Macro Photography for Beginners - Complete Tutorial

[@MicaelWidell]

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[@zeejimi4044]

A neighbour of mine is a highly talented photographer, and - still in the days of analogue photography / slides - my wife and I were invited to his house in the evening. He showed us some slides projected onto a screen which consisted of macro photographs of a single bloom of a red amaryllis : they were ASTOUNDINGLY BEAUTIFUL, and he used music to accentuate the impact of the individual images !!! His equipment was from Leica and it was possible to see even the microscopically tiny hairs of the flower on what looked like a bright red ski slope. Truly very impressive !!!

[@d.k.1394]

Sounds lovely

[@ernestthomas9406]

thanx much Michael, doing something different, I do lots of street & urban photography, now I'm dipping my toe in macro photography, and you gave me a good starting point!

[@paulstickley4819]

Good advice and pretty much how I shoot. The only thing I would add is that a high megapixel camera will enable the user to crop in more and therefore shoot from further away. This helps with depth of field, working distance and enables the use of autofocus in many cases. I have shot with 12 MP, 24MP and 42MP cameras and all are ok but the 42 MP does have advantages. Having said that, I got great results even with the 12MP camera.

[@mikesmith3235]

Great advice - I used to get obsessed with getting super close but with enough pixels you can lay off back a bit and just crop away which helps a bunch of things as you say👌

[@nostalgiatime0]

Don't shoot the insects💀!

[@d.k.1394]

All you said is sooo true

[@lazyeagle6035]

I consider myself "experienced" as a photographer but not in macro. I can say this whole videos echoes my thoughts on macro and also a wonderful, easy to digest instruction into the discipline. Thanks much for the video and taking the time to explain why you don't need to spend a million dollars to get into another style.

[@skellyrocker]

Thank you so much for this video. I bought a macro lens about 3 years ago without much of a clue how to use it. After some miserable attempts it ended up in a drawer. After watching your video I hauled it out along with my speed light and used some of your tips. Results, while not perfect, have certainly got me hooked on this type of photography and photography in general now I have a base that I can work from to improve. Thanks again.

[@__entiendo]

Your experiment showing how an extension tube works was amazing. I always wondered how extension tubes were so cheap but your experiment showed me how simple they are and why you lose so much light when using them.

[@glennhunt2375]

Been into macro photography for a few years now but always find it good to get back to basics every now and again just to pick up one or two tips that may have been forgotten - a very clear and well presented tutorial there Micael. 👍

[@MicaelWidell]

Happy you like it 🙂

[@cyclist68]

Possibly the best breakdown of this subject that I have seen on YT. Well done.

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you, this comment warms my heart :)

[@rbuenafe100]

Thank you for explaining macro photography for beginners. Many years ago, I was big into photography when digital photography was non existent. Getting the itch again and want to get back into it. Lately, I've been fascinated with fungi macro photography. It's like another world. I already have my Fujifilm XT-3 and just need a macro lens. Subscribed!

[@MicaelWidell]

Great to hear!

[@vintage_lenses9878]

Alltid lär man sig något nytt av dig. "Setting effect off" är någonting jag inte visste. Tack för det tipset Micael

[@vaflooo]

Great video for beginners. Clear, step by step and in very nice manner. Thank you very much!

[@noCap_TV]

Absolutely great video. Your calm and nice way of talking and your positive charisma made it easy to follow these essential tips. It helped a ton. Thank you so much 🤘🏼

[@H_Oscarsson]

@19:21 I found that using a monopod as support helps a bit with shaky pictures.

[@protarget1]

Brill vid, and thanks. I got a sony A6000 with the 16-50mm kit lens, I bought two AF extension tubes 16 mm and 10mm, £10. I had problems with the depth of field , and you explained it perfectly.👍👍👍 BTW a better flash than the Meike MK 320, is the Godox TT 350. it's just as small as the meike 320. It has a GN of 35. full range of head movement, including backwards. Sync up to 1/8000. TTL/Manual/Multi. each mode can be used as a master or slave. It has a deffuser protector cap and the normal pull out deffuser/white bounce card on the flash head. At this present time on Amazon UK, the Godox is cheaper than the Meike. Again a brill and I'm subscribed 👍😊

[@mishausoltsev2673]

Thank you! This is a very useful material for those new to macro photography.

