Complete Macro Photography Tutorial for Beginners

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

I can't believe I filmed this video almost 5 years ago! Wow. Time really does fly. Well, I'm posting this comment today because I just published a Patreon page -- you can go there if you want to see the projects I'm working on today, like my ebook on composition and the online workshops that I'm hosting. I hope you'll take a look if you enjoyed this video. patreon.com/PhotographyLifeBlog

[@silenti84]

I've been a photo educator at the college level for 30+ years. This was one of the most articulate instruction videos I have ever seen, you held my attention for the entire video. I am sharing this with my classes.

[@alexandruchetran3780]

i absolutely agree, amazingly coherent!

[@richlovin2173]

I've been involved in most aspects of photography for the last 61 years. I agree with Pam's comment. A very good introduction to macro photography.

[@dianejohnson6777]

New to this channel I am hoping you are still doing tutorials

[@upload638]

It is amazing, and it is going to sell me a new camera and macro lens. For real, this type of video seems tailor made for how I absorb information. I have my Notepad ++ open next to the video and I recorded the 100mm recommendation, the terminology, etc. Just clean, simple, no stupid music or jokes or crazy idiocy out here, and I appreciate it. I'm a drone guy who realized one day while I was sitting on a pier, capturing a sunset with my drone, that the bench I was sitting on had one of the coolest butterflies I have ever seen. My phone was being used as my drone screen and I didn't have another camera with me to get this little thing in time, and even if I did capture it with a garbage cell phone, it just wouldn't matter. That was when I started looking for the tools to open up the ground world to me also, and this is exactly the video I needed to break my bank account!

[@grandpawjeff8710]

Video was presented in a very clear and understandable way without getting into all the confusing technical details. Excellent video!!!

[@danev1969]

Perhaps the best macro instruction video I ever watched. We will show this to our photography club members. I'll be looking forward to your next video. Thank you.

[@raynaeyaert]

I have to say outside the subject. Your teaching skills, presentation style, and flow are impeccable. I have worked in my field with a lot of teachers and what you have can not be taught. This is truly a gift and don’t ever stop doing what you do best!. Thank you spencer

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Very kind of you, thanks, Ray!

[@march2019891]

Yes! As a teacher of many years, I completely agree.

[@bivashbiswas7235]

one of the best beginner friendly tutorial i've ever watched, and i've watched A LOT OF THEM!!!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome! Good luck with your macro photography!

[@ravenphd7061]

Your presentation skills are immaculate. Thanks for the lovely information.

[@talhartuv674]

you are a born teacher. Thanks for not making it gimmicky . Fabulous lecture

[@DedeBryan-z1y]

I watch a lot of videos on photography, this was the first one I have seen of yours. Wow, you are probably my favorite now! It's so easy to listen to you and you are informative and on point. Thanks!

[@sarajitsil]

Hi Spencer, Amazing presentation. I appreciate how beautiful this tutorial was. It has covered most part of the macro photography. One can start off very fast using the tips that you have shared without much ado. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Regards Sarajit

[@citypopcorner5675]

I just want to say thank you for this video.I bought a macro lens and was on the brink of giving up ever taking those wonderful shots you see. But I watched this and went out the next day renewed. I'm now taking awesome photographs and feel infinitely better about my photography skills!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

That’s really great to hear! Wow, happy this video could be so helpful for your macro photography.

[@randyisaacson8551]

Spencer, I am a college teacher of teachers so I feel I know when someone is doing a good job of teaching. I have seen many of your videos and read many of your PhotographyLife articles and they are ALWAYS good and instructive. Keep up the good work.

[@sammysatsangi7754]

The best macro photography video i have ever seen. Excellent content , very clearly explained and to the point. Keep up the good work Spencer. Thanks a lot

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Sammy! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@matheusmartini2057]

Thank you so much for this video. Help me a lot. I am a begginner Photographer... based in Brazil. Thanks!!! =)

[@MrDennisk4]

I thought the speaker in this PL video was very clear and distinct, & being the fact that Macro Photography is my great pleasure, is why I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the young man’s magnificent explanation to how Macro Photography works.

[@wam-wildlifeandmore1141]

Wow finally I understand the terminology. 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾. All the other videos speak so fast and co fusing

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome! Very happy to hear that.

[@gilahodge3817]

Thank you very much for concise and informative, and very easy to understand Thank you very much for concise and informative, and very easy to understand tutorial

[@carriehannigan6480]

Great tutorial! I appreciated the "why" behind the suggestions, not just "do it this way because everyone likes my photos and I do it that way." Even though I've watched many other macro tutorials, I like this one for expert insights and clear explanations.

