Insect Macro Photography - Episode 4

[@frankwalders]

It's also a bit what people say when they have been abducted by an alien, "suddenly I was in this completely purple environment and there were extreme white flashes of light and I heard strange sounds of creatures communicating"

[@Thankyou111]

Fabulous! 😊 I'd only seen maybe a dozen macro mirrorless videos, macro dsl videos. Those were all a few years ago. Now, I come here, and see THIS? This is all I need, in regards to planning. Lol thank you. You were having a lot of fun too!

[@ammoalamo6485]

Thank you for these very nice shots. I love shots with dew accentuating the subject. Your photo where dew magnifies the eye lenses of the insect is stunning, a prize-winner if ever I saw one.

[@popiemac4579]

I really like your videos and find them very helpful. Can you do a video for those of us at the very beginning of our learning? Show how to attach the flash, Raynox, and diffuser? What diffuser do you use? Also show how to set your flash. Is your flash on manual? How to set your Olympus camera for focus stacking would be helpful too. Thank you!!❤

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I'll definitely get around to making beginner videos soon and I'll mention all of the things you mentioned in the video

[@popiemac4579]

@@JamieSpensley thank you!

[@andrewchild1592]

​@@JamieSpensleyHi again Jamie, where did you purchase your hood and diffuser from please?

[@AkaiMiso]

​@@andrewchild1592 looks like Cygnustech to me.

[@pauladaniel9]

Hi, you really have fantastic macro shots. Congratulations, really great, can I ask you what setting you have for your flash? And what modes do you have on your camera, single shot or high-speed shot, thank you.

[@Mr.ReanuKeeves]

Holy cow! Your photos are amazing and really inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@jorgeperellobonus5214]

Hola me gusta mucho tu trabajo muchas gracias.utilzas fotos stacking o focus bracketing ¿

[@MatthewEvansFPV]

Great vid and results, just picked up the V350 myself and the Cygnus came earlier today - what zoom settings do you recommend to run on the flash, do you go as wide as possible to fill the entire diffuser or stick to lens length? I'm on an RF 100mm macro so unsure what to do!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! Use the lowest number. On the V350, I believe it is 12mm

[@markdubose1986]

This is really cool. I have never seen bugs so close and your shoots are amazing. Good job man.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@wolfgangjost5246]

Really great shots. For the beginners, can you please explain in detail how to focus when holding the camera with one hand and the subject in the other and maybe the color table. I thought that with the in-camera focus bracketing for the starting point of the sequence, you have to manually set the closest focus point. How do you do that? Also, can you explain how you choose aperture and shutter speed in manual mode? With histogram? ISO you have set to the "native" ISO 200. Sorry for all the questions. I'm a little confused at the moment. Thank you very much!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I'll be sure to cover all that in a future video 😉

[@fupston824]

Great photos and helpful tips again. It's a scorpion fly at the 8:45 mark, probably a Panorpa species. They are from the order Mecoptera (a very ancient group of insects, more than 250 million years old, possibly ancestors to butterflies & moths, caddis flies, two-wing flies, and fleas), with their very distinctive beak-like head with the jaws at the bottom end. In UK species the end of the male abdomen is often turned up rather like a scorpion tail - but it's harmless!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! That's the name. I always forget what they are called. They are very cool looking bugs

[@andresdcastrol4094]

"i´ve just watched my photo fly away" hahahaha love it! been there!

[@JamieSpensley]

The most frustrating thing about macro 😂

[@JohnnyCap126]

Do you manually stack all of those images? Or do you use photoshops auto aligning and stacking stuff?

[@andrewchild1592]

Hi Jamie, just found your channel.. excellent. Would you consider doing a Macro for Beginners video I've only got a Nikon D5600 and a Sigma f2.8 105mm macro lens with an SB - 700 speedlight. Not sure what diffuser and post editting program I should get. Absolutely brilliant content 👍

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I'll definitely make some beginner videos soon. I'd recommend getting the Cygnustech diffuser. For editing, I use Lightroom and Photoshop. And for focus stacking I use Zerene Stacker.