[@runningwithscissors3280]

I copied / emulated your flash setup using the Godox X2T-S TTL (wireless controller) + the Godox TT600 (flash unit) using a diffuser and the difference in the quality of insect and flower macro is absolutely astonishing. I've only had it setup for an hour but took some great sleeping bee shots. Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MicaelWidell]

Nice 😊

[@ganainm2025]

I'm just starting out in macro photography and found this video very helpful. Thank you!

[@dhauraney]

I'm an experienced photographer but a complete newbie when it comes to macro work. I found your video very helpful so thanks very much for taking the time to make it!

[@CarlPlamondon]

Thank you Micael for your tips on the macro. Once again, compact cameras are forgotten. Next to my Nikon D500 used for landscapes or birds, I persist in using a simple, affordable and very powerful compact camera Olympus TG-5 (TG-6 is the latest version). I know my review will arouse the skepticism of readers who claim that a $450 compact with a built-in lens cannot produce the image quality of more sophisticated DSLR or mirrorless cameras with expensive lenses and accessories. And yet, it is the opposite! Here is. My hiking buddies and I have been sharing our photos of flowers, mushrooms and insects for a few years. One uses a Nikon D500 + AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens and the other a Nikon D4S + AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED lens. Despite their equipment and their long experience, they are unable to capture the ocular facets of a weevil (Anthonomus quadrigibbus) for example) as I do with this Olympus. And the depth of field? And the focus? Here are the benefits I've noted of this compact aptly marketed as a "macro machine". Depth of field. The small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS sensor of this Olympus generates a much greater depth of field than the Nikons of my friends. And this, even if they use a low aperture. Photos with the Olympus give a wider depth of field although generally captured between f/2.8 and f/5.6. Processor. At the heart of the TG-5 and TG-6 is the same high-end TruePic VIII processor also nestled in the Olympus OMD EM1 Mk II (body only costs €1500). Focus peaking. To perfect manual focus, a highlight is displayed on the sharpest areas of the image. Focus stacking. Focus stacking performs very well even without a tripod, just leaning against the ground or a tree. The precision and depth of field obtained are astonishing even at 1/30 sec. Macro lens. The macro lens is actually the one already integrated into the body. Its range is 25-100mm (35mm equivalent) for f/2.0 - f/4.9. Working distance. My argument will differ from most photographers. I prefer a lens that has the shortest working distance. Thus, the Olympus TG-5 allows a 1 cm approach to the lens. Many insects are not shy and tolerate such closeness. For the the most fearful, with patience, they can also be captured very closely. For this, I start my shots at a good distance then I approach very gradually and I pose, approach, pose and approach again. Sometimes the subject flies away, but often it stops moving again and tolerates me more. To this end, I remember this maxim: "The subject must be given time to get used to our presence." Magnification. Along with optical magnification, sensor and subject size, keeping the working distance as short as possible is essential in the equation if you want to capture detailed shots of very small subjects. The Olympus TG-5 and TG-6 have the highest magnification rate of any camera currently available on the market. Auxiliary lighting. A flash diffuser attached to the perimeter of the lens (ring shape) provides a soft and uniform light and will reduce exposure time, therefore camera shake. Olympus FD-1 at €55. Video. In addition to shooting in 4K, a slow motion mode allows you to shoot in HD definition at 240 frames per second (720p). The beatings of insect wings are then tasty. I avoid 480 frames per second, which is a bit noisy. Maneuverability. In addition to its small body, the small size of the Olympus is due to the reduced and non-protruding lens diameter and by the absence of windscreen, extension ring and other accessories. Many times, I was able to take pictures in places too cramped for the bulky cameras of my friends. Quality/price/performance. A well-kept secret for some, merits shunned by others, this rudimentary-looking compact proves to be one of the most efficient for macro photography. May I send you some pics to prove it? Cheers.

