such a beautiful form of photography and I wish it was more popular

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks. Yeah I was also missing a freehand macro tutorial, so I decided to make one myself :)

[@WildWoodlandsSW]

Nice video,thanks. I do Wildlife videography, birds, animals and nature,but have not tried much Macro videos. I have just started and am really enjoying the process. The techniques for Macro are quite different than for birds for example, so i was struggling at the beginning, as i like to use manual focus and it wasnt easy to get it right,but i have now found the settings that work for me. I use the Nikon P900,which is great for zooming long distances, and also works for Macro. Also as you said,find willing creatures to film,otherwise a lot of time can be wasted. This was definently my experience, particularly the Bumble bees,and butterflys, were very skittish and hard to film. Thanks for a great video. Subscribed.

[@carlosmarabillo]

So nice tutorial. Really want to learn this art of macro photography.

[@cyberp0et]

I love your photo samples from the videos.

[@JeffHettinger34]

Thanks for the tips for macro work, I just broke down and picked up a 60mm F2.0 macro lens with 1:1 magnification that should be delivered this week sometime. I cant wait to get out and try these suggestions! Keep the videos coming!

[@MicaelWidell]

Put it on extension tubes and you might get a great super macro lens :)

[@JeffHettinger34]

Thanks for the bonus tip, I already own extension tubes but didnt think about adding them to the macro to get into super macro territory. I absolutely love your channel, keep up the great work!

[@yorxmediainc.4237]

These really are some great tips for macro photography. It makes me want to go out an explore more and shoot photos like this. Great videos man you have my support I subbed.

[@MrGflan]

Great video, Micael!! I have been shooting macro for years now and love it. For some reason I have the hardest time with big bees though. You have to get them on the perfect focal plane or the image doesn’t look right. I’m using canons 65mm mpe and also the heavy 180mm canon macro. The heavy lens allows a huge working distance, but I find it to be really heavy and hard to manage with the flash setup. I sold my 100mm canon macro and I may end up buying it again so that I’m not having these heavy lens issues. Thanks again!!

[@adriansmessages]

AWESOME video! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@acehanson7231]

I followed your video and instructions on making macro rig for cheap. Works perfect!! thanks for this wonderful information

[@Lilyastacio]

Thanks for those awesome macro photo tips! New subscribers and macro beginner here! 🐞🐝🐜

[@ranganathiyer7679]

Voice of experience. Great insights.

[@abdulrazacksyed41]

Master piece of photography always expecting greatest photography from you , thank you so much

[@kenmcdougall6106]

Really good advice, thank you! There are loads of videos about macro photography on the internet but none of them have included such practical tips. Subscribed!

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad you liked it! See my macro photography playlist for more.

[@chrisnewfie]

I just bought the sigma 105 macro and gonna give it a try

[@MrCMHUDDY]

Micael, thank you for the video. A really relaxing, enjoyable and informative guide to your macro techniques. Really appreciated, cheers.

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks, I appreciate your feedback :)

[@alexsalcedo9478]

Awesome photos! The small bugs within the flower are thrips :)

[@pianandrill]

Nice tips. I always need to remember to slow down, just give myselfe time to take few photos. Flash can give you faster shutter but slow shutter is slow shutter. With slow shutter you get blury images unless its stills. I don't know how did you get 1/20 sharp image freehand.

[@waiyintan2930]

GREAT tips! thanks for sharing

[@genevievelaurin3860]

Thanks for this very informative video, I found it very helpful.

[@jackrodgersjr]

Relatively cheap, compared to expense of dedicated macros lenses, closeup lenses of +2 & +3 can enable maco photography. I combined the two using a Canon GL2 20x lens to video ant almost full frame without light loss. I am now using a Nikon B500 in macro mode at 40x for bug size macros at 10 feet, maybe closer. Can’t get the bug’s eye as in the one closeup shown but the macro video is worth it. Good show, I enjoyed it.

[@atalipsos9799]

I like this video because your are one of the few trying to find a solution for Super-Macro Photography for the Sony A7. There is not much staff out there: Their are basically these options - reversed lens ... need a lot of parts and costs overall 1000$ including the Metabone adapter and lens - extension tubes ... cheap but nothing solid available on Amazon Europe until now (50-100$) - filter lens ... relatively inexpensive but only 2mm depth of field (around 100$ with rings) - Mitakon 20 mm macro lens 200$ ... no option to put a ringflash on it, a suitable flashs cost 300$ - Yasuhara Nanoha Macro with integrated light 500$

[@planb4212]

Wonderful, I can confirm the 5 tips! Your description shows your love of nature, beautiful pictures, great compliment☺ I have only a small mobile phone camera, but I also love the macro photography. I often go to nature and take close-ups. I forget the rest of the world 🤗 a real camera with all the lenses is for me to complicated with all that technics. But for really good photos your equipment is excellent 👍☺

[@teethofthelamb]

Nice! I’ve been trying my hand at macro photography, I’m using a Nikon P950 super zoom but it also has a fairly good macro. The other day I got a shot of a red dragonfly I zoomed in from about 15 ft. away. The nice thing with this camera is that I don’t really have to get super close to the insect. Dragonfly’s are difficult to get close to. I wish I could post the images here in KZbin.