[@andrewchild1592]

@@JamieSpensley Thanks 🙏🙏

[@ElanioBro]

Thank you so much for your videos, loving the progression. May I ask what you use for your background cards?

[@JamieSpensley]

They are some A5 coloured pieces of paper I got from a random arts and crafts shop

[@billyboy3869]

What do use to process the stack Jamie, Pukka images.

[@kimmh0930]

cool! It's been years since I started taking pictures, but your way of shooting is amazing. Macro photography as I knew it was made with a tripod, special lighting, and a huge lens. It's amazing how simple it is. How do you do focusstack with handheld? I reflect on the past days when I was obsessed with equipment.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I use focus bracketing which automatically turns my focus ring for me while taking images. I then press the shutter again to stop the process. I have to stay very still for this to work and sometimes I get motion blur depending on the scene

[@davidjohnmartin821]

Excellent work, and great idea with the colour card for the background 👍

[@propanemane]

When you do focus stacking are you just remaining still and allowing the camera to adjust the focal plain, or are you moving the camera closer/further away?

[@JamieSpensley]

I use automatic focus bracketing which means I just stay still. And then I stack those frames in Zerene Stacker on my PC. Sometimes I do manual brackets where I move closer/further away

[@propanemane]

@@JamieSpensley Thanks! Do you find it harder to get results moving the camera manually? I've just started in macro and don't have a focus stacking option on my camera

[@MSACoachMike]

Have you considered purchasing a Wimberley Plamp II positionable arm to hold your card in position to free up your left hand?

[@JamieSpensley]

I've seen a lot of other macro photographers use them. I think I'll try them out at some point

[@jennywolf2976]

Hello, great photos here, but I am just wondering if these little animals are not disturbed by all these bright lights and even suffered from them ? 😅 I love nature and when I take pictures I like to act very smoothly ❤

Great photos, Jamie. Thank you very much!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you 👍

[@123keswick]

Amazingly detailed photos.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@smkunder1]

Great video! I assume you are focusing bracketing and not stacking. I get confused with which is which

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! I focus bracket in camera and then focus stack in post using zerene stacker

[@ChrisDayPhotography]

Great video and amazing images. As someone who has kids your age I'm also impressed you get up that early!!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I'm impressed at myself for waking up that early 😂 I don't get up early that often lol

[@deborahhammond8576]

Great stuff. What flash and diffuser are you using please. I have OM1 and macro lens and want to start with flash. Also when you are bracketing up to 70;shots what stacking software are you us8 g please

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! I use the Godox v350o with the Cygnustech diffuser (all linked in the description) and I use Zerene Stacker for focus stacking.

[@DavidCrooksPhotos]

@@JamieSpensley There is no link for the Cygnustech

[@MariusCicu]

Very good photos. Which Olympus camera do you use since the lens? Do you have an adapter or something or how do you see them so clearly? Well done, I hope I get to do something like that someday.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! Olympus OM-D EM-1 MK II, Olympus 60mm. They look very clear because I focus stack.

[@rogersteele9890]

Awesome macro shots, how do you focus stack when hand holding?

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I go out early in the morning to get still subjects and I rest my arms on my body or legs for stability. I also hold the plant the subject is on to keep that still.

[@fujiuser1968]

Just stumbled across your channel,very impressive indeed..I have an E-M1 Mk 1 and have just got an fully manual speedlight that will go down to 1/64 and maintain fast burst for a few seconds.. out of curiosity,what lenses do you use for your macro,and is there 1 you would recommend for a beginner to it ?

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! I always use the Olympus 60mm. For a beginner, the Pergear 60mm f/2.8 MK2 is amazing for its price and offers more magnification than the Olympus 60mm.

[@fujiuser1968]

@@JamieSpensley Thank You

[@rycaon]

I enjoyed the video Where can I buy the flash diffuser in the video?

