My 8 Essential Macro Photography Tips for Nature Photographers

[@JeffJolly1]

Hello Simon and may I say thank you so much for this video. Sorry this may be a bit of a rant, but a very nice one! I usually watch quite a few KZbin photographer channels as well as yours and enjoy different things from each but I always find yours so calming and relaxed whilst still being very informative. Not looking for sympathy or anything now, just want to give you a bit of perspective. I'm currently in hospital 24 days and counting! Getting over COVID and Pneumonia. Anyway, I haven't really felt like watching all the usual channels but knowing what you do with your videos I have watched and truly enjoyed every moment of this today and I just wanted you to know that it has helped me through my day, so thank you from the top of my heart. I really hope one day to be able to do one of your work shops. Many many thanks and all the best :) Jeff

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hello Jeff, that is by far one of the nicest, if not the nicest things anyone had ever written and I am completely and utterly warmed by it. I am so sorry to hear about what you have and are still enduring as I can only imagine it must have been and probably still is, a terrifying experience. As a small but non-the less heart felt incentive to keep you on the right track and the road to a full and speedy recovery, when all this is over drop me a line and we will sort something out.

[@JeffJolly1]

@@SimonBoothPhotography well I would love to. And I'm glad to have told you about it now if it's made you feel nice :)

[@philfyphil]

Jeff Jolly Get well soon Jeff, all the best. No sympathy here, just an order! :-)

[@MichaelChylinski]

Jeff Jolly I hope you heal quickly and completely. Be strong.

[@anthonywarner3610]

Thanks interesting video and useful tips, but why Oh why the music , it is not necessary and is a distraction.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You can't please everyone Anthony and sorry you find it a distraction. Over the years, I have had a lot of compliments over my music choices. I for one find images accompanied by music helps me feel the emotion of the image or place. Your Icon is a motorbike image and not wanting to pigeon hole you, but I reckon our music tastes are not the same.

[@nickboborchuk8259]

IN THE EARLY MORNING LIGHT and what a fine light do take macro photos. Very well done. Unseasonable weather in this part of the wold is not keeping me from finding magic in macro photography. Keep up the good work.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Absolutely Nick, I couldn't agree more!

[@speterlewis]

Hi Simon. Couldn't bring myself to get up early enough to catch the video just as it was posted (I try to be first in line). I'v had a couple of Benbos, and they are pretty fascinating devices, although a bit ungainly. Trying to get all the various appendages correctly oriented is like trying to put a sport coat on an octopus. Loved the bracken shot (clearly suffering from Pinna Disassociative Disorder). Great tips. And now....I must go outside!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Peter, trying to catch up on my comments. I think my tripod needs a service. It kept falling flat with the MF on it when the legs were splayed. The weight of the tripos on it's own is enough for it!

[@christian.irmler]

Hi Simon, a fantastic video with great tips about macro photography! A great Sunday an stay safe, mate!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks, you too Christian for watching. Look after yourself.

[@sarajitsil]

Beautiful presentation supplemented with such lovely images and a ver soothing music in the background. Loved it!!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Sarajit. Music choice is something I pour over for many a while when making these films. Thanks for your observation.

[@marcinbogdali5348]

Great video Simon, as usually. From all YT photography channels Yours is absolutely on top. Your love for nature, Your respect for nature and, most of all, Your photographs of this all is second to none for me. Keep going, please. Great respect...

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

That's very kind of you Marcin. I'm really pleased you enjoy the content.

[@robertlawrence7958]

Great tips Simon, accompanied by super images as always. Coincidentally, I saw your fungi image from the WPOTY comp only this week. Having plenty of time whilst on lock down I spent a day going through my collection of WPOTY books and noticed your name. It has always been my highest ambition to have an image placed in this comp. No success yet! Ever since the WPOTY dropped the 'British Wildlife' section I have concentrated on the BWPA comp. I have had several images selected for final judging but have not made the cut... Yet! 😕. Will keep trying. Anyway, very relaxing yet informative video. Take care.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

With competitions, it's an absolute lottery once you achieve a certain standard. I've been in the shortlists so many times over the years, but I don't let myself get excited anymore to avoid the disappointment.