[@JonahPearson11]

I would LOVE to see that pic! That seems awesome a pic of a dragon fly and from afar? That takes a lot u got to show it!!

[@teethofthelamb]

Kxng JDiggy Lets see if this link to my FaceBook page will work through KZbin. There I have the Photos of the DragonFly. zoom in and look at the detail. facebook.com/100000512533457/posts/3845645695462477/

[@fibranijevidra]

This was very nice video. I like your naration too. Thanks!

[@mike0rr]

So many of my photos have little bugs I never notice till blown up on Photoshop. It's one of my favorite parts of Macro

[@oneeyedphotographer]

One of the more useful tips videos. I like the idea of moving the critter.. Mostly, when I'm using a macro lens, I'm further away than 1:1 which provides the maximum magnification of most macro lenses this is fine with me, mostly I'm happy to fill the frame with my subject, typically a flower. To get 1:1, manually focus then move camera and subject together. I bought a used MP-E 65. "Where's the focus ring?" I wonder. Boy, it's dark down there.

[@cornish_hooked_on_crochet2022]

Excellent Video , I love macro photography , your tips are very useful. I use a Nikon Camera with close up filters or extension tubes.

[@chosenideahandle]

Ohhhh your first tip. I hate the morning 😆. Love your channel.

[@MrVangassen]

85 people are douchebags for thumbing your video down. It's a peaceful friendly talk about beloved hobby. Enjoyed it few months ago and again just now. Funny stuff I took a pic of a bug (just started chasing bugs) and noticed a tiny red spider next to my bug's leg Must have been like a fraction of a millimeter. Soo cool and surprising. Thanks for the vid.

[@junemorris6930]

Enjoyed your video. Beautiful macro photography.🙂

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you 😊

[@Micro-Moo]

Very interesting material and narration, lots of wonderful images, and so on... But I have a question: do you know pictures of what insects you are taking? There are more than a million known species, and some estimate that the number of know species can eventually double. The determination of many species can be really difficult, sometimes not possible by just the looks. How do you feel about that, taking pictures and not knowing what are those animals? Or do you know them?

[@MicaelWidell]

I frankly do not care a lot about what species they are. I just cares about making nice looking photos. But recently I have started to become more interested in learning the species. I learn by asking people online.

[@Micro-Moo]

​@@MicaelWidell Thank you for your answer! You cannot learn much by asking people, because in insects your photograph may not provide enough information. I would feel bad about it. When I photograph some animal (almost always not an insect or a spider), I try to learn about the species a lot, including the exact species, not just a genus of a family, which is usually obvious to me from the very beginning. Anyway, without comprehensive species identification, I would not dare publish it. However, with insects, it becomes orders of magnitude harder. There are only few species we can identify at first glance, but in more cases, I can recognize only order or a family, and in rare cases some insects totally puzzle me, I can only say it's an insect. 😊

[@seshadrirachakonda290]

Good information about micro photography.

[@robertportersr6924]

Wow, thank you very much for your guidance and experiences...

[@brucekraft744]

Great demonstration and advice, Micael! Thanks much!

[@AramKaptein]

Thanks for sharing this great video. Some extremely handy tips.

[@ChameleonzDream]

You seriously have a phenomenal eye and i am very anxious to be as good as you in time.

[@TheTrulyvision]

Thank you for the tips!

[@celestialdrums486]

That fruit shake made me crave for a smoothie. I will watch the video later. I'm gonna mix some fruits

[@MartR80]

Encouraging to get creative again! Thank you so much for sharing Micael Widell!

[@MartR80]

Allready looking forward to your next upload. :-)

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you for your kind words Martijn :)

[@MartR80]

You are welcome! After watching your video i immediately started setting up my own macro rig and started to walk around in the garden having lots of fun with it, so again, *THANK YOU!* I also very like the channel from Stefan Traumflieger... please check out his lastest video about photographing *Kugelspringer*, and other videos on his channel. I think you will love them to! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipzSdGyNed12e6M

[@clausbujager6302]

Very good Photos! I love it! And a very good video! You are make it!... Thumbs up!

[@onegood1763]

Thanks nice video i will use that tips to start macro photography

[@torben6137]

i found this very interesting... thanks for the effort making this video

[@motiwalamoiz]

Lovely.. thanks for sharing

[@mcs3015]

Great content, and helpful advice!

[@kathrynlu7272]

subscribed 20k...congratulations! thanks so much for the amazing photos and very informative videos.