[@GregShaw]

Great video, your video's from a few years ago helped me get into macro photography. I stopped for the last 18 months and am now getting back into it, so this was a great refresher video and I learnt a few new things too, especially around aperture as I would tend to stick to F10 for most of my shots with the Lawoa 100mm x2 lens

[@augiegarcia2940]

Down to earth practical tutorial explained in a very relaxing mode. Thank you Micael.

[@norfener]

Excellent and informative video. Just bought myself a macro lens and had such fun using it. This has been so helpful.

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jobpottas]

Very fine and gentle way of talking. It is a happy experience listening to you... Thanks and congrats.

[@ESF19791111]

GREAT VIDEO EXPLANATION :) I ENJOYED WATCHING THE FULL Macro Photography for Beginners - Complete Tutorial VIDEO :) FOR ME , THE SPEED OF SPITCH AND THE SOUND OF WORDS WAS VERY COMFTEBEL TO UNDERSTAND :) I DID A THUMB-UP ABOUT THE VIDEO AND SUBSCRIBED TO THE CHANNEL :) THANK YOU FOR SHARING :) THANK YOU FROM ISRAEL :)

[@shlomoeshet8525]

Great tips (not just for beginners). Thanks Micael.

[@bkc1965]

If you are thinking about buying extension tubes, be careful with cheap versions. I had a cheap set that the little pins that facilitate communication between lens and camera stuck and didn't move as easily as they should. I didn't know this and when I put the extension tube on my camera, the little pins broke the contacts on the lens mount on the body. So, I don't recommend going very cheap on these and I definitely recommend checking to make sure the pins move freely before putting the tube on your camera.

[@michaelkramer4741]

JC - if you have any inlination at all, just buy the lens

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

Micael, thank you for this video! I’ve been making macro photos for more than 10 years and am “self-taught”. Either I got good results or not so I just shot lots and hoped one would meet my exacting standards! Back to basics with this excellent video and I can correct my mistakes! Many thanks! I’ve watched many of your videos and this one is essential for beginners in macro photography. I’m showing it to my Camera Club before we go out to find insects!

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@crinklecut3790]

Thank you so much. This will help me at work. I use a macroscope for some failure analysis. I think I understand the basics of how it works now.

[@JoeLoffredo]

I started with regular photography about a year ago and tried a closeup shot here and there but never studied macro. Thank you so much for this video! I'm not sure what shooting I will do but I came away with a great understanding of the basics. Thanks again!!

[@wbdill]

The setting for making the viewfinder bright for Olympus is "simulated optical viewfinder" or S OVF. A monopod is a good compromise between easy setup and steady camera. Another option for more steady (but harder setup) is to use a tripod with one leg all the way up so it's a bipod. Very stable left/right and up/down and you can still tilt in and out to change focus and working distance

[@michaelschlothauer1041]

Perfect intro video I found first when searching. Thank you spending the effort for it!

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad you liked it!

[@daveperrin9408]

Brilliant advice. Thank you for sharing your tips on Macro photography. Much appreciated 👍

[@botanicaltreasures2408]

My husband and I watched this together Friday night. It was both instructive and entertaining. I especially enjoyed your section about what was weird with macro photography. By the way most of the bugs that stay still for you tend to be predators: tiger flies, ladybugs, spiders, ambush bugs, and so forth. Or they have really good defenses-stink bugs are slow, but no other bug in its right mind would ever wish to eat it. 🤢

[@areks.6101]

Thank you for taking the time and presenting your very important tips. It is greatly appreciated. Loved the video.

[@KemFronabarger]

What a great video! I did macro photography back in the olden days of film and have re-entered the subject with my new Sony A7Rv and a Godox V1s. Wow, how the topic has evolved with mirrorless cameras. I set up my camera and flash using your suggested starting point settings. I nailed the exposure on the first test shot! Thanks Micael. Yes, I liked and subscribed. Happy shooting!

[@MicaelWidell]

Happy to read this :)

[@stevehamilton3181]

Every fall I think about giving macro a serious try then don’t. Going to try harder this fall (fungi). This video was great and changed my thinking on several points. Thanks! Subscribed and looking forward to going through your other vids.

[@marcelotterspeer2338]

Great video. Since yesterday I have my NISI II macro front lense for the first steps of macro F.. thank for the tips.