[@Sir_Grumpalot]

As always a wonderfully calm and relaxing experience watching your video. At the same time you mage to impart really sound advice as well as delight us with your overall knowledge of nature. Great stuff Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

That's so nice Martin, thank you. I enjoyed making this one.

[@kpharidasan3169]

Hello Simon I like ur peculiar style

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Oooh peculiar, I do like that!

[@davidhefner5668]

Can someone please tell me why there are so many British photographers on KZbin?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I'd like to know the answer to that too?

[@JohnKanzler]

maybe the simple answer is that they enjoy making youtube videos more than most? I certainly enjoy watching them!

[@philipculbertson55]

Here are two more suggestions. We tend to always hold the camera either horizontal of vertical. For long stemmed flowers, I like to deliberately cock the camera so that the stems create diagonal lines that head toward but not directly into a corner. Sounds odd but it adds a nice touch to many photos. It both creates strong diagonals and helps fill the frame. Since we always tend to see flowers spright up and down, angles can add interest. For flat flowers like daises, you can get diagonals from the stem in one direction and diagonals from the flower in the other. The other tip is to carry a 5 in 1 diffuser/reflector in a pocket. I use a 12 inch one that collapses its a bag that easily fits in a pocket. It is great to soften harsh light but the reflector placed strategically can give enough reflected light to backlight a subject.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Another one...I also have a white linen sheet that has two pockets in for sticks to slot into and I push the sticks in the ground so I then have a white curtain to diffuse the harsh light though.

[@akfisher7138]

great suggestions about diagonal shots-I think it works well with photos of people to to provide a dynamic feel

[@richlovin2173]

A deceptively simple presentation that taught me a lot. Thanks Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joernsbilderwelt]

The shot with the frog is simply amazing!!! Thanks again for another very informative video, Simon! Cheers from Germany.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Really appreciate your comment, thank you. It's great to see views from other countries.

[@pathogan4854]

Brilliant vlog Simon some great tips here even better that you shoot pentax aswell there isnt many of us around.

[@ralphsomers9902]

Well, Simon, you know what I think about your British photo advice for over here in America? ...Wonderful! Just really, really nice. :-) Thanks.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for that Ralph. It's been a very successful video this one.

[@pragawa]

Greetings from India! Thank you very much. I learnt a lot from this video. I'm 68 and just venturing into macro photography.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Greetings

[@shootNbreezeIRL]

Very enjoyable and now I'm.here thinking what can I find within close proximity. I really loved the insect on the buttercup

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Absolutely, I couldn't agree more! It's those little extras that make such a difference

[@IanSmithFotografi]

Sorry for the second comment... I stopped watching as you sipped your coffee... naughty me. Thanks for the plug st the end,.. appreciated sir

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Shame on you Ian :-)

[@Onthechin]

Excellent video Simon, recently subscribed and enjoying all you submit. Thank you for your time and effort in providing us with such an informative channel .. looking forward to watching many more .. all the very best Ian

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks so much for the sub Ian

[@siofna9709]

Hello Simon Very interessting video. Thank you for your tips. Enjoy every mornig you can go out :-). I did it yesterday with my boat.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Really appreciate your comment, thank you.

[@AndrewCooperPhotography]

Thanks Simon, you open my eyes with every video to a better way to be creative.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers again Andrew. Glad as always that the films help to motivate.

[@skakdosmer]

Really beautiful images. And they make it very clear how good your advice is. Your tripod looks very interesting, but I'm not going to buy another one.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you. That tripod is really good but way too heavy.

[@Fotograffa]

Love this video! I have been trying to do more marco shots. Getting down on the ground though...don't think I could get up!! I'll work it out. Thanks so much for all the great videos. I have learned so much from you.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Don't worry about not getting up quickly Sharon. Have a nap and grab another opportunity.

[@Fotograffa]

@@SimonBoothPhotography Thank you Simon.

