Insect Macro Photography - My Simple Technique Fully Explained

[@robinwong]

A fun fact - this video is an expansion, or a spin-off from the original macro photography video done by my friend from Finland, Matti Sulanto. You can go and view the original video done by Matti about a year ago here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6TKd4NmjLZgl6s And yes, I made a guest appearance in that video too, sharing briefly the same wireless flash off camera technique for macro shooting as demonstrated in this video.

[@EXTRAPLAYER3000]

I'm secretly hoping you do a video of all your previous tutorials found on your blog.

[@simonheereman1616]

Ok, Robin - this is it, I finally subscribed. Not because of your (very good) advice, but because of your initial comment on respectful behaviour. Show, what kind of human being you are. Beautiful. Thank you :-)

[@TheMastaPlan]

i LOVE the intro and how you start it off by telling people to PLEASE respect their environment/homes. Thank you!

[@fsi2274]

Enjoyed that. Respecting the insects and their environment, is so important. The practices that are being used by certain photographers is shocking, and their reasoning, even worse.

[@robinwong]

I fully agree with you, the worst I heard was bringing the insects home and have them frozen in the freezer so they can't move. And during defrosting, they get the water droplets all over the insects for added impact shots. They claimed this did not harm the insects because they were cold blooded. To me, we harm them the moment we touch them!

[@fsi2274]

@@robinwong That's exactly my thoughts on it. Thank you

[@basanthkumar8707]

@@robinwong whaaaatt . People are sick , how did they get an idiotic thought of that kind¯\_ಠ_ಠ_/¯

[@davidmccornack8009]

Thank You Robin, your enthusiasm is contagious, I enjoyed this !

[@Lizerator]

Thanks for showing all the steps so clearly!

[@simoncox4788]

Thank you for the energy, inspiration and expertise for great macro

[@rogercarroll1663]

Great work. Thank you. Amazing photographs. The remote light is super.

[@swansong007]

I can’t believe you hand held with one hand and got such sharp images. Amazing. I would need a tripod !

[@ropee92]

I love nature .love photography ty for sharing this vidio🙏 new subscriber here from the philippines

[@Yoda2422]

Im just getting into photography and i watch your Videos as a guide and i think your'e doing a great job.

[@OMARZAKIALIRAQEY]

nice thx

[@stevieb7121]

Excellent Robin! You make macro look so simple..... and I know, from experience, it's certainly not. Really enjoyed this video and it gives me something to aspire to. Thank you.

[@uTPH1]

Thank you Robin some really good tips there. Only I would add is on my E-M10ii I also turned on Live View Boost to On1 which then helps to see the subject in low light conditions using manual and fast shutter+high f number.

[@largophoto]

Robin..thank you for sharing ...my initial adventure into MFT was about 10 years ago...EPL6 ..even bought the AIR...for the solar eclipse...i thought I would do an up grade to the OM5 and pair it with the 60mm macro.. I remember your awesome images and guessed that you had done a review on this set up...and here it is ,,thank you again

[@MsSaka100]

Love the white spider and web photo!! And thank you for asking people to do their photography in a way that respects nature!

[@Mark-ks9jj]

Great video Robin great info as usual well delivered. Particularly useful for us micro 4/3rds shooters.

[@bohyahsnacks]

Thank you. Great video and explanation. Nice shots.

[@garryneil753]

Robin Thank you for this and all your videos. You are an excellent teacher AND an excellent photographer.

[@nakedcongress1741]

Wow! I actually watched your latest macro video first, and followed the link to this one. Really great with all the technical tips! Thank you 🙏 Now I have to get out and practise, fail and practice - over and over again 💪

[@matthuusgt8001]

Subscribed right away this dude sounds so nice🙂

[@GRAFHC]

Your pictures are phenomenal! This is the sort of photography I really want to get into, right now all I have is a Panasonic Lumix LX10 and a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Snap-On Lens, which I hold in place using a Magfilter. But so far I've been unable to capture anything as crisply as I would like. I'm afraid I might have to sell my gear and upgrade.

[@bensamkavitz7680]

I appreciate the tips I can’t wait to try out some micro photography myself

[@sharafatzafar9671]

Sir I am your big fan and always followed yours channel I am also insects photographer

[@kokenhammer]

I am a hunter, and Conservationist, I also love my Olympus camera and gear. Your tutorials are a great help, I am very appreciative of your commitment. Now that I am retired I can spend much more time outdoors getting great pics. Thanks again mate.