[@martinmuldoon603]

This is the 2nd time I've watched this video, very good presenter, knows what he is talking about.

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks 😊

[@mygreekteacher483]

This was an amazing lesson, thank you so much 😊

[@martinbayliss1504]

Excellent video, really enjoyed it. Thank you 👌

[@plaineblack]

You are an inspiration...thank you!

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you so much for the donation !

[@Andy001z]

Thanks for taking the time to make this vid, really helpful. I sat here nodding at each point you raised. Especially around DOF being so short.

[@michaelrogers6008]

Thank you for giving helpful info without being a snob about hardware

[@ultimateway1]

Appreciate your beautiful way to educate the beginners 👍😊❤

[@霸鳥腰的霸]

This video is really practical to learn of the beginners of macro photography❤

[@SinC1ty]

Professional. Thanks man very useful tutorial 🙏🙏🙏

[@michaelbuckley8986]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful presentation👍🏻

[@Javier-db3bq]

Your speed of light comparison was so great

[@jcbeauchemin5383]

I have been looking for such a great easy and comprehensive video. After hours and hours of searching, this is by far the best. Thank you so much!

[@MicaelWidell]

Happy to hear that!

[@davecrissinger8967]

@MicaelWidell I bought a Macro lens and I was getting frustrated. But after watching your video, I now understand it and having fun now. You have a new Subscriber, Thanks!

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad I could help!

[@letsgolen8863]

Thankyou soo much ! Just starting with macro photography

[@dominiquebantasan6200]

Good tips for macrophotography. Would be nice if you include links for you equipments

[@Kryx07]

thanks for the tips!

[@santoslagunaacademydallasf9395]

Very detaied and simply explained video. Thank you!

[@somethingsafoot]

The "review photo" setting you were using, omg i totally forgot that existed! would save so much time compared to pressing the gallery button

[@annbiswas8138]

Super video, Micael! I'm not a raw beginner, but I learned so much from watching this. In fact, I learn a lot from watching every one of your videos! Thanks for your hard work on these, and keep 'em coming!

[@MicaelWidell]

Happy you like the videos :)

[@DrChip47]

Great video, finally someone who explains it all in a language I can understand

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad to hear that!

[@Jarekthroughthelens]

Very informative video, thanks for that. Now time for practice

[@ASMROW]

Thank you. You are a very knowledge and humble man. I am sure insects like you.

[@ebaroni]

i used to use extension tubes but I had better results with a reverse lens adapter. i used a 24mm or a 50mm reversed and worked very nice for hobby. it was tricky to focus and to adjust aperture but it's a very cheap way to start.

[@genti3012]

Very useful tips. Thanks! Do you have any advice on macro videography.

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

I got the meike 320 as you recommended and I like it.

[@banditalley9592]

Great educational video! I have found you need a clean lens since starting macro, any dots on there when you are zoomed really close and they show up very easily

[@ryansalasphotography]

this tutorial is very helpful and useful. thank you for sharing your knowledge about macro photography.

[@steflee5998]

Thank you so much for explaining all of this. I tried the recommended base settings with my 50mm prime and extension tubes. Results are so much better than I had up to now. The biggest mistake I was making before was not using a flash and diffuser and shooting wide exposures. Have only tried on plants so far, can't wait to go find some little beasties in the garden.. Thanks!!

[@MicaelWidell]

Happy to hear that!

[@georgeschaaf5958]

Awesome video, thank you for sharing! Really interested in getting into Macro photography and this was a great introduction. I subscribed to your channel and looking forward to watching all of your other videos! Best

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@galensk]

Good explanation ! Subscribed 🎉...looking forward to test it

[@Din5001]

Thank you. I enjoy greatly watching your lecture on Macro Photography.

[@DrChip47]

Hi Micael, I looked for the Mieke Flash to suit my Nikon Z5 but am getting confused, their are so many, HELP! 🙂. I really enjoy your videos, you speak so clearly and slowly making it so easier to understand as there are so many new words/jargon I need to learn

[@philiprobinson7332]

I love your channel - so helpful.

