Essential macro tips I wish I'd known earlier

In this week's tutorial, I give my five best tips for taking better macro photos. I'm not talking about the best camera settings for macro here, or how to use flash light for macro, but instead I'm discussing wider lessons -- attitudes, perhaps -- that I've found have transformed my approach to photography way more than any 'quick focus hack' or 'easy editing tip' has ever done.
By slowing down in my photography, practicing my craft and focusing on what's important and ignoring what isn't (I'm looking at you, Instagram) I've been able to take better images that I'm much more proud of.
Please let me know if you agree or disagree with any of these points. It's been quite a personal video and I'd love to hear your thoughts around it in the comments.
As always, thanks for watching.
#tutorial #macro #photography

[@InfectedChris]

I often tell people the reason why I really love macro photography is that it forces you to slow down. You have to stop and really take your time to look for something you want to shoot. Look at things (life) from different perspectives and really capture a subject from a viewpoint that many people simply choose to walk by. That's far more my pace of life as it is.

[@andrescruz9448]

Same

[@normski4ash]

I agree with the slow down point. People are curious when they see me crawling around or lying on the ground, with camera, flash, tripod, etc. They want to know what I am photographing, show them on the screen, and the most common comment is "WOW ! I walk round here every day, and I've never seen one of those, or anything like it ! " And my answer is always, "Yes, that's because you are walking, I stop and look, that's why / how I find the insects etc...' Great vlog as always, Thnx

[@robincooney1263]

Finally, someone talking with passion and knowledge about the craft rather than kit. Subscribed.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much!

[@evywisse5911]

my fav thing about shooting macro, is that you actually see nature, and you look at the details and everything around you, things that i wouldve missed if i never learned about macro

[@nirahirs]

I have been using three same camera for years each photo you take is a lesson as you said only when you feel you need to push to next level and your camera gear can only to so much buy new equipment.. Awesome advice from you😊

[@djmusic130fdy]

Interesting you should make the comment about applying concepts of macro to life. Was just thinking about that this evening. The closer you are to something, the more you have to focus on it. Thanks for an excellent video and a good reminder.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks very much, that's kind of you to say!

[@shlomoeshet8525]

There are countless times that slowing down and paying more attention to your surroundingד turned out to be so much rewarding. I just recall my last macro session outside my home. While I kept looking at a flying butterfly and trying to get closer I discovered an amazing creature on top of a Milk thistle right under my eyes (literally!). Thank you Andrew for your inspiring video and all the rest.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching and being part of the channel, I really appreciate it! And I love when things like this surprise you out in nature -- there's always something hidden away to find!

[@danram69]

i have taken up photography because i have heart problems and i need to slow down , i feel its an aproach to cover your life thanks your video helped me

[@galesaunders4120]

Thank you for your video, I recently purchased a macro lens, did the right thing and went on a course so I could learn as much as possible, the course was brilliant and I had a brilliant day. Sadly someone on a camera club social media site put my pictures down saying 'do you actually have a macro lens' and other stuff ? I can take CC totally but his offers got a bit creepy for my liking. The experience has got me down but on watching your video I feel more positive so thank you for that. As you said 'take social media with a pinch of salt' and get on and do what you want and get out there 😃

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Hi there Gale, I'm so sorry you've had that experience, it's so disappointing to hear. Photography is for everyone, and everyone has the right to enjoy it for the brilliant hobby it is, but so often people (often men) feel they are the 'gatekeepers' and that you can only be "a photographer" if you pass their tests. This is nonsense. Do photography because you love it and certainly don't be put off by idiots that think they have the right to tell you what's 'right' or 'wrong'. It sounds like you're doing everything right in learning what you can and enjoying the experience, and that is what will keep you going long term and mean you take better photos than those bitter, jealous commenters will do!

[@kidglove55]

I really appreciate what you said about slowing down. It makes a great deal of a difference. I am just really digging into Macro photography. I am looking for all the help I can get.

[@klackon1]

What marvellous product images. I agree with your slowing down theory. In the late spring and summer, when there are insects galore, it takes me about 5 hours to walk 5 miles.