[@napidorio]

New to your channel as of this morning. I am subscribed to many photography channels and yours is unique. Love it very much. I have seen about 5 of your videos already this morning while at work. Thank you

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Ooops, don’t get sacked 👍 cheers

[@boud86]

Hello Simon, thank you for your video and showing 'your style' of macrophotography. Very useful! As a beginner I am going through quite some introduction videos, and what strikes me in yours is that you do not seem to use a flash. With yourself moving and insects moving, and the wind adding additional movement, how do you manage to get photos that are sharp and not too dark?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I would only photograph insects whilst they are roosting and in still conditions early or late in the day so long exposures are possible. Flash as the primary light source in nature is often unconvincing because of dark backgrounds (fall off) and lack of modelling. When I have used flash, I have done so with multiple guns and as many as four all firing at the same time.

[@mrbluesman66]

wonderful images, subscribed

[@klackon1]

I've owned a couple of Benbo Trekkers over the years; and though a good tripod, it is heavy. But the worst part about it, is when folding it back up. It's like fighting an octopus. It's not easy to carry either.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I used to say wrestling a set of bagpipes!

[@stevej4847]

Hello Simon. I am still busy catching up on your videos after discovering your channel. I found it very interesting that you were using your old Benbo, which incidentally is short for Bent Bolt, which the whole tripod hinges upon. It is based vaguely on a WW1 machine gun tripod design. Benbo did a Mk2 tripod which is actually the biggest one they manufactured, this extends to around 6ft without using the centre column. I have both the Mk1 and the Mk2 which I have owned for many decades and they are both still in use and nothing has ever gone wrong with them. It's not often you see anyone on a KZbin channel using one of these very versatile tripods so this was great to see

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Steve. How interesting, I had no idea that's where the name came from and it makes complete sense now! I knew about the Mk2 and the Trekker, which I also have along with a couple of Uniloc versions. These were all my go to tripods back in the day, often with flash guns and cameras mounted on them as a full high speed flash rig in the days before digital. I have to confess however, they've now gone back in the shed!

[@laurataylor8919]

Lovely video. Your voice combined with the music is very soothing. Great tips have forwarded to our club members to view. Next year’s set subject is “Close ups including macro”. We have a year to practice. Will send you next year’s entries.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad it was helpful Laura and thank you for passing the information on. That was very kind. I never thought my Lancashire drone would one day be described as soothing...I'm amazed!

[@carmenboot7395]

Precious information. Thank you for your video. Your photos are the reflexion of your love, respect and admiration for nature. Very happy that I click to this video.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Wow, thank you. That's very kind

[@seerastube]

Excellent photo click,and experience.

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Stunning Simon, just stunning. fantastic video and the images are top notch, thanks for sharing your techniques, I used to shoot a lot of flowers before I tried landscape, and I must say I am better at flowers than landscapes and I will be using some of your advice. Thanks again.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks John. I always feel plants really satisfy my creative urges. Probably more so than a standard landscape.

[@seerastube]

Experience and Excellent photo click.

[@derbyshirewalker]

Absolutely wonderful video...so full of interesting information. Like one of the previous viewers I find your videos so calming and influential. Thank you

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you Mike. I find it very intriguing that people say how calming the films are...it's not something I set out to do so it's nice to know.

[@lisarobertson7011]

Thank you Simon for a wonderful video - I have also been exercising my Fuji macro lens across the pond here in Toronto. Love the backlighting technique it can produce some beautiful results. Enjoy your Sunday !

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hello Lisa, hope you got some good ones. I've always wanted to visit Torronto

[@edwinvandenheuvel9242]

Thanks for this video. I love to watch your channel. Great tips and tricks and very easy to watch relaxing video. Keep up the good work!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for watching Edwin and taking the time to leave a comment.

[@saciom]

Great video, I've only just got into macro photography and I'm sure they will come in handy. Subscribed!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you so much for the subscription and for watching. The growth of the channel depends on you and every little helps, Simon

[@hramakrishnaiah413]

I will always be looking for videos from "Simon Booth". Without hesitation, I jump in because they are so so original, refreshing and you are in control of the time and everything gel so well.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Krishna for dropping by and commenting again so favourably. It's always good to see you here.

[@-Mr.Mullet-]

Love your videos Simon. One question, how do you deal with Ticks and tick-borne diseases? For me they have almost ruined the joy of going out into the woods and laying in the grass.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I don't really get a problem with them where I live fortunately.