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! You have to message Cygnustech on Instagram to buy one.

[@paulm4229]

Fantastic shots pro level Would you consider doing a tutorial with your canon setup I have a canon 5d mark 4 Also a start to finish tutorial of your editing steps Thanks for your videos P

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I will definitely make an editing video soon. I might do a video using my Canon setup in the future too.

[@Wellin220365]

Excellent video and pics 👍👍 what is your flash diffuser and where did you get it from?

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! Cygnustech diffuser. You have to DM him on Instagram to order one

[@interestings7866]

Hahah the flash strobbing just frying their little bug brains

[@kylekeller4689]

This is great macro photography content. Really enjoying the film style

[@JamieSpensley]

I'm glad you like it!

[@agepbiz]

Amazing photos!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@alexk7046]

Stunning stuff. I'm new to macro with a pretty similar setup and I can't imagine getting a decent 40 image stack. I'm doing every part of the stack manually lol b/c I suck with flashes. Can you do a quick tutorial on getting your flash to fire with the bracketing/stacking (not sure which you're using) without blackouts and half-blackouts and all that nonsense? Thanks!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I'm relatively new to large focus stacks and still learning. The flash I use is the Godox v350o and it has a lithium ion battery allowing it to fire away several shots without a problem. I use automatic focus bracketing which is where the camera automatically turns the focus ring for me while taking photos. I then stack them in Zerene stacker. There are a couple videos on my channel that go into this in more detail. But will for sure make more videos on my settings soon

[@claressarichardson1374]

The details of the photos are beautiful but the spiders seem to throw up their hands like “ aagghh, you’re blinding me!”

[@zac56607]

Hi, congratulations for the photos they are very beautiful, tell me where I can find the flash diffuser you have on your Olympus. Thank you Andrew from Italy

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! To get one, directly message Cygnustech on Instagram

[@alandimery3379]

Very nice video. I have the Olympus 60mm macro lens with the Raynox 150, but the Raynox is too big to fit on the 60mm. How do you fit your Raynox 250 to your 60mm lens please?

[@JamieSpensley]

I use a 46mm to 58mm step up ring

[@alandimery3379]

@@JamieSpensley thanks for getting back to me. I noticed that the thread of my Raynox 150 is 43mm. The lens is 46mm. So I have just ordered a 46mm to 43mm step down ring. I can then screw the Raynox in direct, without th he spring thingy ( I hope). I like your work btw.

[@cronas2]

Hi.. new to your page.. Great work.. May I ask what that diffuser is that you're using... looks great and so portable...thanks

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! I use the Cygnustech diffuser. To get one, you have to directly message Cygnustech on Instagram

[@MichalOlender]

Great photos brother and I enjoyed the video, keep it up!

[@JamieSpensley]

Appreciate it!

[@justiceformenboys]

Awesome images, thanks! What hood / diffuser do you use?

[@AkaiMiso]

Looks like Cygnustech to me.

[@justiceformenboys]

@@AkaiMiso Thanks, I think you're right, I'll contact them.

[@timbingham6419]

Really enjoying this content. What is the flash attachment that your using

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! Cygnustech diffuser

[@lastepisode8118]

Hello Can you share the links to the camera model, lens model, flash model and protective curtain you use? I will order.

[@JamieSpensley]

All the equipment I use is linked in the description. My setup is slightly different now compared to what you see in this video. If you go on one of my recent macro videos, such as '10 Minutes Of Early Morning Macro Photography', I'll have all my current gear linked in the description. But I still own the setup in this video and it is great!