[@chrisjohn1138]

There's defiantly a new world to be found when you get down low, but it does get muddy so be prepared 🤣

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

*buys new jeans to replace ones with holes in the knee*

[@user-ii2vi5hw3d]

Thank you for sharing excellent video.

[@mikefaulkner9447]

Your channel has inspired me to have a go at Macro Photography. Thank You.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much, Mike, I really appreciate that and hope you enjoy your macro journey!

[@seamediaorg]

Thanks for your thoughts, and especially for all of the time you share out in nature. I do a lot of macro photography myself, and I'm lucky enough to live where there are many forests and beaches I can visit. So I really appreciate the insights from another nature photographer. And even when I'm home, I can feel like I'm still outdoors by watching your videos!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much, that's really kind to say!

[@cgarioch]

Totally LOVE your channel. Always look forward to seeing your next Macro episode. Macro is my first love in Photographic art

[@insightvideo6136]

Brilliant. Thank you! Subscribed.

[@iantaylor4115]

Thank you for sharing this! I have really enjoyed learning from you in the videos I have watched. I appreciate your approach to photography and the production of your videos. Thanks again!

[@ricktablelander5043]

I'm a beginner with 10 years experience I know that sounds crazy but memory loss doesn't help. Your video is perfect for my small group and your explanations had me answering you --exactly and that's what i need to hear--as you went through Good onya Mate

[@dougnelson423]

Andrew, great video. Very helpful and fun to watch. Cheers.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Hi Doug, thanks for watching!

[@andyallard5990]

Excellent invoice Andrew, as always just watching your videos, inspired me to go out and do something different. You are a master of your craft.🎉🎉

[@timproffitt1508]

Andrew, as always you never disappoint. I simply love your approach and attitude. Thank you again for all of the inspirational words.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Tim, that's such a kind thing to say, I really appreciate you taking the time!

[@joefriday4171]

Thank you Andrew for giving me that gentle kick in my backside. I found I have been slacking lately by only seeing things that I can't do rather than things that I can with the equipment I have. I have a rather old Nikon D5600 with a Nikon micro 105mm f2.8 lens and I can when I try get really good images . You have just given me the boot I need to get up and get going. Thank you again. Looking forward to your next video.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Joe, we all need a bit of a boot up the backside from time to time -- I certainly do! Sounds like you've got a great setup to get out and take shots you love, I hope you find the time to do it soon!

[@grossy69]

Tonight, I shot with some friends and one had a D5600 and used the same lens as me, the Sigma DG 105mm macro. We just went to a trendy part of Shenzhen and shot footwear on people walking by. It was a blast, and I bet their pictures were better than mine. @@AndrewLanxonPhotography

[@PowerkickBoxers]

thank you, great perspective

[@lorenilewis]

Great video! Like you, I started with water drop collisions, and got hooked on high speed macro. After that I discovered that there is a lot opportunity for great macro without even leaving the back yard. Ants bees, so many and other insects under leaves and rocks. Plant wildflowers and enjoy the tiny bugs that come to them. Shooting macro is a great hobby. It forces you to think and plan but you get to see another world. AND when you get the great shots, it's so personally rewarding.

[@nwcs2]

I do think some people just have a knack for still life. I’m geared mostly for animals where reflexes and anticipation pay off.

[@scarcesense6449]

All very good tips. I feel like my biggest failing is a lack of commitment. Before watching KZbin I used to wonder how people manage to find the shots they take. Looking behind the scenes I realise the problem is I'm rarely up at 3am to go climb a mountain, or standing knee deep in a near frozen river for the most exciting composition, or laying in the mud or wet grass for that extreme close up. You don't *need* to do those things to find good shots, but they do limit your opportunities and results somewhat. In terms of gear I need to upgrade to something with interchangeable lenses (my bridge camera is very restrictive and not particularly sharp or detailed) but a new computer would probably do more than a new camera. I just finished editing my holiday snaps and I was pretty happy with them. Then I went to a friends house and looked on their big screen and they were all terrible. The colours on my monitor appear to have been engineered by a blind person. Sharing or printing anything is very difficult when you don't know what you're looking at.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

I think we’re much the same then. I am not a sunrise photographer. I’m rarely out of bed much before 9am and I struggle without my home comforts for too long! I’m quite a fair weather photographer in that sense, but I’ve still always enjoyed my photography and never feel like I’ve ‘missed out’ too much by not forcing myself into difficult situations!

