Insect Macro Photography - Episode 1

[@JamieSpensley]

I did not expect so much traction on my first macro video! Thanks everyone for the feedback😁 Episode 2 is now up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZDaZHqlhJ2obMU

[@mezzawopp]

Great video Jamie. Is the flash not firing during the middle of the stack just the sync with the video so it is actually firing but we can't see the flashes in the video?

[@JamieSpensley]

@@mezzawopp Thanks! The flash isn't misfiring, it is the rolling shutter of the video camera

[@mezzawopp]

Thanks @@JamieSpensley for clarifying

[@Agg1E91]

I love seeing the actual process, as you are composing and taking the shots, followed by the end result. Plus your commentary on what you're seeing and how you work through your compositions. I have been away from anything other than cell phone photography for so long that the first, and last SLR (yep, no "D") I owned was a Pentax K1000 I bought in the early 80s. Sold it in the late 80s. From that point on I was point-n-shoot film cameras and then P-n-S digital cameras, and finally smart phones. But lately I have been seeing some amazing insect and plant macro photography here and on Instagram. So I recently took the plunge and bought a Lumix G95, an Olympus 60mm Macro lens, a couple of extension tube, flash, yada yada. At this point I'm just trying to figure out the basics of the camera itself. It's like I drove some manual transmission car from the late 1950s, didn't drive any cars for years, and then decided to buy a Tesla Plaid. A little overwhelmed at the moment but I anticipated this and am going to stick with it. Channels like yours are so encouraging and inspiring. Because, ultimately, it's just some person walking around a forest or a field, taking a lot of pictures and then working with the best. All the while getting better. I'm not even to step 1 yet. more like step 0.3, but this road runs one way, and I can only get better, over time.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! The whole reason I started macro was because of macro photography videos on KZbin. I also hope to inspire and share tips and tricks. I hope you keep shooting macro. It's a very rewarding genre of photography.

[@Vegasastron]

12:18 I observe the water bottle and measure your heartbeat. they are the same as mine when I shoot something with my knees bent and have to stop breathing. after the click it's like coming out of the water and looking for oxygen again. we photographers have a lot in common. I don't take macro photos because I don't have such equipment, I mainly like close up photos in nature with plants. I really enjoy your videos I really like the nature you walk in and of course your photos. here in Greece also there are millions of insects that for now I don't bother them. maybe some butterflies, usually orchids and other plants dance in my frame. keep doing what you are doing, you are calm like nature! Love your Foggy Woondlad's photos.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! It does get quite intense trying to stay as still as possible 😂

[@johnwood6750]

"... sometimes, I can never find the bug in the viewfinder!" I'm glad it's not just me :) - Thanks for the video, Jamie.

[@JamieSpensley]

I've been doing macro for about 3 years now and I still have difficulties 😂 I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@BugBobsWildWorld]

Great job, Jamie! Your relaxed narratives are spot-on.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@Macroadventures]

Great images Jamie, enjoyed the video. Definitely would like more videos on macro, focus stacking and how you edit your images. Olympus cameras have some great features for macro. Do you stack in post or let the camera stack the images internally?

[@JamieSpensley]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I stack the images in post because the in camera stacks can only export in jpeg rather than raw files

[@LeeHallphotography]

Hi Jamie it’s fantastic to see a fellow Brumie on KZbin. Keep up the fantastic work

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks Lee! It is rare to find a brummie on here 😂

[@LeeHallphotography]

If ever you need any help or you fancy doing a collaboration please feel free to drop me a message buddy

[@JamieSpensley]

@@LeeHallphotography will do 👍

[@jalvart7426]

I really like what you do, your work is amazing, I find your videos relaxing and very well filmed 👏👏

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@slam_down]

I've particularly enjoyed the rolling shutter on the flash 🤓

[@JamieSpensley]

It is quite satisfying to watch 😂

[@cifuentesphotos]

Impressive photos. Like I found your channel. Waiting for more.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I've got another macro video out very soon 👀

[@Imaginative_Ai]

Just found your channel 👍 subbed . A nice relaxing video for a change and top photos aswell 👍

[@matthewhunter8971]

I'm not even that interested in bugs or macro photography but these videos are a vibe

[@imcoop13]

Nice video but for a beginner putting your settings on the photos would be very helpful!

[@adambennett2840]

Great work Jamie, and amazing images, I’ve always wanted to take photos like that. You make the process look so easy. I’ve also got the EM1 mk2 so would be interested to learn what bracketing setting you use (default number of shots and focus differential). Think I’m going to have to invest in a Raynox too as they clearly make a large difference. Do you manually focus and then let the bracketing work it’s magic? Have you tried the in camera stacking?

[@Photo_doctor]

12:15 robust image! 😍

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks!