[@majidsiddiqui2906]

great video, particularly like the part on specific settings.

[@mikeclothier8662]

Excellent...all of my questions answered!

[@gunnarlahmann754]

Congratulations on your video. It was informative and a great watch. I am looking forward for more.

[@slimshady3705]

Great video with simple clean steps. I did not realize you are the same Spencer Cox from Photography Life until I watched the video. I love the website and some great articles by you and Nasim. Keep up the great work. Thanks.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Yes, that’s me! Glad you like Photography Life so much.

[@mindylarcom5243]

Spencer - you are a gifted teacher. Never insulting or boastful ... just an approachable, talented guy sharing knowledge. I'm really glad I found your channel and I look forward to more videos. Some questions - Do you need a macro lens to shoot macro photos. If not, what is the point of a macro lens?

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Mindy! A macro lens definitely helps. It’s all about how close you can focus, and what magnification you can reach. Most dedicated macro lenses can reach 1:1 magnification, meaning you can fill your image with a subject that’s about 1 inch across. But a lot of other lenses can focus pretty closely as well, even if it’s not quite as extreme. Try it out with your lens to see how closely you can focus, and you’ll get a good sense of whether you need more magnification than that. You can also use tools like extension tubes and close-up filters to get more magnification on any lens, such as a standard 18-55mm or 50mm. That would save some money over a dedicated macro lens while still giving you high magnifications around 1:1.

[@scriptosaurusrex]

Very good. Incidentally, almost exactly everything I used to teach my students in macro courses. Except you actually printed the sensor sizes, rather than me telling them to imagine! :) For the sake of pedantry: Early in the video you speak about focus needing to be precise, when you really should have said accurate. Precision in macro is nice but effectively impossible, especially when you do the body rocking focus technique you mention right at the end.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Ah man, you're right, I totally should have said accurate 😂 Glad you liked the video!

[@gilgemash]

I disagree. "Precisely" IS the correct word for use here.

[@Laladeduh]

For what it's worth, this is the only photography channel that I subscribe to. I'm on intermediate photography level and I always manage to educate myself further by finding something that is new to me in your videos. Recently I started macro shooting and this video was very helpful in giving me a great foundation to avoid many trial-and-error mistakes. Thank you!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

That made my day! Very happy to hear you’re enjoying this channel, and the macro video in particular.

[@matthewbell1968]

Hello Spencer, this is absolutely top drawer as we say over here. Clear, articulate and totally professional, I have a lot to learn but this has helped me greatly thank you. Subscribed!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks Matthew, glad you like it so much and welcome to the channel!

[@davidhunter2824]

My personal advice for someone getting in macro photography is to start off with shooting something that doesn't move as much or not at all, like flowers (on a non windy day). Photographing insects and other wildlife that moves can be very frustrating for a beginner.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Totally agree! The smaller your subject, the harder it is to photograph, and that's doubly true with anything moving. Having a solid foundation of skills for regular close-up photography like flowers or leaves will really help for the more difficult subjects.

[@ninjaninjaninja5203]

Anybody who disliked this was just a hater because this guy's great. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you liked it so much, thanks, Will!

[@smfcohen]

I've only had my first camera for less than a week now. What you were speaking of goes way above my head at present but also excites me incredibly. Thank you for sharing!

[@anotherperspective3076]

Hey, great production and explanations! I just upload some Macro Ideas, maybe you wanna take also a look and let me know what you think;) Cheers

[@ShevillMathers]

No music, no pyrotechnics intro, no weak jokes and long winded waffle, the bane of so many presentations, thank you for sharing your presentation with the information Related to the topic. You caught and maintained my interest long enough to have learnt something from your presentation. 😊🇦🇺

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks a bunch! Glad you enjoyed it and good luck with your macro photography!

[@gemstyxwalls1419]

What if you're not using a flash? I'm just trying my hand at macro photograohy.

[@the_linguist_ll]

You can get good luck without, I don’t use mine 90% of the time, just need to be mindful of light levels, or be content with lower ones. A more light sensitive sensor and a technique called exposure bracketing if your camera offers it helps a lot too

[@clanelliott0305]

Simple to understand, great format, many thanks. Subscribed

[@TheFugsTV]

Articulate, informative and to the point. Thanks for your time and knowledge.

[@michaelvail2446]

So happy PL is moving in this direction. Great decision.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you're looking forward to it, Michael! It's about time we started doing KZbin content.

[@joshjhutton]

$5000 camera, $12,000 lens. Makes diffuser out cardboard and plastic.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

😂😂😂

[@RedSquirrelHunter]

Thank you spencer, need more teachers like you

[@gregfam6250]

Excellent introduction for a beginner. Clear explanation and a quickstart cheat code guide. Thank you!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing Greg! That’s the goal, glad you found it to be a good resource.