[@xcruell]

I just found your channel mate, nice content! What do you use to edit the pictures? And what are your settings, especially at 6:40? I think that your noise reduction settings might be a bit too much, since i can notice that oil paint look in the details. Im sure the original raw had more detail, especially in the eyes! But thats just critique on a "high" level, solid pictures :) Edit: 8:18, i can see a few stacking artifacts. Try using less stacks, increase the shutter speed to 1/100-1/200 and your flash or (depending on your noise levels) iso if needed. That photo could easily be a single shot or a stack of 2-3, atleast from what took. I dropped you a sub m8!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks for the feedback! The image at 6:40 has no noise reduction. It looks okay on my computer, I think it appears softer in the video because of compression. For the second image, I went for a large stack and because I couldn't get stable, I ended up with a smaller stack. And in terms of the shutter, when using bracketing mode, my camera has a maximum shutter of 1/50

[@davidf6326]

'That photo could easily be a single shot or a stack of 2-3' - Have to say, I was thinking the same. Some really nice photos, but there seems to be massive overkill when it comes to the number of shots in the stacks.

[@mgame29]

How u r stacking all img in 1 img... can u share ur soft details

[@x_Kobo_x]

Nice Work. Where can i get these colour cards?

[@JamieSpensley]

Anywhere. I just went to a random art shop and got some A5 colour cards

[@kayhi9588]

At 4:08 is that other bug by the caterpillars head some type of aphid? The background color was an excellent choice, btw!

[@JamieSpensley]

Yes it is. Thank you!

[@victororo462]

I'm a total beginner. I have a dslr Canon, I have the macro rings, I'm about to get a flash. But what is the software side of macro photography? When you talk about image stacking. I understand why image stacking is done. I just don't know about how you stack them. With what software?

[@JamieSpensley]

I've got a video coming out soon about focus stacking. But I use Zerene Stacker and a lot of people also use Helicon Focus. You import your images into the software and the software stacks each frame together to get a stacked image with more of the subject in focus

[@victororo462]

@@JamieSpensley Thanks! Can't wait for the video!!!

[@ongongtv3216]

Cho tôi xin thông tin về cái tản sáng. Thanks ❤

[@gemiwala]

Was für Makro Objektiv benutzt du?

[@JamieSpensley]

Olympus 60mm. Link in description

[@mehmetyuksel9990]

what limitations handheld focus stack and bracket with olympus om-1?

[@randomstuff53078]

Do you always stack your own or let camera do it with stacking feature?

[@JamieSpensley]

Manually stack in Zerene Stacker

[@Sabbra]

amazing, how come you get this freaking sharp images with 1/50 hand held? stacking?

[@JamieSpensley]

The flash is freezing the motion but I still get blurry images if I move slightly so I have to stay extremely still

[@jjbio]

Congratulations! Your photos are amazing! Good job! I'd like to know how you're using a continuous sequence of photos with flash. Could you explain how you're maintaining the flash charge? Are you using an external battery to do it?

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I use a low power of 1/32 to 1/64 and the battery is really good on the v350o. No external battery

[@1965Ady]

I’m fascinated how you photostack like that in the field? Can you explain how it’s done please?

[@JamieSpensley]

I stay very still and use automatic focus bracketing which is basically where my camera turns the focus ring for me while taking images. I then have several frames which I can focus stack in Zerene Stacker later on

[@redhummer8166]

omg that s so cool broh.. really amazing shots love them🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@geevan10]

How do you focus so quickly..I am using Cannon 600D kit lens for Macro photography with Ranoys lens

[@JamieSpensley]

If you mean get the subject in focus, it's getting used to the distance between the subject and lens and just practice

[@cidron3843]

Greetings from Thailand. Great video and photos.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@klaustomasini]

Maybe: Chrysochus cobaltinus, cobalt milkweed beetle or blue milkweed beetle

[@鹏吴-j6g]

What is the model of camera diffuser and where can I buy it?

[@JamieSpensley]

Cygnustech. You have to direct message him on Instagram to buy one

[@Jay-sr8ge]

Amazing photos m8

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks!

[@barrymcalle7377]

Where did you get your flash diffuser from, great video by the way

[@AkaiMiso]

Looks like Cygnustech to me.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! Cygnustech on Instagram

[@Photo_doctor]

Using complementary color cars. Clever

[@geevan10]

Hi what lens do you use for Macro..