[@oscarjimenez7788]

Hi Jamie!! Nice video... Do you use electronic shutter??? what flash do you use? nice pictures! Thank you so much!

[@JamieSpensley]

Glad you enjoyed it! I don't use electronic shutter because I can only fire the flash on mechanical shutter. The flash I use is the godox v350o

[@katzenfutterbb]

Great video session , super support and very cool performed thanks a lot

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@irillRep]

Привет, у меня Nikon D5200, HELLIOS-44-2 2/58 с макрокольцами, макромех ПЗФ и вспышка YongNuo 685!!! Как вы думаете с таким набором можно заняться макро?😄

[@Rentalhunters]

I love your videos 😍 am purchasing Sony A7RV and "Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens" this content is unique. Also i have been selling pictures on shutterstock i think this will sell alot and am open to learn new things. Thanks 🙏

[@davidf9494]

Great video Jamie - great content, images and commentary! Question: Does your flash keep up with the focus bracketing? It sounded like a few were missing the lighting? Also, a quick mention of your setting as you move about would be good too. You've got a new subscriber!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! My flash keeps up with every shot. It looks as if it isn't firing sometimes because of rolling shutter on the video camera. I'll keep that in mind for my future videos :)

[@snapsoon4302]

Very interesting video. Just subscribed to your channel. Can you please tell me the name of the flash diffuser your using and where to buy it. Your photos are amazing. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I use the Cygnustech diffuser. You have to DM @Cygnustech on Instagram to get one

[@johnnyjohhny]

Loving the videos and the format is very refreshing with not a lot of talking intro like so many today keep it up but do let us know the diffuser you use its very affective combined with your skill Jamie

[@JamieSpensley]

Much appreciated! My diffuser is a custom made one from @Cygnustech on Instagram. If you'd like one, just send him a direct message on Instagram and he'll sort you out.

[@Yosser70]

Great photos mate and nicely put together video. I’ve got a TT350 coming for my Olympus but think I’ll need to get the V350 for the fast recycling. Annoyingly I’ve got 5 v850’s and an V860ii but they are for Nikon and too heavy on the smaller body.

[@johnnyjohhny]

Jamie you are a master at your craft and very inspiring i think the way you do your videos is perfect and very informative . i too have just bought the cygnustech diffuser for the very same setup but mine is the EM1mk3 so in looking forward to its arrival of said diffuser and my first outing with it and after a verity of different DIY diffusers it should be night and day and keep up the Stella work. out of interest where did you get your card backgrounds in assuming they are plastic and waterproof?

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! They are just basic coloured card from a craft shop. Nothing special and they are not waterproof. However, I mostly use coloured microfibre cloths now as they seem like an easier option

[@mauriciolee7349]

Thank you for your informative video. One question, please. What is the brand of the diffuser you are using? Thanks again.

[@JamieSpensley]

Cygnustech diffuser. You have to direct message him on Instagram to order one

[@mauriciolee7349]

@@JamieSpensley Thanks.

[@d.k.1394]

Great

[@StewartWoodArt]

Well done Jamie, keep the videos coming :)

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you Stewart! Your content inspired me to start macro photography :)

[@StewartWoodArt]

@@JamieSpensley I'm so happy to have inspired you to start macro photography 😃

[@eaglevp]

Amazing images

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@Bobbyp121]

You're so talented.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks!

[@andrewlaws809]

Hi mate,enjoyed your content and I think majority of people would be proud if it was there’s,keep up the good work practice makes perfect and great to see how others do macro on the go.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you so much 😁

[@SS-sh6ww]

Pls walk us through your editing process, it would be Greatly Appreciated ! Cheers ! ☺

[@JamieSpensley]

Coming soon 👀

[@DrWasim]

Great results! Just one question, how do you change focus while you’re burst shooting?

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! When burst shooting, I'll move my camera forwards and backwards to change where my focus is positioned.

[@dwentzelpunktde684]

Wunderbar. Vielen Dank ❤

[@GrahamBarker-q7x]

Thought that your video(s) were terrific and very inspiring! Bought an Oly 60mm Macro a couple of months ago but not had the motivation to fully try it out - you've given me that motivation to go out and try! How long have you been shooting macro?? And don't be put off by any negative comments - you'll always get people who think that can do better or know more! Keep it up...

[@JamieSpensley]

I'm glad to have motivated you! I've been shooting macro for about 3 or 4 years now

[@deborahhammond8576]

Hi Jamie. I was very inspired by your series. I have the om1 and have just bought a Godoy 350. I am waiting delivery of diffuser. I would really appreciate advice on how to set up camera/ flash/ focus setting etc.

[@JamieSpensley]

Glad you're inspired! I will make a video soon on my full camera and flash settings.