[@singsingmei]

I definitely subscribing to your channel. It was unsubscribed for some reason

[@domeskeetz]

I love the video. I have no experience in macro or photography besides using my iphone with a shitty macro lens. I wanna get into this hobby but I don't have 4 grand to spend on a set up. What's my best option for a cheap camera to combine with your homemade rig?

[@aardisastra]

Great...Beautiful insects...👍👍

[@beatboxingskeleton3431]

Hey bro I stayed up all night because I heard that if you stay up all night early around 6 o’clock there are some pretty sick insects outside in bro when I went outside there was this big freaking spider and I got some pretty cool macro shots of it also to yellow jackets too I wish I could send it to you

[@ChillExplore]

Great tips and peaceful pace. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us ! Greetings from Taiwan 🇹🇼

[@EarPlugTV]

Wonderful video!!! Thank you so much.

[@tuquanvinh]

Awesome video! My fav. is 7:17

[@thaz202]

i have a panasonic g85, looking to get into macro. the crop factor means the reach of a 90mm lens is doubled so a 90mm = 180mm, etc. i've seen some amazing stuff come from the olympus 60mm f2.8 which does reach a 1:1 i'm tempted to use some legacy glass with a tamron 90mm f2.5 because it'll be half the cost. it's only 1:2 though

[@jamidavis8043]

Thanks for these useful macro photography tips.

[@70dega31]

If a speedlight is freezing the subject, depends on the power. If you flash at full power, a lot of light is emitted and this is slow. But if you go down to 1/8 or less, the speedlight is emitting the light very fast. So you can freeze the subject. You can reach up to 1/8000s+, by lower the output power of your speedlight.

[@Sinegav]

What is that little guy at 5.43 called? Saw him once when I was out shooting. They are extremely tiny, like a couple millimeters at max. Great video again.

[@DanielEvanClarke]

Its funny hiking with my bird watching friends when I'm looking for arthropods. They're always asking "how did you even see that spider!?"

[@violetartem1034]

Same! I’m always looking at plants as I walk past them and I always find insects that are less than 5mm and my mom’s always like “how did you even see that?! What kind of eyes do you even have lol”

[@johnfrum9676]

Maybe instead of arthropods you should just call them spiders.

[@BeetleBuns]

@@johnfrum9676 Arthropoda covers a wide range of life, not just spiders. In fact, it's the largest phylum in the animal kingdom. It's much easier to say "I'm looking for arthropods" than it is to say "I'm looking for arachnids, insects, bugs, and other invertebrates."

[@RetroSynthWave42]

Very educational. Thank you.

[@michaelmygind5061]

What you are doing, is meditation, is Zen. Danish Michael. ❤❤❤

[@qaiserrashid8274]

ohhhh man,,, great shots,,,,keep it up,,,,

[@LuciaHewitt]

I wish I was as steady as you are!

[@isbestlizard]

WOW those are all incredible photos!!! like looking at them through a microscope!

[@frbetts]

Hey Micael, can’t seem to find that arm your flash is on anywhere. Would you possibly have a link for it you can share? Much appreciated!

[@molotovgod]

I wish I could get back into photography

[@lenord227]

Nice video withvery useful tips. Thank you Micael.

[@HonestLo]

great video, learn something. I like your macro lens setup !!

[@tonystewart7624]

Thank you

[@ikBenGekikBenGek]

I don't know if you still read the comments. But I started ( handheld ) macro photography 5 years ago with an A6000, I swapped the body for an a7iii last week and I absolutely love it. I bought the Sony F43M flash 2 years ago, I used it a few times but I didn't like the light it gives for macro. I always get that warm light, do you have any tips for me?

[@MicaelWidell]

Hi! I read most comments, even on old videos :) I recommend trying different white balance settings in your camera. Maybe you are using auto white balance and should set it to something else like daylight.

[@ikBenGekikBenGek]

@@MicaelWidell What a legend ;) Well, that's something I haven't thought about to be honest haha. I indeed always have it on auto white balance, I'll check it out tomorrow!

[@philipandrews8757]

Great video and tips

[@VictorFursov]

Thank you for inspiration. Good luck in new photos! :) Best greetings from Ukraine.

[@vimalneha]

Very good tips indeed!

[@mesuttekin3923]

I have a 6 d mark 2 and a sigma 35 mm and 85mm lens. What accessories or combination should I use to take macro photos by approaching objects like this? Thanks

[@rishabhtrivedi4251]

Great shots

[@davidalanmedia]

Micael, I confused as to the difference between the Laowa 60mm vs 100 mm macro lens. I realize it's heavier and you get a little more working distance between you and the subject but what would the advantage be for the 100mm macro? I'm enjoying and learning a lot about macro from your videos!

[@MicaelWidell]

There isn't a huge difference. It is the things you mention, and also that the 100mm can be used to focus at infinity without any vignetting on full frame, but the 60mm starts to vignette heavilty from around 3 meters and onwards. I prefer the 60mm as it is more compact and lightweight.