Macro photography in your back garden: TOP TIPS AND TRICKS!

[@PuisiCurhatan]

I am deeply impressed by the photos; they broaden my understanding of how vast these worlds are, allowing me to see things that were never visible or even thought of before. GOD IS GREAT.

[@onyourmarkphoto]

Love these lessons. Patience is required but I like the attitude of enjoy what's around you too. Even if you don't get as many targets as you're looking for it's still a relaxing time. And you can always photograph something you hadn't scouted for like a flower or a leaf like in your other video lessons. I've learned so much in your videos. I've been a professional photographer for over 40 years and your channel has rejuvenated my love for it. Thank you.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you so much, Mark, that's so nice to hear and thank you for taking the time to watch and comment here!

[@RoseKerin]

Thanks. Love the processing technique with the brush.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you, Rose!

[@MR-qs8zc]

Wow, superb macro shots, thanks for sharing your ideas and amazing images.

[@TheJosejustin]

Small things are beautiful.. macro photography makes us appreciate nature's small but wonderful details. I loved your video!

[@ladyismary8384]

Thank you so much for the video! I especially like your dialogue and comments on your joys, observations, and thoughts on micro photography not only as a artistic and semi challenging activity, but a mindfulness activity too. 🥰

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you so much for watching, I'm really glad you enjoyed it! I love seeing photography as a calming, mindful activity and I think macro allows you to immerse yourself in this tiny 'other world' in a really nice way!

[@johntravena119]

Love your macro video footage. I’d love to see a video on the challenges to effective video shooting in macro.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks John, I'd love to do one around shooting macro video, so I'll definitely keep that in mind!

[@photobizmethod]

So true... Macro helps me too with anxiety and also to appreciate the small world :)

[@sermorel]

I totally agree ! Macro photography is great therapy! Great lesson !!

[@andyallard5990]

Thanks for sharing very good to toil as usual I love the photograph and hover flies especially like the gold cap on the back beautiful little critters thank you

[@loganenright1645]

Love your style Andrew. You have a major network appeal. Very engaging and I learned about extension tubes.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you for watching!

[@marylounorman4276]

this is the second video of yours that I've watched today. You are truly gifted, you explain everything so clearly. well done

[@pictureeyecandy]

Very nice. it is possible to handhold and still do a focus stack, Shoot in the high-speed burst mode, focus in manual mode, don't try to refocus with the focus ring, move the camera back and forth to change the focus plane. This technique is the preferred method over using the focus ring even with a single image to get what is the most important part you want in focus over trying to refocus as the subject is moving. Using a reverse ring so you can mount a lens backward is much cheaper and get more magnification then using a Macro Lens something you might want to look into trying. Wider the lens the more magnification will be when you use it in reverse! Also, use a lens that has an aperture ring on the lens. I hope to see a future video of you trying what I recommended.

[@OliverWrightPhoto]

Funnily enough, I just left a very similar comment! Also in a positive way as I also thought it was a good informative video.

[@randycamera]

Enjoyed this video. Learned some key techniques from your postprocessing. Thank you!

[@tompatton2086]

"I do find with some of those that, they can look a little bit more like a scientific record of a creature rather than an artful, beautiful image." Well said. Liked and subbed.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks, Tom! A pleasure to have you on board!

[@Foodiefoto]

Stumbled across your video and I am so glad I did. Really great information! I am a commercial photographer, but Macro is my passion for my personal work. I really appreciate that you accent the true nature of the shot..I shoot in a studio 5 days a week, and I too cherish the times that I am outdoors shooting the smallest of detail and the most amazing little creatures. Very exciting and zen at the same! Thanks for sharing..usually I don't make through and 18 min KZbin video on Photography..I get what I need and Im gone, but I watched yours start to finish..really honest and well done!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Wow thanks so much for such a kind comment! Zen is exactly the right word -- I didn't know how much I'd enjoy it before I really got into it and I found it to be such an amazing experience and an escape from anything else that might be on my mind.

[@annbiswas8138]

Really a fabulous video! Thanks for the great recommendations for editing and use of Lightroom.