[@florianmenges934]

You are the best macro photograph. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@bdssoaz]

Amazing photos Mr. Wong! Thanks for the nice tips! 👍

[@robinwong]

Thanks Bruno, glad you like the video!

[@smkunder1]

Love seeing you in video, helps to see your techniques in action

[@robinwong]

Thanks Steve! I thought so too, hope the video helps!

[@smothiee6538]

Cool video bro. Loved that intro, specially when you spoke about respecting nature.

[@ScottAtwood]

I love insect macro photography, and I seriously envious that you live so close to such charismatic little critters!

[@wawanbalik]

Love your enthusiasm Robin. Cheers from Singapore!

[@carlwheeler2774]

Great video Robin. You must have an amazing area where so many bugs reside! My woods here in Pennsylvania, USA does not compare at all. I’m not afraid of bugs, just don’t have any so easily found. Thanks for the tips. BTW, I too still use my FL50 flash with great results too!

[@robinwong]

Malaysia is tropical, so we have insects crawling everywhere. Can be a nuisance too!

[@ricardomir2363]

Incredibly useful to me, Robin. Thank you sooo much 🙏😊

[@cittern]

Muy buen vídeo. Muchas gracias.

[@wetcolorsgo]

Thank you a lot for this! Amazing work and tips! Thank you!

[@robinwong]

My pleasure to do this! Glad you have found the video useful. Keep shooting!

[@KiLLJOY1056]

Insect Macro is the only thing I use my phone camera for and the only reason I buy the Pro iPhones. I love this photography so much. It's truly nature's artwork.

[@Centauri27]

Your techniques are basic but your results are outstanding. I cannot wait to try your wirelesss macro method!

[@moccy]

Robin, I've been religiously following your blog ever since I switched to OMD system 4 yrs ago. It's very pleasant to see you on video with the very tips I need for great insect photo shoot. Awesome tips!

[@robinwong]

Thanks for visiting my blog, I am glad you found me here too. It was a pleasure doing the video and am glad I could help out. Do go out and shoot more!

[@moccy]

@@robinwong I will! Can I ask your opinion on the Olympus STF-8 compared to your current setup using wireless flash?

[@robinwong]

@@moccy I have not used the STF-8 before, and am keen to try. The STF-8 is a fixed position flash so it may not be as flexible as my wireless technique where I can move he flash anywhere I want it to.

[@moccy]

@@robinwong Thanks Robin for the fast reply! You're right, it can't reach out some hidden areas. Btw, how do you manage to shoot macro with one hand? Do you use the 1:1 magnification or with any magnifier? I've struggled with 2 hands not to mention 1 hand! Awesome shots, Robin!

[@robinwong]

@@moccy most of the bugs that I shoot do not require full 1:1 magnification. Except the super tiny white spider for example. Yes I admit it is not easy!

[@geoffclinton8575]

I do enjoy your videos, its great that a real photographer breaks the establishment rules in order to get the shot. To many non practical people out there. In an Emergency I have used my smart phone LED to illuminate a small insect. Also despite the usual rule of expose to the right in order to get an increase in shutter speed in poor light I have exposed to the left and recovered highlights in after processing. It better to compromise than not get any shot at all.

[@MukilteoSailor]

Robin, great video. You make this look so easy :). You got some great shots with this video. I am looking forward to trying some of these techniques out.

[@robinwong]

It is not too difficult once you are used to the technique, but I understand this may not be suitable for everyone. Give it a try, who knows it may work for you!

[@kungula]

great pics for handheld Macro Photography, I normally try to use focus stacking with my E-M1 ii which gives you bit more depth of field and you can use f 4 or even f 2.8. But then you need a tripod which is not always possible of course and it will not work with the flash.

[@deathbyflowerpot8542]

GREAT content!! Love your channel keep doing this

[@Oldfogey2014]

Great pictures...I'm amazed you didn't use a tripod.

[@terser]

Great shots! Subscribed!

[@cerio79]

Inspiras amigo Wong, un abrazo desde Sinaloa, México.

[@craigb8379]

Hi Robin, I’m curious about your flash set-up. Hi know you use off-camera with both hand-held. Do you use the small flash that comes with the camera to trigger the full-size flash, or do you use a controller? I have the FL-700WR and don’t know whether to get the radio controller or just use the optical trigger, which I realise has limitations. Cheers, Craig

[@rivieramacro5240]

Very nicely put together video !