[@TaskForceHabagat]

Any one guys had a combine Canon 100mm F2.8 IS macro + Canon Extension Tube EF25 II.? Any advantages or disadvantages.?.

[@davidcooper8093]

Very well presented Spencer. Although I have been photographing for most of my 74 years I'm new to macro shooting and have learned a lot from your video. I look forward to putting my newly acquired knowledge into practise.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, David, I appreciate the kind feedback! Best of luck with your macro photography, and I’m glad to hear this video helped.

[@kathleenc1779]

Very excited about a series on macro...thank you for this excellent intro!

[@bozhidarabozhilova5067]

I wish that I had found this video and the entire channel much earlier! It's a great content that you are creating and really so simple, clear and helpful explained! I am so thankful to you!! Good luck and keep up with the great work!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome!! Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoy the channel, wishing you luck with your macro photography!

[@davidbee8648]

Great video, very informative. Glad you are starting to post more to KZbin. Thanks guys, looking forward to next week.

[@Motif-ct5ts]

Very very good explained with practical examples! Looking forward to take macro pictures 📷. Top job and thanks for taking your time.

[@hrishar]

Thanks for the vid, nicely explained. The trick with the flash setting (1/4 and then ttl) sounds very clever, I'll definitely try it. Regarding the back and forth movement, it hasn't worked well on a 100mm unstabilized lens (@ aps-c). I'll try with a monopod, let us know if there are tricks to use it easily and efficiently. Regarding the youtube channel, it is a nice move. One suggestion if I may: Since you and the other authors go really in depth at the website, it would be really nice if you kept it short like you did here. Subscribed and waiting for more!

[@nickbroek5913]

The way you explIn it. Patiently. With chill voice,, makes it really really clear. Thumbs up for ypur peesentation

[@HectorCantres]

Best video lesson about the subject I have watched to date. Short, to the point, info was very clear and couldn't look away from the info. Video quality was real good too. Great job, thanks.

[@janhenrik4170]

Awesome video finally the answers I was looking for regarding aperture. I'm using a Canon 80d with a Sigma 105, sinxe it's not a Canon lense does this mean I have to cut your suggested aperture range in half or not?

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Good question, and the answer is yes - the reason behind this phenomenon is the Canon camera, not the Canon lens.

[@janhenrik4170]

@@PhotographyLifeChannel that's so strange does that mean Nikon is much better since on my Canon I can't actually shoot f 2.8 but instead f 5.6?

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

@Jan Henrik No, but that’s a good question. It’s simply a difference of what the camera will read out to you. On the Nikon camera, as you focus to 1:1 with the Sigma lens, your widest aperture available will get smaller and smaller, approaching f/5.6.

[@quizmybrain3762]

I’m using a canon m50 with 15-45mm lens...also I have 55-200mm lens. How good are those lenses for macro photography?

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Nice camera and lenses! They’re not specifically meant for macro photography. The 15-45mm lens has a 1:4 magnification at its closest focusing distance, and the 55-200mm is a bit less at 1:5 magnification. These aren’t terrible figures, and either lens will work fine for photos of larger subjects like flowers, but close-up insect photography is going to be difficult. You could potentially use an extension tube on the 15-45mm (if you find a good one that is compatible with Canon mirrorless) or a close-up filter on the 55-200mm to boost your close focusing distance.

[@quizmybrain3762]

Photography Life just ordered a cheap canon extension tube at £30 from amazon. I’ll give it a try. If I like it then I’m going to buy a better one like Kenko for £120 🤟

[@quizmybrain3762]

Photography Life thank you so much for your help, great explanation to an amateur photographer like me 😅

[@vithchin72]

Great job, I have already subscribed. Pls share more of your work. Thanks.

[@paulmk2290]

Excellent video. Good information, well explained. Thanks.

[@f1remandg]

Brilliantly explained and love the fact that you reaffirm with the written word on screen and do things in a logical way, of course it’s getting easier as the camera or lens, or both that are getting so good, but if you follow the basics as you explain them, it can only get easier and produce better photos. DG U.K.

[@XJarhead360]

Excellent video, unrushed, explanations simple and comprehensive. Good job!

[@albertphillips447]

Say Hey Spence! Great stuff, watched it twice and saved it and want to play in the Macro Garden. Really appreciate the sense of fun style you bring to this subject. Look forward to watching more of your work.