[@gunlokman]

Yes, I bet your neighbours love the 'wilderness next door! However, don't be intimidated. This is a great video - well presented and very valuable and inspiring. I'm gonna be going on a little critter hunt of my own tomorrow. Thank you for posting the inspiration.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks John! The neighbour gardens didn't look all that tidy to me so I didn't mind top much! Plus, I loved having a bit of a nature haven right outside! I've always preferred wild and untamed patches to neat and orderly. Maybe it's just because I'm lazy and cannot even begin to be bothered doing any gardening!

[@markrayton6385]

Excellent video Andy. I really enjoyed it. Some really great shots too. I have wanted to try macro for years and never really got around to doing it but your video has really inspired me. I have not got a dedicated macro lens but i do have some extension tubes that i can use. I have also got a ring flash that someone bought me years ago that i have never used so i shall blow the cobwebs off it. I also have one of those softboxes for my flash like yours. I use a Canon 7D Mk2. Thanks again for sharing and i have subscribed.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching! I haven't used a ring flash yet for this stuff but I know they can produce some excellent results. Have you tried using your flash off camera to get some different direction to the light? Definitely worth experimenting with if not!

[@eclap78]

This is why I love macro. I can go out in my back garden on an overcast day and get some awesome shots. You can't do that with landscape photography, you get up early, drive to a location and if the light isn't just right, it's a waste of time and money. BTW, you don't really need a tripod for focus bracketing, many do it handheld and the results can be incredible.

[@bigmikes901adventures]

Hi Andrew. I have just today "discovered" you in my hours of searching for some darn good proper information about macro photography. I am a headshot photographer but thought I would challenge myself and make good use of my R5 with my EF 100mm F2.8 macro (that I have not used lol). I scoured the internet in my search for info on macro photography and there is a lot of crap out there and your channel is just top shelf and I'm binge watching your videos lol. What I would like to photograph is insects and plants and I'm thinking of getting the inexpensive Raynox DCR-250 close up lens. Thanks for your brilliant channel and thanks for sharing your knowledge in a clear no BS manner. Cheers!

[@nategbathe1]

Love it Andrew. Pls keep them coming

[@RobertHawkinsTotalWellness]

I had no idea Woodcroft existed, it’s only a mile from where I live! See you there sometime perhaps 😊

[@ChristopherPisz]

Excellent video. I learned a lot about lightroom there!

[@patriciahabicht8913]

I have been taking pictures in my backyard exclusively for about two years. I really enjoyed your video. Very helpful, especially since our subjects are very similar. Thanks.

[@mikekay6288]

Really enjoyed this tutorial; from the back yard through to the final product and your final photographs were excellent. Thank you, Mike in Oz

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching, Mike!

[@RisaBeesa]

Thanks for this wonderful video! Looking forward to learning more from you. 💚🐝

[@daveknight9381]

A great learning curve,thanks for sharing.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching, Dave!

[@keithlivingston3495]

I focus stack insects outside all the time I use burst and works wonderful

[@LuvMyDosCats]

Thank you for this video. I struggle so much with macro photography. I definitely need to get a flash diffuser

[@AlanHollowedPhotography]

Fantastic video thanks 😊 I just bought a Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro lens (non art) for my Canon 250d. I'm new to photography but love it and am excited to try Macro. This video was very helpful to a beginner like myself 😊

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching and best of luck with your great new lens!

[@ksk40]

loved the retouching!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you!

[@LJ-qj5pu]

Great stuff! I love your philosophy of photography.

[@michaelpressey4715]

Really enjoyed Your editing style. Tanks.

[@paulmcwilliams8641]

I have made a DIY twin flash set up both off camera mounted on a rail either side of the lens. The main is on a cable and the second is a wireless slave, but two stops lower to get some contrast and modelling. The diffuser is just a bit of grainy clear plastic cut from an A4 folder, but I have fixed one way mirror film on to it, so the insect sees a reflection of it's environment rather that a great white diffuser that probably looks a bit threatening to a wee beastie. The mirror film means you lose a bit of light, but as I am so close it's more of a benifit than a problem. I have a ring flash , but that makes water droplets look awful.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

This sounds like an amazing setup! I love diy kits like this and this one sounds like you've really understood how you want to craft your light, rather than just firing a flash anywhere!

[@clem02031964]

thanks, great complete video.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Paul, really glad you liked it!

[@andrewgaffney4881]

I already own a Nikon 60mm Macro lens and have used it a few times. I do want to use it more often and this video was very useful, thank you for posting it.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Andrew! Definitely a good time to get out and put it to more use!