[@scarcesense6449]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography you still get a bit dirtier than I do!

[@aguedasanchez6750]

Wise words that I am trying to follow. Many thanks😊

[@richardparrish4980]

What a great video very informative. I have a macro lens but have only used it a few times this video has made me want to get out more to try macro again.

[@5RustyBin]

your last point is the key. I have had an instagram account for a few years - and only have 800 followers. No idea how to grow that without buying followers - but frankly I don't care. I post pics because I enjoy the process of taking and creating the images.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks! Buying followers won't help anything as they'll only be bots that will eventually get shut down. It's pretty much impossible to grow on Instagram these days unfortunately, so it's crucial to just try and enjoy it for what it is!

[@viviennejohnston1046]

Great tips 👌

[@modernmusicstudio303]

These are all great tips!

[@darwix5119]

I just found your account through this video and I agree on every part you mention. This is such a great video! I can worry way too much about the few followers I have on Instagram and the fact that you don't get much interaction on your photos. This can make you quite insecure

[@raimund.schlager]

Thank you Andrew for this video. I started to explore this genre of photography. And what I found is a way to come down and have fun with what I'm doing. And maybe sometimes the results will be better with doing it often ;-)

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Hi Raimund, thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I hope you enjoy your journey with macro!

[@TiomaVladimir]

Thanks, really good ideas

[@catherinetremerryn]

Really useful comments. Have just discovered yr channel so v much looking forward to yr videos.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you, Catherine, I hope you enjoy the rest of my videos!

[@hkm5757]

new subscriber! you are so right...for me photography is like fishing,.. a relaxing activity that needs patience .

Thanks for This great insight

[@ronbokje6213]

I’m got a Pentax K1 and works great with old lenses. Got myself a older Kiron 105mm macro lens and that really started my love of macro, it’s so sharp and beautiful and because macro is many times a slow process I don’t mind the manual focus.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Nice setup! I imagine those old lenses give some lovely feel to your shots

[@friskespirer]

Great video 🌱 Thank you

[@hartsphotography]

Great video really useful hints and tips there, i often groan inwardly when i see these sort of videos as they seem more fluff than substance but this was a great exception, thank you !

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Anthony! I would have done the same, which is why I wanted to say something different with tips I've actually found have helped me in a way that 'try using f1.8' sorts of tips haven't really! Thanks for watching!

[@wagonmike5243]

going outside my bubble it's what it bring me to you ;) i'm a car action sport photographer. but i always combine style and want to learn about macro photo

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Well I'm glad you journeyed out of your bubble and came here! Thanks for watching!

[@pasza9534]

Thank you for another inspiring video.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you for watching, it means a lot!

[@SvenOstermann]

True words and I would like to raise a dram filled with that stuff on your shelf. Cheers

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Cheers to that! Thanks for watching, Seven!

[@billbromer]

Great suggestions, now to get my back healed up so I can walk.

[@lobstrosity7163]

I'm getting into photography because of my interest in mycology so your thumbnail hooked me. 😉

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Hooray! I'm glad it hooked someone!

[@RCBOSS1969]

Thank you!

[@neilcole3406]

Inspiring indeed!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you, Neil!

[@andrewlamberson539]

EXCELLENT !

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you!

[@TommyBoy3D]

Subbed. Great video... thx.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching and welcome to the channel!

[@sportsphototv]

Another informative video! I am a sports photographer who decided to expand my photography and started shooting macro about a year ago. Your videos have helped me with my journey. Slowing down has been the toughest for me. As I am sure you are aware, most sports photography is about the action. But, there are times slowing down allows me to see other types of shots. These shots may not make in onto the front page but they allow me to be a little more creative. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Craig, I really appreciate that! What made you decide on macro?