[@robinwong]

Thanks!

[@andyp1170]

Hi Robin. Thank you for the macro photo video. I really enjoyed it and am trying out with my Olympus camera and flash setting. I have synchronized the external FL-50R with the FL-LM3 attached to the camera body. When I hit the camera shutter release button, both the FL-LM3 (has it on the 'ON' switched mode) and the FL-50R flashes. Is this what it is supposed to do? Please help. I'm very excited to go out and shoot some bugs. Thank you.

[@lio7065]

I love your videos and how you share your wonder for nature! I am just starting my journey in the macro photography world and about to get a new mirrorless camera. Was thinking Nikon z6 mark ii but now I wonder if an Olympus like yours might be better 🤔

[@seanc8054]

ive been sneaking out in the middle of the day time with a big umbrella , i use it to block the sun, so my flash can freeze the subject, because ..i'm using an olympus camera too, but ...it's an olympus E-420, i found this camera at a thrift shop and it's like new, i think it was made in 2008, it only has 10 megapixles but for such an old camera it has SO many features i wouldnt have thought i would find on it, it's really a fantastic dslr imo, i bought an adapter to use some vintage minolta lenses on it, i'm waiting for it to arrive in the mail, this is an old video i know but i was excited because hes using an olympus too lol

[@hankfoto]

Robin or do you prefer Mr. Wong? I I miss the Tropical Forest (Jungle), However Living in High Desert of New Mexico I have found other things to use my Macro lens on. One day I would like to return to Vietnam to see the Jungle once again. I am from the old film days but, have, moved forward to the Digital age. I enjoyed your Video.

[@MichaelGerrard]

Thanks for the excellent video Robin!

[@1solorainforest]

Beautiful photos ❣️ 😍

[@ianjamiesonmusic]

Thanks for the help

[@Sunshineleroy]

Recently I purchased the Oly 60mm f2.8 lens. Looking forward to learning this art of macro. Thanks!!

[@ilikeboys2944]

Yea this guy is good. He doesn’t do anything WONG

[@SethAllanAmes]

Man, I want to hang out with you so bad. You seem like a great friend.

[@SaiPixels]

Fabulous job

[@davethephotographynerd4511]

I found this quite helpful.

[@JoshxIZ]

I love that white spider & web picture

[@SamuelMasieroOficial]

awesome video😆

[@robjeeves]

Wow. Such a great video and images Robyn. I’m expecting delivery of my 60mm Olympus macro today after viewing your review. No better time to stay home and learn macro. Thanks for sharing your tips

[@artl52]

Thanks for all you do, Robin. You're a great explainer. In my Nikon days I used the 200mm macro lens. Then in my Canon days (until recently) I used the Canon 100mm macro lens. I like the extra working distance. I am waiting for the Olympus 100mm macro. I will buy it the moment it is available. Any idea when this will become available?

[@davidhodson5086]

Excellent videos Robin, so useful. You refer to being able to keep the separate images before the stacking. Are these kept in the usual place?

[@ngyalalani]

amazing

[@veedubrep]

Great video thanks for sharing! 👍🏿

[@javiercasalderrey9905]

Fantástic!!!

[@mattisulanto]

Great video and great photos as usual. I wish we can do macro together some day soon😀

[@robinwong]

If you are bringing your G9 over, or any Micro Four Thirds camera, I may have additional macro lenses for you. We can help each other hold wirelesss flash! If you choose to use this technique of course. There are many ways to get a macro shot.

[@mattisulanto]

@@robinwong Let's see, but I'm sure we are going to have fun.

[@sharonnahill3578]

Thank you for another great video, Robin. I wonder. Could you tell me if the little flash that comes with my old em1 markiii will trigger a good tt350 or godox v8620 or even a olympus FL700WR? Sorry for the question. I know nothing about flashes and the terminology is new to me.

[@nelsonnico5196]

Hi, as always your photos are stunning.. May i know at what power do you set your flash?

[@rooch11]

Thanks! ☺️🍃🐞

[@PuchoWebSolutions]

Hello from New York City! How did you mix flash and ambient light? Especially the different color temperatures. Thank you for informative vide.

[@JM-vw1dk]

HELP - I'm interesting in buying the following, but can't find them: * FL-50R is discontinued. Is there a suitable (small) replacement, or should I get one used? * "Gamilight mini square softbox" doesn't pull up anything on the internet. Do you mean Gamilight Box 21 with small mount?