[@tamarawilliams3699]

I have no idea how I missed this one, but I watched it today. I am sooooo looking forward to spring so I can shoot little bugs. I tried last year but did not have any of the necessary items in my kit. This year I am ready!! Thanks Andrew.

[@ebbcourt]

Thanks so much for doing this clip. I have learned a lot!

[@Sam-hf8nq]

Excellent presentation. Clear, logical, not too technical and very conversational. Looking forward to getting a macro lense, flash and softbox and giving it a go! Subscribed.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Sam! Check out my most recent video - I talk more about using extension tubes to get up close rather than expensive macro lenses. It might be helpful!

[@romina141086]

I love the photos! Favorite video so far!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you!!

[@pianoman6639]

Great video , many thanks 👍

[@ChuzPorrasCR]

Thanks for sharing. You're like one of the few I've seen on KZbin who uses a technique similar to mine when going to shoot for flowers and insects in the garden. Great video. I usually go to my mother-in-law backyard to look for flowers and insects. There's a whole world in her backyard.

[@caroleking283]

An interesting tutorial, I like your relaxed style of teaching. I love looking for insects in wild gardens too.

[@fizzlestyxx8507]

Thank you very much for the informative video.

[@mjo_ph0tography]

Thank you so much!!! Will try to putting in practice on my garden in Birmingham

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Good luck, Manuel!

[@jimkok1957]

Thank you! I learned a lot from the different examples

[@ggwildlife]

Excellent video very relevant today thank you.

[@mikesharp13]

Great video Andrew! Thanks for sharing. Just got my extension tubes this week!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Good luck with them! Definitely an awesome way of getting into macro without splashing out on dedicated lenses

[@tonysleigh6635]

A nicely put together video Andrew. Explained in simple terms. I also like your editing section, that really helps me. Because of the lockdown i decided to get into macro photography and just ordered a Sigma 105mm 2.8 Macro so looking forward to getting that. Will be in my garden and local woods looking for little creatures now. I big thank you for this excellent video!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Tony! Good luck with the new lens, I'm sure you'll love it!

[@VedVenturesWild]

Enjoyed watching and learnt new things. Thanks.

[@HabeebRWildlifePhotography]

Im new to macro photography. I was doing bird photography all the while. Thanks for sharing the ideas 💡❤️

[@Kevansjones]

Thanks Andrew. Found you by accident tonight. Great video with easy to follow tutorials. As we are in lockdown garden insects are the way forward for me.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Kevin! Good luck! There's so much to find in gardens!

[@FabrizioZago]

Very nice macro shots!

[@jonoc08]

Really enjoyed that video, nice pacing, nice commentary and very informative. Top stuff!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much, Jonathan!

[@thenameischerryyy]

Beautiful! 😍

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks cherry!

[@venkateshtn8118]

I liked your video a lot because many of my questions were answered. Keep it up

[@DebbieWatkins133]

Lovely photos, really explained well thank you

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Debbie!

[@roybarnes-thewildlifeman1855]

Awesome video mate and I love your promotion of nature and ethics. I live in Sydney where there are so many parks and bush land where small animals abound. I just purchased the amazing Sigma 180mm f/2.8 lens and am trying to nut out how I’m going to add light to my images… lens diameter is 86mm so rules out all ring flashes!

[@smokingbrush2498]

Very good video. I like the emphasis on "less is more", when faced with all the lightroom options, where the temptation is to use every feature to its maximum effect. The macro world is sufficiently awe-inspiring without pushing textures, colours and sharpness through the roof!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Agreed, I don't like overdoing things too much. I think if you've got a great capture in camera then it should speak for itself. Thanks for watching!

[@pragawa]

Thank you very much!

[@ilyasustad135]

Great video Thank you Andrew

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching!

[@jean-pierrepericaud8224]

It's a long time I practice macro photo... anyway, I spent a very good moment watching your tutorial. And some images you show at the end, are gorgeous : Crab spider, jumping spider... A great thank you for that moment !