[@sportsphototv]

Hey there! I was on the hunt for some fresh knowledge to add to my skill set. I specialize in sports photography and even teach it through KZbin, but I also crave other outlets for my creativity. My partner suggested trying out toy photography, which sounded like fun at first, but after a few months, it just wasn't doing it for me. With limited studio space and the constant rain here in the Pacific Northwest, shooting outside was proving to be quite the hassle. That's when I reevaluated my approach and discovered a newfound interest for the close-up creative process of macro photography, both indoors and outdoors. And, in this case, shooting in not so great weather, sometimes works out well. However, I was struggling with lighting, and that's when I stumbled upon your channel while browsing KZbin. Your "Macro in the forest..." video and your on camera presence really spoke to me, and I immediately subscribed. Since then, I've learned so much from your other videos, and I'm incredibly grateful for the knowledge you've shared.

[@sportsphototv]

Hey there! I was on the hunt for some fresh knowledge to add to my skill set. I specialize in sports photography and even teach it through KZbin, but I also crave other outlets for my creativity. My partner suggested trying out toy photography, which sounded like fun at first, but after a few months, it just wasn't doing it for me. With limited studio space and the constant rain here in the Pacific Northwest, shooting outside was proving to be quite the hassle. That's when I reevaluated my approach and discovered a newfound interest for the close-up creative process of macro photography, both indoors and outdoors. And, in this case, shooting in not so great weather, sometimes works out well. However, I was struggling with lighting, and that's when I stumbled upon your channel while browsing KZbin. Your "Macro in the forest..." video and your on camera presence really spoke to me, and I immediately subscribed. Since then, I've learned so much from your other videos, and I'm incredibly grateful for the knowledge you've shared. @@AndrewLanxonPhotography

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Craig, that’s really nice of you to say and I’m glad you’re enjoying the creative process. I’m quite late to macro myself but I’ve really enjoyed diving into it and learning everything I can. It’s been amazing how so many techniques and ideas have translated from other areas of photography

[@darkshaman7087]

I love my old canon 6D as I have taken photos from dragonfly’s in flight to astro and everything else also it’s built like a tank, also it’s knowing how to use the camera more than anything, and if you stick to the same one you will get to understand it better and take some cracking photo’s.

[@sharpskilz]

easy on the soundproofing there amigo.

[@xtensionxward3659]

you never know the beauty of macro photography till you get photobombed by a mosquito while trying to shoot flowers lol

[@DavidTpitCabrera]

really nice video 🙂

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you David, I appreciate you taking the time to watch it

[@JafoPhotography]

I'm currently growing by uploading macros taken using the "Flip the Kit" method until I can afford better lenses 😂

[@raja-xphotography6494]

❤

[@keithlivingston3495]

Macron’s so awesome it’s a whole different world

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

Flip screen not needed. I use my phone to fully control my cameras. I don't need to get on the ground to set up composition. Macro in backyard, I use a tablet to control cameras.

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

You don't seem to use a diffuser in your outdoor natural shots. I highly recommend the AK diffuser.

[@maryannmachi5822]

How did you get your camera attached to the bottom of the center post on your tripod? At 2:27 minutes. thank you!

[@usernamemykel]

"Practice does make perfect'. Not quite - "Perfect practice makes perfect" Vince Lombadi - American football coach, executive, player.

[@photoman3579]

Hahahahaha I'm of an age now where I slow down most because of my knees !!

[@mojmakroswiat-mymacroworld2959]

You are using a small tripod for macro photography. Which tripod model is it ?

[@pasza9534]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZWrc4Ocn9x_kLM

[@zoltandobany962]

I wrote a comment a few days ago. There was no offensive intent. Yet it disappeared. I'm really sorry.

[@Zebrajellyfishphoto]

What are the "tips"?

[@groggu]

Enjoy - what - you - do. Mic drop, that’s all we need to know. Thanks Andrew.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching, Greg, have a great day!