[@chaseechenrode8679]

This was so very helpful. I am just learning micro photography. I come from the sports photography genre but need to expand my body of work. Thanks for the tips.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad to be of help Chase. Good luck with your images.

[@allisonshelton4994]

Wonderful video, fantastic images! I always enjoy watching your videos and learn from them all 😃

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Many many thanks for watching Allison

[@DickieBird888]

Thank you for a lovely video... very inspiring...lots of ideas to work with...

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you

[@rosssayer6524]

Glad I found this Simon, great information for the beginner with Macro. Thank You

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Nice one Ross

[@gregbeeke584]

I have been playing around with macro during the lockdown and your excellent video with superb examples has given me some techniques to try out. Many thanks.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad to help and hope you get some good ones Greg.

[@pollaraproductions3688]

Thank you for an excellent video! I am shooting video and not stills, however all of these tips will certainly apply.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I guess they will. Cheers

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Simon, sorry i missed the premiere buddy. I must say this is the most content i have seen you in a vid for a long wj=hile. You seemed just so relaxed - was nice to watch, and some absolutely lovely images in there too. Just goes to show, you shouldnt need to travel far from home for this genre of photography. Nice one. Speak soon! = )

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank Ewan. Yes it turned out pretty well did this one. It's funny because I think it's the music that sets the pace and tone of the film. It felt to me like all the others on the day :-)

[@SandraJsAdventuresOutdoors]

Just came across your channel and subscribed, enjoyed the content, thank you :)

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you so much for the subscription and for watching. The growth of the channel depends on you and every little helps!

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Nice, I liked especially the mushroom shot being all variations of white. Very nicely conceived.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Dimitris for dropping by and commenting again so favourably. It's always good to see you here.

[@treyfoerster8759]

A wonderful vid and excellent tips. Thank you for sharing!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Many many thanks for watching

[@marcosipriaso]

Thank you for this very informative video, Simon. Very well done and looking forward to trying these out next time i'm out in the field. Thanks for sharing!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad it was helpful Marco

[@markt1758]

Hi Simon. I have just found your channel thanks to a certain Thomas Heaton who gave you a great shout out in one of his recent vlogs I must say your talent is truly amazing and inspiring I’m enjoying learning from you guys immensely

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers a bunch Mark. Glad to have you here.

[@normski4ash]

I use the Manfrotto 055 X Pro B. It is a bit heavy, but worth it's weight in gold, the centre column swings from vertical to horizontal allowing me to get down low to the ground, and the centre column will then slide back and forth, which I never thought about until you s a great video, glad I set a reminder or I would have forgotten... Thnx for sharing such useful information...

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Norman, sorry I couldn't respond at the end, the Premier cut me off as I was trying to reply. Weight is clearly better to have providing you don't have far to walk. It's a bit of a balancing act. Glad you enjoyed the film.

[@normski4ash]

@@SimonBoothPhotography No worries and thanks. Yes I do have a carbon fibre tripod, but cannot get used to it, I'd rather suffer the weight, it is far better. My walk to my local macro spot is approx 1 mile, with camera gear in back pack, I shoulder my tripod, and when that one aches I've got another one to use, mind you it is a country lane walk to my place of choice and it usually takes me an hour to get there, because spot things on the way, stop and photograph, carry on, spot something... Couple of hours walking around spud wood ( just outside Lymm, Cheshire) then another hours walk home... Passes the day, retired now so gives me something to do. However not been out since lockdown ! Built myself a focus rail and play with that more at the moment, going to run out of flowers in the garden soon though, as I keep cutting them off and bring them in to shoot...

[@hughp00]

Simon: Wonderful images and some great ideas I intend to apply to my own macro shots as well. Thanks for the video

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad it was helpful Hugh

[@bcd689]

Thankyou Simon so much for sharing your tips. I'm just starting out in the macro world and totally loving it.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Fantastic John. Macro has so many opportunities for us.

[@alanprice2897]

Straight to the point, layed back, informative, and a pleasure to watch. 10 outta 10 for me.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

That's very kind of you Alan.