[@bertoburaot]

Hey Robin is this little flash is capable of triggering the godox v680III? thanks

[@jonzwikk1582]

Very nice shots! How do you find all these cool bugs?

[@cocoaartisanchocolatiermar9213]

Hello and thank you for all your so good explanations and tips. One question : witch Gamilight Box 21 Portable Soft Box are you using the Small Mount or Large mount. I have a godox TT685O.

[@zarrir]

Beautiful! What is the flash sync speed of this camera?

[@extremelydave]

Respect the insects, it's their home.... well said Robin, we all need to understand and practice this. Mankind has made too many things extinct already and it looks like we are far from finished : (

[@JimiCanRead]

Wow that tiny tiny spider is so cool and its web is really interesting!!! I wonder what species it is, do you know?

[@manuz2700]

Hi Robin, thank you for your video, big fun! I suppose you have a flash on your camera, i wonder why you are nit using it with a difuser? I am considering to buy the lens

[@portiaPH]

what did you use for focus setting here Robin? Thank you.

[@hankfoto]

We must remember they were here Long before us! We are visitors to this little world!

[@kleijn.w]

You are a Great teacher. I just order my 60mm macro lens. I have try do macro but i think 90% is out of focus. Sometime i move or the bug move in the wind. And than i see you make the shoot white one hand. I have i long wat to go.

[@VedranG]

Hi Robin Enjoy your content always. Just wondering when you use flash. Do you use ttl or manual and what are your starting points. Thankyou for all your efforts.

[@mariosn70]

What setting do you have on Flash? Do you use it manual? TTL? Auto?

[@meditationdaily1129]

so if you are shooting at 2.8 do you move your focus of the sequential images by eye or do you use a tripod? im honestly confused what's the best way to do insect macro and whether focus stacking is better than simply going to f16 or f18

[@romualdb5968]

Hi Robin.. I have question : do you use focus peaking in macro? I tried to set it to a button but I'm not sure it really worked... Maybe I activated something that make focus peaking doesn't work?

[@ultimosdias-findelacosecha]

OG this is great! I've 🐝 looking for this type of tutorials.. actually I have an important Q about this.... Can I use a macro 105 mm lens to shoot this kind ok pictures?? I have a Nikon D750 ... I wish I could shoot one day like you do!🙂

[@mynamesjudge]

Is the Olympus 30mm macro lens any good for insect and flower macros? The 60mm is a little out of my price range right now but I'm looking to get some practice taking macro shots.

[@angelalaundy9586]

Hi Robin love your videos! Are your images in this video stacked ? How did you get the whole subject in focus because I find it almost impossible ( I am new to macro photography) Thanks.

[@fredtherio5213]

Hi Robin! I very love you macro photography!!! Do you have a link to purchase Gamilight mini square softbox you use in this video?? Thank you! :)

[@melvinhardy6684]

Does the fl lm3 fire of camera flash on the olympus em1 mkiii

[@bellasvistas3463]

I have the same flash FL50r. Using the OMD EM1 MK2 the RC mode doesn't seem to work. If I try to use the FL50r as a slave it seems to be out of sync (RC IC off).

[@jeffdrew625]

Inspiring!

[@jerrylewis4898]

Tha for this video Robin, could you tell me how you use the focus limiter dial on the 60mm lens?

[@Sikhislove]

Robin nice shooting ..love your straps where you get them

[@robinwong]

It was from Lazada, an online store in Malaysia. The item is something brandless from China, very cheap tho.

[@leGrand-Nord]

which focussing points are you using when macro shooting , spot , multi points , etc... ?

[@EvanBear]

We are mere observers as photographers and that is how it should be.

[@wilhelmienmarti2321]

Great explanation mr. Wong! I wonder i have a canon speedlite 430 ex ll i tried to get it work but didnot succeed, do you know if it’s possible?

[@betohs]

Allyou need ITS practice....watch others videos ...AND you Will found they way you feel comfortable

[@ilikeboys2944]

He’s so good he doesn’t do anything WONG

[@themutecollector1680]

P U

[@bercast40]

I plan to buy this lens for my G85, I am wondering if adding extensions tubes on the lens it's a good idea to get better magnification, what do you think ?

[@yourtallness]

Check out Raynox macro lenses