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@richardwebster5081]

Thanks Andrew, this is a very good video. I do a lot of underwater macro photography, and I was interested to see your Lightroom technique for processing, which are very useful to me. I was interested to see you using an extension tube on the Canon 100mm macro lens. What length and what make is the tube please? I use this lens underwater all the time, and it delivers very sharp images, focussing very close up, giving up to 1:1 magnification. I'm doing some garden macro now as well, so just wondered what difference it might make, and how much more difficult it is to focus with the tube attached. Many thanks

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Hey Richard, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! The extension tubes I used in this video were these: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00UBT19D2/ Hopefully that link works for you. Only £30, but do a cracking job and are cheap enough to buy and have a play with to see what you think. Focusing is trickier as there's a much narrower plane of focus when using tubes -- I talk about it more in one of my other macro vids, which I hope will be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXnFfpZ6gq6JnM0

[@barrieanthony952]

Super video. Good to see someone not bothered about front to back sharpness for these kind of shots. I think camera club judges should be made to try this kind of photography before judging it haha

[@lucineiaherzog]

Boa noite! Não entendo o que você fala no vídeo, mas fiquei apaixonada pelas imagens e vídeos que fez. Amo fotografia macro. Gostaria de saber se com a Nikon D7500 e uma lente Nikon macro 105mm VR consigo chegar perto disso?! Ou qual caminho devo seguir?

[@alanhowe6588]

A really outstanding video. I very much enjoyed the completeness of if - from mindset, to shot, to processing, to image. I also appreciated that you took the time to add the personal touches of noting how much you, yourself, actually enjoyed the experience. I'm torn between finding another one of your videos to watch or grabbing my camera... there's still some light, here, so camera it is. Thanks very much.

[@trevorwright6165]

well Andrew that was fantastic not just the images you took but I learnt so much more about lightroom than lots of other sites that are about lightroom they all seem to be so take a long time to say nothing apart from baffling me so thank you so much I am just starting out on the macro road because we have been on lockdown since march 19 so no going out as we are high risk i hope you are all keeping safe and well cheers from old trev in Sussex

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching, Trevor! I think you'll really enjoy getting into macro right now. I found it so calming just trying to find all the different creatures, even though I was just in my messy garden in London -- it really felt like I could have been out in the middle of the countryside. Capturing the images almost became secondary to just enjoying the process! Take care and good luck!

[@juancarlosplaza8301]

I'm so happy to have found your channel. Very interesting content and neat explanations. You've won a new suscriber. I'll check all of your videos!!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Juan! Great to have you on board!

[@Macroadventures]

Great video Andrew, glad i found your channel as i have just started doing macro. Will be going through the rest of your videos over the next few weeks. Keep up the great work. 👍🏻

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you so much! A pleasure to have you on board!

[@koulatantele522]

What program have you used for processing the photos?? Thank you! Very well explained!!!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching! All the photo processing was done in Adobe Lightroom Classic

[@rosscosan6647]

Great video, very informative for me as I’m just starting out in the tiny world of macro photography. Have a Nikon D500 and just purchased a Sigma 105mm F2.8 macro lens so excited to get going using your info. … cheers 👍

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching and good look with your new 105mm lens, you'll get some great shots with that!

[@wendyeve5361]

Thank you for the video I thoroughly enjoyed it

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CarlHackman]

I'm a bit late to the game at 61, but I managed to trade a guitar for a Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens and dug out my flash to experiment. I'm having a blast and enjoy every second of pottering around my garden looking for bugs and small wild flowers :)

[@jean-hughesdolce282]

Thanks for this beautiful video.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching!!

[@nwcs2]

Nice video. I appreciate your approach as well. Nice that you don’t recommend gassing or freezing insects. That’s the secret all too many use for the amazing insect shots.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks! I definitely don't do that -- I much prefer being out in the wild with them!

[@OliverWrightPhoto]

Great informative video :) I do have a different view of stacking though. Like you, I agree that often in macro a tripod is not the best option as things move and by the time you have set the tripod up the jumping spider has gone. But I have found that it's actually quite doable to do handheld stacks out in the field so you almost get that studio quality but outside with living insects. Keep up the good work!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Oliver! I'm really keen to give it a go as a few people have said it's possible. I'm not holding my breath as I just can't quite see it working super well but I'm excited to see if I can manage it!