[@mobimo2832]

Wonderful video! Many thanks Simon❤️

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you too!

[@escolaeb13a]

Thank you Simon, your video is awesome and very useful! Best regards.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad it was helpful Julio

[@ianscott309]

Great video Simon relaxing and a pleasure to watch. Just started Macro and enjoying it. Some great tips here i for one will be trying these ideas out, Cheers.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

That's a very generous comment Ian. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@haroldmassey5966]

Another great video Simon. The more video’s I watch the more I am learning. I just need to get out more often and practice, practice, practice.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Absolutely Harold. It's fun to practice!

[@jamesattenborough2597]

Another enjoyable video with some useful and thoughtful tips

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Many many thanks for watching

[@patrickstebbings4748]

Hi Simon what a great video very informative great tips really enjoyed watching as always with some fantastic images best wishes and thanks for getting us entertained Pat Stebbings

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Pat. I liked your pier shpt on IG recently.

[@wildlifeartandphotography7675]

Hi Simon a very good video as I love macro and always looking for something to take. I would like to know the settings you used as this is where I sometimes go wrong. I have a canon 80d and a macro lens. many thanks Mo

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Mo All the main shots in the film were taken at f4. The exception being the alternative herb-Robert, which was at f22. What is it particularly you are struggling with?

[@JanieP53]

I’m new to macro. I enjoyed your video. I found it very useful. Thank you.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad it was helpful and thanks Janice for dropping by and commenting.

[@davejsullivan]

You are also very talented composing your videos. Nice job.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you very much!

[@KerstenPhoto]

Hi Simon, thank you for sharing your tips for macro photography in nature. Well done.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad it was helpful Kersten

[@andrewCraven1]

Thanks Simon your love of nature is so evident; it’s quite heartwarming. I was out early today doing macro photography of wildflowers inspired by your videos

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Andrew. I think I saw your results on IG.

[@davegibson2478]

A wonderful, inspiring video, many thanks

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Dave.

[@barryconway]

Ha! The mighty Benbo! Not sure which came first - Benbo then Uni-Loc or vice versa, but the same chap (designer?) was involved in both. I bought one many years ago having seen Heather Angel using one, in one of her many 'Nature Photography' books. I thought I had a 'MK1' but it is marked "Benbo 4". Finding this too unwieldy for day to day carry, I retired it (still on a dusty shelf, so it is) but years later, seeing a "bargain" on eBay, I acquired a massive 'studio sized' version Benbo - 36" (90cm) outer legs! - this does sterling work in, or very near home. People often roll their eyes when they see me fighting with an octopus, but - as you demonstrate - once set up it is uniquely adaptable and has some particularly useful functions. I love it - simply too heavy (and awkward) to carry far (especially as I age), but I wouldn't be without it.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Barry, I have the Benbo Mk1 along with two trekkers in the garage, but I honestly can't know where they came from? I couldn't for shame bring the Mk 1 out for the film though. It still works like new but has more silver than black paint and is currently covered in cobwebs, not unlike yours. I'm pretty sure the Benbo came first but they also do a baby Benbo, which back in the day all the nature photographers used to use for flower photography. I couldn't afford to have both back then and was always very envious. I also remember Heather Angel using one too, along with one of my old favourites, John Shaw who first alerted me to the sunny f16 rule :-). Back to the tripod, I have heard many funny descriptions about people wrestling with them and my favourite was always: like trying to take a photograph with a camera mounted on a set of bagpipes! I also like @PeterLewis reference to the same in the above comment!

[@barryconway]

@@SimonBoothPhotography " like trying to take a photograph with a camera mounted on a set of bagpipes! " - or to get an octopus into a pair of trousers! Great content again, Simon, thank you. Not necessarily anything I didn't already know, per se, but there is value in being reminded, truly.

[@AndyP1961.]

Thanks Simon, some great tips and ideas on this one; as always very enjoyable video.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers Andy, somewhat different to my usual films but these top tip videos seem to do well. If you can't beat em, join em!

[@AndyP1961.]