[@patrickmackay741]

Bravo ! What material do you use for the colorful background? Cardboard, paper or other? The focus stacking even works by hands? I am amazed

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! I use card. But I also use microfiber cloths too. Anything goes really. As long as it doesn't reflect too much light

[@Bautaen202]

Very motivating and inspiring watching your videos @JamieSpensley . When you are shooting your pictures, do you use manual focus 1:1 with the Raynox attached?

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I always use manual focus. Depending on the size of the subject, I may change my magnification or remove the raynox. But most of the time, I shoot near 1:1 with the raynox attached

[@ggwildlife]

excellent *SUBBED* 1. what were the settings on the camera what mode was you in. 2. was your lens set to manual focus, was it also set to 1 to 1 3. was the camera set to high/low, focus etc. thank you. or could you show your settings in a video, i have the EM1 mkIII, what flash were you using/settings.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! I usually shoot 1/250 shutter, F/8 aperture, ISO 100 and 1/16 flash speed. I shoot manual focus and switch between 1:1 and 1:4 magnification. The mode I was in was called bracketing. I use the Godox V350o flash. I'll make a video diving deeper into the technical aspects, but I hope this helped :)

[@ggwildlife]

@@JamieSpensley Thats awesome jamie thank you, will look forward to the video thank you again.

[@ozymet]

I love It!!!

[@qlimax1980]

Hi Jamie, liked the video. Always good to see how other people do macro. Can you tell me what your camera settings are when you want to do a stack? For example, is your focus on auto or manual? What other settings do you have? thanks in advance for your reply. Cheers.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! I use manual focus all the time but I use automatic focus bracketing which turns the focus ring for me while taking images. Camera settings are usually 1/50, F/7.1, ISO 200 and a flash power between 1/16 and 1/64

[@randomstuff53078]

I can’t figure out how you get such detailed photos. If I just zoom in a little bit, it’s all pixelated. Using Om-1 60mm raynox 250

[@nbaker01]

Amazing images, thankyou for the excellent video, it's great to see how you work in the field.

[@JamieSpensley]

Much appreciated!

[@markdaniels6638]

Love your video,May I ask how I can get a diffuser like yours?👍👍

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! Message @Cygnustech on Instagram to get the diffuser I have

[@maximusgr33n45]

Omg so interesting!

[@jadie1234a]

How do you hold the camera so steady? That is my biggest problem!

[@JamieSpensley]

Practice. A good tip is to rest your camera on your leg while kneeling down. Or hold your camera strap out and use that to keep the camera stable

[@DAHCKRAM]

What lens are you using? I got camera as OM1 MII from video... Nice work...

[@JamieSpensley]

I use the olympus 60mm macro

[@Origamista2004]

Nice shots!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks!

[@Chrispitchwildlife]

Nice video, thank you! 🙂

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks!

[@5RustyBin]

baby swans - cygnets. Love the little diffuser you are using - what is the model please?

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you, I'm learning everyday 😂

[@llamarvasquez1803]

Awesome photos! Keep up the great work.. what stacking software are you using? Thanks

[@JamieSpensley]

Much appreciated! I use Zerene Stacker

[@Sooch900]

Do you like Zerene Stacker better than Helicon Focus?

[@oscarjimenez7788]

More questions... hahaha... Are you using a raynox 250?

[@JamieSpensley]

Yes

[@TheDarkSixMusic]

hi ! Nice video ! What do you call stacking mode versus burst mode ? is this some specs from your camera ?

[@JamieSpensley]

Burst mode is when I hold down the shutter and my camera takes several images. And the stacking mode is called bracketing on my Olympus. The bracketing mode allows you to set how many images your camera takes and it will automatically turn the focus ring to get all the focal planes needed for focus stacking in post.

[@tedbrown7908]

Focus stacking dfoes not work if the subject moves. You will only get a blurred photo as the end product.

[@JamieSpensley]

Depends how much they move. The more they move, the harder it will be to stack in post

[@thimoschreiber4275]

What Lens do you use, i know there are many lenses that are used and i wanted to get a perspektive to which could be interisting for me as i am proceeding to buy my first macro lens (bevore i used to do revers macro with a pringels diffusor

[@JamieSpensley]

Olympus 60mm macro

[@LinoCrafts]

Does that stacking function works with the manual lenses or should i move the camera myself for stacking

[@JamieSpensley]

When the mode is on, the camera controls the focus ring of the lens for you. It only works on certain lenses. If your camera or lens doesn't have the bracketing mode then use the rocking back and forth method to get everything in focus.

[@sulagnomukherjee9840]

Hi Jamie, I am planning to shift to Olympus gear from Nikon. Can guide if I would get similar refresh rate on the godox V860iii as your v350 for focus stacking?

[@JamieSpensley]

I use the v350o and it doesn't slow down until a few thousand images. The only times it's had a problem is when I was taking hundreds of shots back to back and my flash overheated. But it is an amazing flash. I'm not sure about the other one as I've never used it

[@maxcerruti447]

Hi, i'd like to know what flash you use for your olympus and what diffusor you use too. Have you done mano single scooter or you have dove focus standing on camera? Thanks

[@JamieSpensley]

I use the Godox V350o flash. My diffuser is a custom made one from @Cygnustech on Instagram. If you'd like one, just send him a direct message on Instagram and he'll sort you out. I'm not sure what you mean in the last sentence 👀

[@maxcerruti447]

@@JamieSpensley Sorry, in the last sentence i have got the wrong sentence.. i'd like to know if you have done Focus Stacking with flash for some of your shooting. Thanks very muche for the info and the useful video. Thanks

[@JamieSpensley]

@@maxcerruti447 a lot of my images are focus stacks. In this video, the blue beetle is a 40 image stack, the green sawfly is something like 25 images and the spider is around 10 images.

[@alainlucas8019]

Thank you so much.could you tell me what is your diffusor .thank you for your help

[@JamieSpensley]

My diffuser is a custom made one from @Cygnustech on Instagram. If you'd like one, just send him a direct message on Instagram and he'll sort you out.

[@alainlucas8019]

@@JamieSpensley thank you

[@philippemichel1022]

That spider was a orb-weaver

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks!

[@mike.photography]

Nice your video! I wanted to ask you what flash do you use…! Thank you!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! I use the Godox v350o

[@mike.photography]

@@JamieSpensley Thanks for the reply! I also have the same lens I wanted to ask you what sync speed do you use to shoot so fast… Thanks again and congratulations again! 🇮🇹

[@JamieSpensley]

@@mike.photography my go to settings are 1/250 shutter, f/8 aperture, ISO 100 and 1/16 flash power. I then use burst mode on my camera.

[@mike.photography]

@@JamieSpensley Grazie! 👍🏻

[@mike.photography]

Congratulations for the simplicity with which you made the video! I'd love to see your development method in post production! I forgot what's the name of the softbox you use? Thank you!

[@davidf6326]

Cygnets 😁

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks 👍

[@davidf6326]

I'm a little confused by your technique. First off, I'm not sure I understand what you're doing with the flash. Due to the recharge cycles it's only firing for roughly half the shots. Surely that's resulting in major exposure variations and if you're using the Olympus in-camera focus stacking - as I think you said was the case - you must have sequences that don't match from an exposure perspective? Secondly, I'm not sure in camera focus stacking is even particularly effective when used handheld.

[@JamieSpensley]

My flash is firing for all the shots, it looks as if it isn't because of rolling shutter on the video camera. A tripod would be the most optimal method but I am able to get clean focus stacks using the Olympus bracketing mode by keeping my hands very still and holding the object the subject is on. Sometimes I have to do more correction in post when stacking if I was not very steady. I hope this answered your question 😁I will make a more in depth video on stacking in the future.

[@davidf6326]

@@JamieSpensley Thanks for the explanations - you've obviously got steadier hands than me.

[@p382742937423y4]

What is the photostack tool ?

[@JamieSpensley]

The bracketing mode on my olympus which is basically where the camera takes several photos while turning the focus ring for me

[@p382742937423y4]

@@JamieSpensley ah, this is a camera option? I thought it was a physical add on to the camera. By the way, it looks like you have extremely steady hands. When i try to do this, with my 100mm laowa 2x macro, its impossible for me to control the composition.

[@wsnachum]

Bad and disappointing results. Better natural light!

[@karlgunterwunsch1950]

What a shame that you are ruining your images by using a flash... the stacks are bad too, very inconsistent and full of stacking artefacts (physics do prevent most stacks of natural subjects because of overlaps that are not continuous)...

[@JamieSpensley]

Each to their own

[@Sooch900]

Never understand comments like this…Ricky Gervais had a brilliant bit about someone seeing an add on a board for guitar lessons. “But I don’t want guitar lessons!!!” He called the guy offering guitar lessons to tell him that he didn’t want guitar lessons lol Great video Jamie and excellent images!

[@karlgunterwunsch1950]

@@Sooch900 That sounds as if you are clueless about macro photography, else you would see the horrible unnatural reflections and stacking artefacts. And my comments come from working as a technical editor for photography books, I hate it if someone presents half baked technique and all those noobs fall for the same mistakes.

[@Sooch900]

@@karlgunterwunsch1950 good thing we have experts such as yourself to let us know what’s good and what’s not.

[@ThomasP525]

@@karlgunterwunsch1950bore off