[@trafficlightdan2647]

I usually use KZbin for music only,or watching insights into films. Recently (sept 19) got my first DSLR (Nikon d3400) due to my love of photography of taking sunset pictures on my various mobile phones, but last year/summer I got a cheap clip on lens set from Curry's pc world for £10, specifically for the macro lens, the results where amazing (for the price and for a phone) so that kick-started what's now an obsession for wildlife photography and why I wanted a camera so badly. Thank you for an awesome video that kept me interested all the way through. I only have Snapseed and the default Google photos editing options, but it was really interesting to see how it's done properly in this video. I've always loved insects and seeing them up close, I have a tamron 70-300mm with a macro switch (aswell as my mobile clip on that gets closer results..but not as good quality wise) I find that my tamron isn't brilliant for macro, it's not as close as I'd like although I can get good results and leave friends and family impressed,I always wish it was closer cause I'm my own worst critic and well,it's friends and family isn't it😂. I practice all other types of photography aswell. I saw u recommend an extension, and I'm lookon to that for my next purchase (I don't have alot of money) what do u think of the macro camera rings where u can turn your lens around and attach it that way, would that be better then a extension do u think? The closer the better for me, and I'm so amateur I don't understand the ratios which would give me a closer picture (1:1...1:2, 1:3etc). and again thank you for the video I really enjoyed it and your very clear and easy to listen to👍😁

[@trafficlightdan2647]

I have subscribed and will watch your videos in due course (kids being under my feet 80-90% of the day doesn't help with chilling out to watch or do things bless them haha 😁)

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Hey Dan, thanks for your comment and thanks for watching! I think Macro is really addictive -- like you've found, once you get into it, you really want to keep on going! Snapseed is actually a really powerful photo editor and I love using it on my phone. There are selective editing tools in there too that let you add in brightness and structure to certain parts of the image so you can get very similar results to what I managed in Lightroom. I did a guide for CNET on how to get great macro shots with a phone, if you're interested: www.cnet.com/how-to/macro-photos-close-up-shots-look-great-even-on-phone-with-these-pro-tricks/ As for reverse lens stuff; I've never actually done this. Macro extension tubes are brilliant and as they're so cheap (about £20) and can turn even a cheap lens into a macro, I've never needed to try other stuff. In case you haven't seen my more recent macro video, I show the difference extension tubes make on a £90 'Nifty fifty' lens and it's amazing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXnFfpZ6gq6JnM0. Thanks again!

[@trafficlightdan2647]

Heya and your welcome. And yeah I have watched that, since watching that I brought my own extension tube. Wow it's good, and your video gave it a like and great helpful tips on there too dude. The little things I pick up really help, can't thank u enough. The tube has given me so much more to play with. Thank u for such great advice again 🙏☺️

[@evangelinewilliams814]

This was my first time watching one of your videos and I loved it!!! I subscribed and, I'm looking forward to seeing more keep up the wonderful work.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Hey Evangeline! Thanks so much for watching and for subscribing -- I hope you also love what I have coming up!

[@koolkutz7]

Nice macro work and editing Andrew. It proves you don't have to go far to get some fascinating images.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Steve! Yup, I was amazed at the things I can find when I actually took the time to look around!

[@ChrisSummers]

Great video, your presentation style was very pleasant to see and listen to. Loved the easy going music interspersed around your voice and occasional sounds of nature. One comment on using a tripod. I have found it necessary if I am shooting a stationary insect such as a butterfly hatching from it's chrysalis. In a case like that I use an intervalometer to continuously take images since one can't guarantee that one will be there at the right time; also is necessary if your are converting images into a time lapse in the butterfly example. I also really enjoyed your post production editing suggestions! I hit the like button and am subscribing!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Chris and a great point! For something like a time lapse as you've described then you'd ABSOLUTELY need a tripod, but for single-frame images I never use one. I've sadly never found a subject (like the chrysalis you described) that warranted a time lapse, but it'd be great fun to try!

[@chaddennis9289]

Thank you so much for the video! It is frustrating to read articles and watch vids about using tripods when these amazing creatures don't sit still. Your editing is awesome and I picked up a tip or 2. Off to the park I head and thanks again!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching, Chad! I'm a big supporter of no tripods for macro!

[@elke1317]

Thank you for this video. I'm just learning macrophotography. You're very sympathetic and I love your wild garden. It looks a little bit like mine 😄.

[@freedomforevar1377]

I LOVE This video There is so much Ilearned about lightroom I need more instruction on it Now Iam going to see if Ican use these tools to bring but my beephotos

[@omybeach8743]

Please try to find pond. I'd love to see your results. Very inspiring vid. Thank you.