@@SimonBoothPhotography It is so difficult at the moment, as you may know I work for North West Ambulance Service as fleet engineer. Unfortunately I'm on shielding and have to work from home, I'm managing to go three miles daily in my own car to a place where there are no people for exercise and photography as my mental health would suffer big time otherwise. I have always been an outdoors guy and love my macro and wildlife, your tips will aid me looking at the small world in a different way. Stay safe out there, I just hope I can when I have to be with people again. All the very best, and thank you. Andy

[@leniehulse1621]

Really nice video. I learnt some tips today. Thank you!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad it was helpful Lenie.

[@stevebuxton8494]

Outstanding video and some amazing photos. My delivery of e tension tubes arrive today and I am now motivated to get out. It seems that macro photography cannot be defeated by the weather or the lockdown you can stay in the garden or go indoors.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Have fun Steve. That is the beauty of macro.

[@antdx316]

the backlighting area is the best and is awesome, what light are you using to light them and it's light setting?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

These were all natural light.

[@christophkrull5660]

Thank you for your great, chilling video. Do you think it makes sense to combine a dedicated macro lens like the Sigma 105mm f2.8 DG DN with extension tubes or such snap-on lenses?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I have them but rarely use them! That’s not to say I have an issue with them! They just allow a closer than I generally shoot at!

[@christophkrull5660]

@@SimonBoothPhotography thank you. I'll try it out soon.

[@dezem7]

No need to get down and dirty with a flip out screen unless you're using an old dslr. Too much dog pooh these days unless you hit the unbeaten tracks.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Old habits I'm afraid.

[@PapaStrumfPS3]

Hi Simon, first of all thanks for the video. I've been doing macro for some time but I was pleasantly surprised with softness of you background, I can't get that quite... 08:15 - 08:30 is what I mean, can I know your settings on those two photos? Is key maybe low f-stop? 5.6 ? Most of the time I can't get whole flower and stem in focus both at the same time while background is so smooth..If I go to F13 I don't get that soft background. Do you clone most of the picture?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Nikola My medium format 100mm lens, which I use now gives a beautiful bokeh. However, both of those shots were taken with a 500mm prime at f4, which naturally creates a fast fall off of focus behind the subject. Crucially though, I do make sure that any backgrounds to my images are distraction free. So shooting in densely vegetated areas won't work with this type of shot. I don't clone any of the picture.

[@PapaStrumfPS3]

@@SimonBoothPhotography Thanks for the reply and info :) I thought about photo stacking while mentioning 'cloning', sorry for that :)

[@petertoolan6181]

Really useful tips, thanks! Crisp and direct presentation too.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter.

[@jillbaxter4533]

Thank you Simon. Such a beautiful, informative and inspirational video. Your images are gorgeous and when (yes I've ordered some extension tubes which are due for delivery in 8 weeks!!) I get started I would be very happy to get one half decent shot that I can compare to yours! Your video was so relaxing and enjoyable I didn't want it to end. Thank you for taking the time to explain your tips and show us what can be achieved with practice.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you Jill for such nice complimentary words. I'm sure you will get some great shots with practice. The more you try, the more you find.

[@andreleroux7484]

Great tips, great pictures. Thanks, Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@karlgunterwunsch1950]

Just stumbled across this video, your application of the handheld guideline (it's not a rule) of 1/focal length as shutter speed is not correct. In normal photography this guideline accounts for the magnification of your movement due to focal length, thus it's magnification that's the factor here. A shot taken at 1:1 magnification will need a faster shutter speed than one taken at 1:5 magnification irrespective of the focal length because it is the relative movement of your hands with regards to the frame that's the thing you want to keep a check on...

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I agree with you Karl but to keep things simple and to keep the nice flow of the video, I say the "general rule of thumb", as this allows flexibility in my statement as opposed to an absolute rule.

[@karlgunterwunsch1950]

@@SimonBoothPhotography My point in this case is that no matter what the focal length is, at 1:1 magnification you need a much higher shutter speed to eliminate hand movement as a source for lack of sharpness. So for a 50mm macro lens the 1/50 second your rule of thumb gives you IMHO is much too long for a high magnification shot, even the 1/200 of a second for a 200mm macro lens may still be too long.