[@JamieSpensley]

Olympus 60mm f2.8

[@brauhaus]

Enjoyed the video - what are you using for the backgrounds? Anything special?

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I just use coloured card from a local craft shop. I've also started using microfiber cloths.

[@brauhaus]

@@JamieSpensley Awesome - thanks for the response! Love hearing about DIY bits like that!

[@HusseinKefel]

Well done Bro, you've captured impressive high quality macro photos keep it up. I'm your new subscriber now

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@Z750FTR]

Well done! with my equipment (nikon d750, z6ii and D500) with nikon 200 micro, and flash with diffuser these photos are totally impossible. in fact the insects are never motionless, but move their antennae, barbels etc etc. this produces the impossibility of any kind of stacking. if I then exceed the reproduction ratio of 1:1, it is practically impossible to do them freehand. 1mm of axis shift makes it impossible to perform any type of stacking. congratulations again!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! Not totally impossible with that setup. But the bracketing mode does save a lot of time and hassle for sure

[@fluffyandpuffy]

How are you able to stack so many images while shooting handheld?

[@JamieSpensley]

I stay very still and use automatic focus bracketing. Then stack those images in Zerene Stacker which allignes and stacks the images for me

[@fredpallu]

What are the settings to have this kind of stroboscopic flash ?

[@JamieSpensley]

All the settings I use are in the video I made called 'The Best Camera Settings For Macro Photography'

[@danielbachura710]

Can Olympus do photo bracketing with the flash on? In that case I can throw my R7 out the window :( Thx for answer

[@JamieSpensley]

It can and the Godox v350 can fire away hundreds of shots at a time too

[@frankwalders]

Wow amazing pictures! I really enjoyed it.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@jjcachado]

How is the stack possible with the machine in hand? Thks

[@JamieSpensley]

I stay extremely still and use automatic focus bracketing. Then I stack them images in post using focus stacking software.

[@shahfaisal3923]

nice and beautiful photography. Love n Respect from Afghanistan.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@the_colombian3w]

Loved it ! awesome photos Sr.!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@911Polini]

what zoom setting u use for the 60mm AUTO or Manual ?

[@JamieSpensley]

If by zoom you mean focus, then I always use manual and set my magnification by turning the focus ring.

[@911Polini]

hi i mean the zoom setting on the flash..@@JamieSpensley

[@JamieSpensley]

@@911Polini I use the lowest number which I think is 12

[@philomenanunes7258]

i love your work. Thank you for the videos

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks!

[@bee9651]

Can I ask where was this walk please?

[@JamieSpensley]

Brueton Park

[@michael-mvtd]

Great video! I notice when you're shooting a stack, your flash fires quickly at first and then slows, presumably b/c the recycle time starts to go up for the V350 and not b/c of you releasing the exposure button and then pressing again. Do you know if the OM/Olympus branded flash (700WR) can fire a faster, longer series? (more costly though of course )

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! The recycle time is amazing on this flash. I can shoot thousands of images without it firing a blank. The only time I've had a problem is when I took hundreds of images one after the other and my flash overheated. But apart from that I would recommend

[@snowhite1qazse4]

noob question... why do you need to image stack? is it for resolution? how could the flash sync so many times?

[@JamieSpensley]

To get more of the subject in focus. The flash has a lithium ion battery and I use a low power output

[@MichoCoban]

Some outstanding shots here :)

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks!

[@polanialmoni6274]

I just got the oly 60 2.8 macro and Im not sure how to get maximum closeup ratio. I. Have the e-p7. The 1/1 dial on the lens won't stay it will go back, it seems to do nothing.. can somone explain how to get best results for small flowers and insects with this lens? It seems i have to be like 10 cm from the Insect, I'm. New to macro I think it is too close for them no? Also for me Im stressed and don't like bugs haha. I have the Canon R and I wonder if a ff macro lens will be better from a longer distance than this m43 setup?

[@roelandscheeren3599]

where can you bay your differ cap?