[@milessmith9524]

Absolutely loving your channel, your lessons are great and your photographs an real inspiration. Thank you🙂 (have just purchased a LOAWA 100mm macro 😃)

[@MicaelWidell]

thank you! 😊

[@ddegn]

To try macro photography on the cheap, you can flip a normal lens around. Decades ago, I cut a hole in a lens cap and I cut another hole the camera body cap. After gluing these two caps together I could mount the lens on the camera backwards. These days, a 3D printer could easily make an adapter without destroying your lens cap and camera cap. This video has got me interested in trying macro photography again. Thanks for all the great information.

[@uphollandlatic]

Excellent. I’m just starting macro photography and this is a great starting point. Thank you.

[@PaulCoggins-eh6vq]

Very helpful - will be good to use the info with my Olympus em5.3 + 60mm lens - thanks

[@danwilliams582]

Thanks so much for this video. As many others have said in the comments, I too am familar with "regular" photography but was looking for some good advice on how to get started with macro photography. Well done!

[@williamandrews7518]

Great advice for beginners like me without having to spend too much money .

[@garthtravis5593]

this is an incredible beginners video Micael! You covered everything. GG

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you 😊

[@ManishMoorjmalani]

Thank you so much for such a in depth video. You are like a macro photography guide to me. I am feeling encouraged. 👌😁

[@MicaelWidell]

Happy you liked it :)

[@charlesglass7015]

Thanks

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you for the contribution 😀

[@toms2145]

You have no idea how much the title of this videos excites me. ✌️❤️ Thanks for making this.

[@MicaelWidell]

Hope you enjoy the video :)

[@j8kkb]

Fabulous video, something that has always been on my bucket list but never attempted until now

[@blueanthias]

Thanks!

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@blueanthias]

Thank you Micael. Very much appreciated.

[@mixedgt20]

Uff, after 6 years its now time, NiCE. Im so Hyped ;)

[@musmanminhas9702]

You are the best! Very useful tips and i got laowa lens as per your recommendation and it is amazing. Thank you and keep up the good work Micael.

[@FractalFineArt]

You can stabilize images in post in programs like Adobe Premiere or after effects I'm not sure about some of the other video editing software. Just a thought something I plan to try myself.

[@uhhnush]

such a good guide!! thank you for this!

[@carl3622-u4z]

Great work, thanks for sharingg.

[@jjmummert]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you so much. I subscribed, so I know I will learn more from your videos. You explain things so well.

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you!

[@ellieleydsman8833]

So much good information here. Great overview! Thank you.

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luisegreen]

Thank you for this video! I really appreciate all the information. I saw it from start to end. Thank you!!!

[@nicksavage4763]

VERY GOOD EXPLANATIONS DEFINITELY NOT A WASTE OF TIME.

[@garyhook6583]

Thanks so much Micael. An excellent overview. I particularly appreciated your tips on settings and tripods. I have a lot of trouble keeping a lens steady (big clunky DSLR) so I'll practice more as suggested and hopefully my flash will compensate. Only challenge then will be using hi-speed drive and not 'burning' out my flash. I'm hoping that with 1/16th power that my recycle times won't be an issue. Something to be said for caterpillars At least they don't fly away :-) Thanks again, very well done!

[@warrenlarsen7462]

great video im only a newbie and found the infomation very helpfull

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad to hear it!

[@angelmendez4474]

Awesome overview! I have been wanting to try macro but wasnt sure how to go about it. Now I have a place to start! Thank you for sharing!

[@bettinademiguel6155]

Thankyou Micael for this video and the focusing tip! I was getting down but just makes me try harder.

[@treffensaintjohnllc2913]

I commend you for this excellent presentation! Outstanding tips!

[@mazzfotovideo]

Do You try macro Sony 90mm/tokina macro/ Sigma 105mm or el 70mm f2.8 ? I have a doubt, actually i have el Sony 30mm macro on Sony zve10. ❤

[@ber5599]

Fantastic video so much detail and easy to understand for beginner Went out the other day to take some shots figuring bits out as I went along but after watching this again afterwards it all makes sense now. Thanks so much truely helpful

[@MicaelWidell]

So happy to read this :) Thanks!