[@MrDoodsie56]

Thank you so much for the great video, Simon. You've inspired me to get out and do more macro captures.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Great to hear Dale, thank you.

[@kevwarrilow45]

Top Tips there Simon - very well presented as usual in your calm and collected manner - shot of the day for me was undoubtedly the crocus - just sublime :)

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Kev, that shot must be 10 years old now. Taken in a holiday cottage garden in Cumbria!

[@mick8586]

great video again Simon , and great tips an info ,thanks ,take care and stay safe, great images

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for your continued support and you to Mick.

[@gannibal1943]

12:32 great ideas, thx!

[@paulcritchley464]

Is that a nice cuppa tea lad? Or a caffeine injection? To much caffeine is not great for hand held macro work. As we get older shakes can get the better of us 🤫😂 nice video good pointers

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Oddly Paul, I went cold turkey on the coffee this week. Maybe your message had something to do with it. The headaches have been horrific!

[@paulcritchley464]

Simon Booth Hmm I went cold turkey a few years back. I would drink coffee 7 times each day about a pint each time. And sleep well No coffee for 3 years. Then on one of our anniversary’s I have a coffee after dinner one Saturday evening didn’t feel like sleeping till Monday morning. So I use coffee for tired driving, no more than once a day An architect I worked with got relief for his headache’s drinking coffee. Tried to tell him the coffee is the cause. Didn’t want to know It’s understanding what we put in our mouth

[@davidireland1460]

What a great morning's work Simon. Four images that really have a beautiful meditative, pastoral link, you are indeed my favourite bagpipe wrestler!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Good morning young fella. Thanks again for that. I'm a bit slow out of the starting blocks with my replies with this one. I think i'm a bit slow on all fronts when it comes to writing...but then you knew that anyway! :-)

[@davidireland1460]

Simon Booth Ahh you can call it slow out of the block if you like, I see it more as a civilised pace. Take care Mr.

[@raymondkilminster2194]

Nice video you have a really lovely place to walk and some great photos .

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Really appreciate your comment, thank you.

[@karenstanley4008]

Thank you - I have found the video such an inspiration. I can’t wait to get going!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad to help and hope you get some good ones Karen.

[@robiniapseudoacacia]

Really helpful and informative. Thanks again for taking the time to share.

[@colinfreear4749]

Outstanding workSimon, so much to learn from your films.I can't wait to be able to get out again when this is all over.Many thanks for sharing.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Good to hear from you again Colin. Enjoy the freedom!

[@chriss2761]

Another great video Simon, Your macro images are outstanding 👍

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Chris, I do love a good close up!

[@MrFreakwent]

Wonderful images that cause me to pause and look at them for a few minutes. Your easy going,conversational manner makes it to absorb what you are saying,thank you so much for art with a great lesson.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Glad to hear you like the way the channel feels.

[@fotolookconde]

A few months ago I bought a Benbo thinking about shooting macro with it. I have to start using that Benbo soon! Thanks for the video.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Well the winds will be here soon so you could secure the house with it! 😂

[@fotolookconde]

@@SimonBoothPhotography true it was raining all the past week...

[@ivanstevens]

Just watched this one again Simon, love your work.

[@IanSmithFotografi]

Thoroughly enjoyed learning more about macro from you Simon. It’s a genre that I’m becoming more drawn towards thanks to yourself. Beautiful images and an excellently put together film with a very clear message. Thanks Simon

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Ian Smith Fotografi cheers Ian. Sorry for the slow reply. Glad it’s come on handy for you.

[@whp57]

Really enjoyed this video. Although I have heard and used most of the tips, it never hurts to have a reminder every now and then. Have a wonderful day.

[@mike.photography]

Complimenti! Grazie. 🇮🇹

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you

[@frankmartinez5114]

Awesome video thank you Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@57sapke]

Love the video, awesome images and great tips. 👌

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Many many thanks for watching

[@BarinStudio]

Hi Dear Simon, thank you so much for your nice and relaxing, and informative video. It gives me tranquility and peace .💗🙏

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It is a nice video that one. The formula was just right, thank you.