[@JamieSpensley]

If you are talking about the diffuser, that is a Cygnustech diffuser. Message Cygnustech on Instagram to get one

[@klackon1]

Gorgeous shots.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks!

[@ganngamtangjang5797]

Sir what diffuser you are using

[@JamieSpensley]

Cygnustech diffuser

[@ganngamtangjang5797]

@@JamieSpensley What's the cost ❓❓

[@JamieSpensley]

@@ganngamtangjang5797 £100

[@DavidCrooksPhotos]

You can up the shutter speed to like 1/250th of a second with the flash...

[@JamieSpensley]

When I'm in bracketing mode, it limits my shutter to 1/50. But if I'm not using that, then 1/250 it is

[@therearetoomanytomatoes]

Great shots!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks!

[@533K3R]

really nice photos and commitment

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you!

[@mike.photography]

Complimenti!

[@kennyk4134]

Fantastic shots, im just starting in macro with the cannon m50 but you've convinced me to get the olympus om .

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! What setup have you got with the m50 currently?

[@kennyk4134]

@JamieSpensley im using the 28mm f3.5 macro but finding the working distance too small .

[@JamieSpensley]

@@kennyk4134 Small working distance can be annoying. The m50 is a good camera. Only main difference between that and the Olympus is that Olympus has automatic focus bracketing and image stabilisation.

[@olololo5940]

Hi! Great video! What’s your setup and settings actually? Can you share this for us please?

[@axelfoo1]

How come your flash flashes so many times in sequence? On my Nikon, it flashes a maximum of three times in a row and then loses power.

[@JamieSpensley]

I use 1/32 to 1/64 power most of the time and the flash has a lithium ion battery so it can last a lot longer then AA batteries for example

[@anitahorvatirl]

did you use flash for a spider that you focustacked with canon 90d, i am using that and i cant figure it out how to set up the flash with focus bracketing. if you know how please help 🤗

[@JamieSpensley]

Yes I did. Make sure silent shutter is off and set the flash to manual. I'm not sure about the bracketing mode on the Canon menus but I'm sure there is a tutorial out there.

[@tiktokfavorite3070]

Great videos, i prefer using my laowa manual focus for macro.for me Thete is no fun shooting in auto

[@dwightk.schrute5291]

The flash of the camera is not good for small animals. Right?

[@kimmh0930]

I know you're afraid of lightning. Right?

[@mike568]

Wich camera 📷 ?

[@JamieSpensley]

Olympus omd Em1 mark ii with the Olympus 60mm macro

[@IvanVazquezS]

Well, I must say the photos are really nice, but I feel a bit discouraged because you basically have ALL the top equipment for macro haha Olympus M1 ii with auto bracketing (1k USD) luckily it's not the M1 iii (2k USD) Macro lens WITH autofocus (600 USD) Raynox 250 (70 USD) Cygnustech macro diffuser (150 USD) Godox V350o (150 USD) plus some other tiny extras like colored sheets. Damn, When I grow up I hope I can afford all that 🤣. I will continue with my normal camera, manual focus lens, self made diffuser and cheap flash!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! You can get great images with cheaper gear. Thomas Shahan is a great example. I started off with a Canon 1300d and got a great deal on a used Canon 100mm macro. Gear does make some things easier though 😂

[@orifoto]

Very relaxing. I love your videos. 😃

[@JamieSpensley]

Glad you like them!

[@saturnaliahawking]

Me encantan tus videos, podrias decirme los parametros que usas en el flash, modo manual, ttl o multi, gracias.

[@JamieSpensley]

Thank you! I use manual mode on the flash and I typically use a flash power between 1/16 and 1/64.

[@razibbaf]

Very nice! Keep it up buddy!

[@JamieSpensley]

Thanks! Will do!

[@lirizkilirizkirano8558]

hallo..i from malaysia..i like fotografy macromy camera sx70hs canon and nikon p1000.. i like video2 macro....tq.