[@phileverett5877]

This was a great video, I am just starting out in the wonderful world of Macro and this vid has really helped and inspired me. Subscribed.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Phil, great to have you on board!

[@markboweringphotography4408]

Great vlog. Really enjoyed watching this.

[@FotodioxInc]

Great macro video, and some amazing shots!

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

Love to see your editing skills. Where do you find the brush for painting in LR? I haven’t discovered it yet. Many thanks!

[@fitzyslobstershack5335]

This will inspire me to go out in the back garden tomorrow .. Thanks … Subbed

[@jonasbenrezzoug4849]

love the video and love your shirt...did you enjoy your travel to Morocco ( Agadir ) ?? hope you did...thanks for the video again

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching! Unfortunately the shirt was a gift and I'm yet to get to Morocco -- it's VERY high on my list of places I want to visit as soon as travel is safe again!

[@clajith]

Awesome video..Thank you!!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks!!

[@dasp125]

Do you find that you like backgrounds darker most of the time? If so, why not underexpose for your ambient light and then correctly expose for your subject using the flash. This way you get the same look, but without having to over use the shadow slider. Excellent video and great tips.

[@jkingofthechicken2217]

High ISO doesn't cause noise. If you're having to boost ISO to get the right exposure you're already not getting enough light onto the sensor and your image is already noisy. Take the same photo with lower ISO then boost the exposure in post. It'll be just as noisy, if not more so.

[@Graham_Wood]

Trying the flashgun with light modifier in E-TTL mode seems to be very inaccurate. It always under exposes. I'm guessing the light modifier is what's actually doing this. I can bump up FEC by about 3 stops and it works better but it still tends to under expose with different shots. Using manual works better but you generally need more than one shot to get the exposure right. Most bugs don't like light meters waved around in from of them, and sometimes trial and error with exposure makes them fly off as well. It seems weird that I can compensate for the modifier in E-TTL mode by bumping up the FEC but it's not consistent with different shots. Using 5D4 with 430EX ll and Joe McNally modifier.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Yeah E-TTL with modifiers can be tricky with any kind of photography as the flash and camera don't know what you've put on it. Most modifiers tend to reduce the light output by at least a full stop, so you could try using E-TTL, but dialling in extra power to compensate. Personally, I use manual for that reason, keeping my camera settings the same and just tweaking the flash depending on light levels.

[@thteevel]

Im novice but i understood every of your techniques, that made me subscribe and like!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks! Glad to have you on board!

[@andrewmckinney3053]

Enjoyed this .... nice work; good tips!!!

[@jameskyler5441]

Just so you are aware, using extension tubes reduces depth of field. THat is why at f/7.1 you are getting such a shallow DOF. --"Because extension tubes do not have optics, they don't affect the optical quality of a lens. Because of their function, there are other effects: decrease of light; shallower depth of field; and loss of ability to focus at infinity. The longer the extension tube, the closer the lens can focus."--

[@aslater4385]

I’m considering a lockdown treat in the form of a macro lens. I think I might have been persuaded by your vlog which I found very helpful. Your yellow flowers which proved popular with the insects look like ragwort to me. Nasty stuff which you don’t want to let go to seed and spread if you decide to keep it. Wear gloves if you touch it as it is highly toxic to most domestic animals and humans. Showing your post processing is really helpful too. Thanks

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Anne! In my most recent posted video I talk about using extension tubes which are a much cheaper way of getting macro results without buying a macro lens. Take a look and maybe it'll save you some money!

[@aslater4385]

Thanks Andrew, I’ll give extension tubes a go, a much better idea than spending a lot of money on a macro lens. I haven’t done any macro for years so it will be a good way of honing my skills!

[@bobniel8314]

I really liked your video. I am actually more into portrait photography, but due to the current (Corona) circumstances it's not easy to get hold of subjects. You've certainly sparked my interest in the macro world, so maybe I should just grab a macro lens and wander off into the bush...

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Niel! I defintiely recomend giving it a go! I'd suggest trying some extension tubes on your existing lenses before investing fully in a pricey macro lens. You can get great results using tubes on many types of lens -- I talk about this in my more recent macro video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXnFfpZ6gq6JnM0 Have a look before you spend too much!

[@jennycabot3032]

Great video thank you 😊

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching!