How to Capture Amazing Macro Photos at Home - Hands-on with Don Komarechka

[@BuildingCenter]

DonKom is one of those practiced, practical geniuses who has trained himself to communicate clearly. Thanks for the video, TCST.

[@xmlthegreat]

This guy knows exactly what he's talking about. A joy to watch!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Absolutely! He makes it look so easy. The hardest part is truly creating a photo-worthy macro scene.

[@Compertz]

@@TheCameraStoreTV Completely agree

[@facitenonvictimarum]

Shills

[@KCT-ideas]

agree too 👍

[@justnoted2995]

and the girl doesn't

[@Snapshott1]

I've seen Don present twice at the Macro Photo Conference in difference years. He knows all the very technical aspects of his craft but can present it in an interesting and non complicated way that is easily understood.

[@DonKomarechka]

thanks so much for the kind words!

[@elaventurerosabe]

Love the fact that he is using a really inexpensive setup to produce such amazing work. No need for fancy expensive glass.

[@jimmyscott7414]

Same. It really shows that it’s the user not the tool that makes the difference.

[@srchintakuntla]

Wonderful! I am excited to know the technique in detail. I have been experimenting this technique for a few days, but now this video gives me a clear idea. Thank you ❤

[@EdwardKilner]

I have seen several of these videos and found them all well done. Thanks, from a fellow Canadian.

[@dutchief75]

I have seen Don at our local camera club twice here in Niagara. Super nice guy and SOOO interesting to hear him speak. Great video!

[@tristanhall5971]

Was fantastic to see Dom revealing some of the magic of his craft.

[@bernym4047]

Great video. I seem to have everything featured in it already. Even the 23-32mm lens and extension tubes! Thanks. Two super presenters.

[@redhummer8166]

Wow. These are so amazing. So cool detailing.

[@qnetx]

Excellent and well presented. Thank you for sharing!

[@facitenonvictimarum]

They're not SHARING squat. They're selling, they're a business. They're making money along with KZbin off the viewers. What's all this sharing bullshit?

[@JCImagesBehindtheShot]

Best macro video I have seen so far. These are great images.

[@KCT-ideas]

this guys is really awesome on his field

[@vladtepes481]

I certainly agree with Don on the use of m 4/3 cameras for macro work. You get what appears to be more magnification without some of the optical complexities one might find when using larger cameras. My Olympus does a great job.

[@videoluvr2]

Thank you both for this video. Don explains things very well and slow enough for me to understand.

[@BrunoRBSilva-fh9rw]

Dom is a master. I'd love to see more of him on youtube.

[@MixedApparitions]

There's an interesting channel you can look up called "Behind The Shot" and Don is a guest in a few of the episodes. Highly recommended.

[@markattardo]

👍👍 because the like button isn't enough. His work really kicks the brain into gear.

[@williampaul8556]

Very nice job and thank you for not adding MUSIC. I enjoy just getting the simple information. Nice work!! Thank you.

[@ReynanteMartinez]

Learned a lot from Don when I was starting out with macro photography. Love this video! Thanks, CameraStoreTV!

[@doogieham]

Great video. I can’t wait for Don’s book to come out. Just a quick tip: it would be great if you could include a list of equipment that was used to take the shot. Thanks.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Good idea. We'll add a list to the description.

[@MrDastardly]

In my lab I use a Sigma FP-L for macro work and it’s a dream to use (but only when attached to a humongous tripod)!!

[@ramipo1]

Amazing video and explenetion

[@latina0005]

HI, this is fantastic and I can't wait to try it. I researched for the Platypod and I know where to get it, but, could you please let me now how did you attach the LED flashlight to the Platypod gooseneck?

[@ahmedhindawi2972]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@SwanandRides]

abso brilliant.. proper knowledge

[@Edwin1947D]

Very interesting demonstration - macro truly is a different world

[@Apostle-89]

His speak is very much engaging like a water drop❤️❤️❤️

[@BevSantini]

A GREAT explainer video!

[@thatsalligot2say]

thank you for being so informative!!!!

[@ishayauperelman8290]

Practical, informative and to the point. Very good video 👍.

[@mattslaboratory5996]

Really like the tip to move the camera/subject to adjust focus with extension tubes. So that's how you do it!

[@DonKomarechka]

So glad you agree, Matt! This isn't a technique that you can use in any other area of photography but it's one of the best ways to focus for macro work - with or without extension tubes at 1:1 magnification or higher. One of my favourite macro lenses, the Canon MP-E 65mm has no focusing mechanism at all, just a magnification adjustment ring. :)

[@panalumix6701]

Awesome macro worlds 👍 Thank you!

[@mauricevold8753]

Knocked it out of the park again Don. Thanks

[@kineticuncertainty]

Thank you for a great video. Im just getting into macro photography. Thanks for the parts list. Its very helpful.

[@paulgurdin5665]

With the syringes and needles you use, do you use the sharp tip or blunt tip needles. Where do you source them from?

[@photography1439]

Give a lot of input and motivation about the photography of Trimakasikasi

[@DmoiP]

Youre show is awesome!!

[@ellenj8896]

Really great vid, and thanks to you both for contributing to our knowledge about the macro world.

[@fingerstylefan]

Love Don's work.

[@robin_arianson]

Interesting.... Good talk 'bout macro photography, i like this so detail

[@monaburch9163]

I absolutely adore Don!! I would 100% attend a workshop in Calgary if he was the instructor

[@EditingVideosAttractsKarma]

Great both of you are excellent presenters

[@janijtube]

Now those were really cool macro shots. I'll have to try some myself...

[@roydl8536]

Beautiful video, thanks for posting it, lots of information, also I have another comment/observation, something that I saw, that I personally loved, is a small dust particle flying from left to right at the mark 5.55

[@fotolookconde]

What such inspiration! Great photos thanks guys!

[@davebenson1504]

excellent lesson.. but also excellent interviewer asking great questions

[@yvonpiret6436]

Hi, very easy to watch the video, and nicely done! I have one little question, can I have the same results using a Tokina 100mm macro? It looks like you are so near to the object, and with my Tokina I believe I need to step back! And when I take the photo, do I need to crop? I hope it was clear! Regards. Thank you.

[@nuhajasim]

very nicely and easily explained well done

[@hongji3951]

Thanks for sharing the video, it's amazing world and very well presented.

[@pskourides]

Really nicely put together, 'mystery revealed' and really inspiring, Thanks for this great video, beautiful work!

[@DonKomarechka]

It's like a magic trick if you don't know how its done! Glad the "reveal" was appreciated. :)

[@ChristianThueringer]

Great watch!

[@lookmumimadethis]

Straight to the point and very inspiring. Thank you so much.

[@Shaz7Shaz]

Thankyou for this very much informative presentation..loved it..

[@WILLIAMPERRELLI]

Nice work. Are you adding something to the water to make it denser? As for the insects, are you ordering them from a particular source? Best William

[@DonKomarechka]

We used plain and simple tap water, as I do for all of my water droplet images. As for insects, look up any natural insect pest control company near you. One local to me sells ladybugs by the hundreds or thousands, as well as Praying Mantis oothecas and more. A quick online search will find someone close to you! Support local businesses right now. :)

[@WILLIAMPERRELLI]

Don Komarechka Thanku

[@normanwhitelaw2314]

Incredible video. Thank you both

[@lorrainelietz4384]

Thank you so much Don! Your work shop was awesome! This video is great!

[@DonKomarechka]

So glad you enjoyed, Lorraine! Thanks!

[@jlr3636]

A good source of high power LED lights are bicycle lights, rechargeable or battery, come with a mount, most have multiple power settings. You can make a stand using the correct diameter of PVC pipe and fittings, or many other options for stands

[@RobertoCienfuegos]

Great content. Now that I am stuck indoors I will do soma macro photography as well. Blessings

[@ebaysales2362]

More info on the torch clamp would be helpful

[@jesoby]

Good video, fine results.

[@Traeumer13]

Thank you very much. Very interesting.

[@bethreis8982]

Any chance you can list the materials with brands and where to purchase? Exactly what I've been looking for....thanks!

[@JulesMoyaert_photo]

Thank you so much! Just a (naive) question: why not using a focusing rail? Thanks.

[@DonKomarechka]

A focusing rail can work! However, I almost always shoot such images handheld as it allows you to move the camera around the droplet as the center of rotation rather than the center of rotation being wherever the tripod mount is. This can be critical to getting proper alignment with the background. Yes, you can move both the droplets and the background to get this alignment as well, but then you'll find yourself going back to adjust focus on the rail, all the while your droplets are evaporating or maybe simply just flattening out (as they tend to do when placed on a flower petal). The idea is to work quickly with transient subjects, and a focusing rail will slow you down. If you can do it without it, it also makes the technique more approachable from a gear perspective. I use a focusing rail for very small but very stable subjects - grains of pollen with a microscope objective is something that comes to mind!

[@JulesMoyaert_photo]

@@DonKomarechka Thank you for your comprehensive explanation. Now, I get it!

[@DonKomarechka]

@@JulesMoyaert_photo happy to help! I take the same approach with subjects like snowflakes and freezing soap bubbles when timing is far more critical than carefully calculated movements. You get used to it. :)

[@brianeliel5756]

Awesome Video

[@supertaufiqr]

Great video!

[@dland4766]

Thanks for a GREAT video... I'll be checking out more... Keep doing you!!!

[@mandalaslowmotionchannel2291]

Good presented......thanks.

[@SatanSupimpa]

Don could be one of the best photography channels on KZbin, too bad he rarely remembers his channel exists.

[@DonKomarechka]

Point taken - it's on my list of things to really pay attention to after my book is finished. :)

[@reactionsworld3123]

Which lens is best for macro photography?with nikon camera.

[@andreasrochow5170]

Thank you, this helps to look closer.

[@farzadvojdani8408]

Hi I could not find the light with goose neck. could you please send me the link for Amazon or eBay. Many thanks

[@drraza1460]

Can you please suggest an extension tube for Nikon 50mm 1.8G Lens ?

[@JessDemant]

Wow what a great video, thanks!

[@MrMick560]

hi, great video, i tried to get a drop from a syringe but they just looked flat, how can i get circular ones like the video shows ?

[@DonKomarechka]

If the syringe has a hypodermic needle tip - blunt ones work - the droplet will want to jump off the needle faster and stay more rounded. This doesn't happen on all surfaces however - the surface also needs to be slightly hydrophobic. Vine tendrils tend to be good choices for this! In nature it's a bit of a crap shoot... some Gerbera Daisy petals work nicely, and some plants such as Barberry and Lupin leaves behave nicely as well. Just try different surfaces until you find one that works.

[@MrMick560]

many thanks don, i will try it, all the best, mick.

[@MikeShieldsPhotography]

Hi, brilliant video, I have one of those clamps now I know what to use it for. I've been told that you can use some glycerine to thicken the water so that it stays in place better, do you know if Don uses glycerine in the mix or is it just pure water? Thank you. :)

[@DonKomarechka]

Was just pure water, which is what I use in all my setups like this! When glycerine water dries it tends to resemble snail slime, which ruins the second purpose of purchasing flowers: a gift for my wife. While the change in viscosity might be beneficial in some scenarios, the proof is in the pudding - it's not needed.

[@macrophotography7423]

beautiful, I like macro photography

[@violinoable]

Thank You very much for this beatiful explanation!

[@leovarela7053]

Great video

[@feliciarenz6580]

I'd like to try some of this. Which extension tube size is recommended?

[@DonKomarechka]

Kenko sells them in kits of two or three tubes, depending on the mount. The amount of extension you'll need depends on the focal length of your lens and if it's a macro lens or not, so there is no right answer here - but if you get the kit of multiple tubes you can experiment and figure out what works best for you. I wouldn't recommend the brand-name tubes from companies like Canon or Nikon - they work just fine, but are much more expensive and you don't get any advantage for spending the extra money.

[@feliciarenz6580]

@@DonKomarechka thank you so much for the reply. I went ahead and ordered a three part kit of 12,20 and 36 mm tubes. I have a Canon EOS (ap-c sensor) camera with a few different lenses. The one I am going to start with is a fixed 60mm that is considered a macro lens due to its image ratio being 1 to 1.

[@DonKomarechka]

@@feliciarenz6580 you shouldn't need too much extension, but it depends on the size of your water droplets! Adding the full set of tubes wouldn't likely double your magnification. Have fun with it!

[@feliciarenz6580]

@@DonKomarechka thanks so muchfor the tips and info in the video. Here's a link to my first attempt. Hope to improve over time instagram.com/p/B8c6txlFL_-/?igshid=rmpbl0olwek4

[@kiliandietrich8526]

Awesome video. Thanks guys, your advice is really appreciated ;).

[@淼孨]

dropping the water drops may have a few wows too

[@cerita_kang_kebon_420]

I use Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or cellulose gum, its actually for cooking... Making your water thicker so the dew will have a perfect round shape

[@hovan2yourjunk]

What a brainiac! Thank you!

[@eccreaphotos3137]

Hi, wonderful vidéo. What kind of lense you've used ? Thks ...xoxo

[@DonKomarechka]

The lens used was as inexpensive as you can get: Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. - coupled with a set of extension tubes from Kenko, you've got a macro lens! My current favourite macro lens on the MFT platform is the Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. Lens, but the point of the video was to showcase that you can be creative in this area with a minimal investment.

[@tomwarrington4150]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@jamespayne4759]

Where can I order the dandelions like you used in this video ?? Jim

[@DonKomarechka]

You can buy salsify - a root vegetable - as a packet of seeds. They are nearly identical to the wild Yellow Goat's Beard seed I used. Keep in mind you'll only receive the seed, not the "sail" portion, so you'd have to play the long game: plant it, wait for it to flower and reseed itself.

[@UJJAL0708]

That's too good sir

[@ivanlaltrelli2052]

You used just normal whater for make drop?

[@DonKomarechka]

Just plain old tap water, yes! :)

[@anthonyroffe5628]

Nice video.What was the liquid in the needle please?

[@DonKomarechka]

tap water. :)

[@Gaghyta]

I'd like to take a course on macro photography with him. I've been looking for a long time people who works in this area and it's a bit disappointing. This does seem more difficult than I expected.

[@DonKomarechka]

I may be out in Calgary again at some point, but I offer a variety of workshops that you can find here: www.donkom.ca/workshops/

[@CrowleysArt]

Hello, I have a question I was hoping you might be able to answer. I am looking into getting into Macro Photography, and I have had my eye on the Sony A7R4 with the 61 mega pixels and was wondering if this would be a good camera to use for macro work, because of the ability to crop in and retain really good details.

[@DonKomarechka]

The A7R IV is a great camera all around, but the pixel-shift high-res mode is something to consider using for macro photography. I have had a lot of luck using the similar feature in my Lumix S1R which generates 187MP images. I generally don't need that resolution, but it allows me to excessively crop in to the center of the frame and still retain >20MP which is fine for most purposes. The Lumix S1R shoots 8 frames to generate it's high-res image while I believe the A7R IV requires 16 frames and interpolates the data differently. The only hiccup here is that some macro subjects are not static - even water droplets can move slightly between shots. Try it out and see how effective this feature is for you. It will allow you to shoot from a greater distance and retain a larger depth of field. The extra shots required by the A7R IV will purportedly give some better results where moiré might be an issue, but it might work against you if there is any movement in your subject. At the very least, it's something you should tinker with. :)

[@CrowleysArt]

@@DonKomarechka Thank you for your wisdom! I think I have decided that I will indeed pick up the R4 and put it threw the paces, and eventually get the A9 2 at a later date for faster subjects.

[@arunv1909]

u didnt mention lens used in descripton?

[@DonKomarechka]

The lens used was as inexpensive as you can get: Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. - coupled with a set of extension tubes from Kenko, you've got a macro lens! My current favourite macro lens on the MFT platform is the Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. Lens, but the point of the video was to showcase that you can be creative in this area with a minimal investment.

[@Nick_G7IZR]

Wow! That's inspired me...

[@LeeHallphotography]

my hero thank you

[@tellme238]

Wow he is great

[@lionelestriga4272]

With the extension tube... How we can use focus by wire on the lens? 4:43

[@DonKomarechka]

Focusing still works - but the focusing range listed on the camera will be inaccurate. In most cases you are using extension tubes because you want to get closer, so just set your focus to the closest focusing distance and move the camera around to see exactly what that new focus distance is. In some cases, especially with wider-angle lenses, be careful not to add too much extension as this can have a more dramatic impact on focus, shifting the range so far forward that it becomes internal to the lens and you'll never see anything sharp. So, to answer your question more concisely: extension tubes (at least, the good ones) carry the electrical information from the camera to the lens, so functions like focus-by-wire and aperture control are still possible.

[@chryseass.5143]

Definitely worth a try! Thanks! Evelyn, you look so cute in this video!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Thanks ♡ Yes, it's a great technique to practice at home on a rainy day.

[@hiden1980]

@5:56 a little space shuttle is landing on Planet 😊

[@markgory3222]

Love the video ! I Know what I will be doing this winter...Trying to find the gooseneck flashlight holder you use in video.. Can you give me the name and model number?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

It's the Platypod Max and a gooseneck arm platypod.com/

[@cward2986]

How did you attach the LED flashlight to the Platypod gooseneck?

[@neilgroves3592]

just tried this.....you guys make it look so easy......it is NOT easy!!

[@DonKomarechka]

Hah, thanks! There is definitely a lot of moving parts here and we illustrated what happens when they are all working together. If one thing is off, you'll have issues - but the point is to try different things and experiment, growing your own skills in this area from your experience practicing. I've spend countless hours tinkering away in my studio - originally my kitchen table - to end up making it look easy. :)