[@andrewsartain2673]

Excellent presentation and thoroughly absorbing. Well done and thank you. I have subscribed

[@90make]

Thanks for the tips of how to fix the flash power and ISO. Smart way to make your flash power semiautomatic!

[@zakariaidrissi7035]

Amazing video !

[@sarahschwendeman6952]

Hi there- thanks for the video! I am interested in macro photography, but all I have to use is a Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G ED VR. I know this isn't a macro lens, but since it is a strong telephoto lens, could it be used for an intro to macro photography?

[@carlosalfredofloresvideofotogr]

Awesome, thanks a lot. Greetings from El Salvador, Central America.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Carlos! Awesome, how is the macro photography in El Salvador? I've wanted to visit a tropical rainforest for a long time but haven't yet had the chance.

[@Chimboica2011]

Very valuable macro photography Spencer. I look for this video for a long time and finally found it. yeeeeee haaaaa.

[@nancyharris5650]

I am teaching yearbook editing/photography for the first time ever and this was the best video I have found. It gets straight to the point and gives enough detail to engage but is not overloaded in information to where a student would lose focus. Great job!

[@van_creative]

Easily one of the best videos I've seen on macro photography. Thank you!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@meghlamehgla]

Outstanding. Very methodical and easy.. loved the video and I'll certainly try the techniques. Stay well Cox

[@helenpio22]

Thank you Spencer, this is what I was looking for! Very good and understandable explanation 🌹

[@joemac4557]

Enjoyed your videos. I am new to macro but not photography. I am retired and can't afford a true macro lens. I have 2 lenses I am considering for macro, canon 18-55 mm (kit lens) and a canon 28-105 mm. Which would you suggest? I also have 3 extension tube.

[@rondaspink6131]

Do you do any videos using a bridge camera instead of a DSLR? I just purchased a Sony Rx10 IV. My main photography subjects are butterflies, dragonflies. I also photograph birds but most of the time it is butterflies. I could use some help. I have watched several of your videos and I am sure I will be able to use several of your techniques even with my bridge camera. I have really enjoyed watching your instructions! Ronda

[@julians.2597]

What the hell!? That guy literally even has exactly the same thought process as I had with basically every point in the video???

[@imawatchin6295]

I am new to the camera world and have a Nikon d7100 and the Nikon macro 105mm and want to capture bees, flowers, birds, lizards and can’t seem to get a good shot. I set the iso at 200-400-800 and f stop at f22. Can you give me some start settings? I don’t have an external flash and don’t want to use a tripod.

[@glap8694]

Great info, id love some help. So ive never been into photography, but i have a tonnn of pets, small ones too. The smallest ones i have are Thai Micro Crabs. Each crab at LARGEST is 0.4 inches (1cm or less). This means my camera would have to accurately photo a 1cm crab, and its arms. Also it has "pom poms" on each claw, which are hairs that catch algae, itd neat to see those very well too. I also have crested geckos, fish, snails, other larger crabs, bugs, inverts, coral, anenomes, etc. So, all i really know is the info i got from you and a few other videos. I have a budget of around $500, im willing to go a bit higher but id much prefer not to. Can you please help me pick out a great choice of camera for taking photos of the .4 inch crabs? It doesnt need to be a big kit, nor have a ton of tripods or anything. The ability to take videos would be a HUGE bonus, but isnt 100% necessary. Doesnt need to be huge, id prefer smaller. SD, USB, or bluetooth, doesnt matter for me which way it stores. Sorry for the long question, but itd be a Giant help to me if you could point me in the right direction!

[@gilgemash]

Nice to have met you. Thank you for your kind advice, explanations and recommendations. Greetings from London 🌞😷🌈

[@keithhider2170]

Great video - very well explained and the info on camera and flash settings is really useful.

[@juliatompkins4968]

I’m new to Macro and have a Canon crop sensor camera. Your video was really clear and was really helpful with providing the different settings for different sensors etc. Have subscribed and will be checking out your other content. So thank you.

[@semplicissimosemplicissimo6864]

Good job!!! I am Italian and I am pleasantly surprised. This is the best educational video around on youtube. Any topic should be explained in this formidable way. thank you

[@brunodipolto8700]

Man! Thanks for this video! I'm just starting out in trying to capture some insects and had a hard time trying to focus. Valuable tips you gave here. Thank you!

[@hemantkulkarni1102]

Verry useful, I am new in photography, actually developed the interest after I was gifted by OnePlus 7T camera phone. I will definitely try these settings in manual mode and take some photos.

[@thomasbardorf1468]

Amazing! Never ever heard or read an explanation of the basics in macro photography as good as that. Couldn't but subscibe.

[@Dessert_x_Tat]

Your photos are beautiful. Lecture is well presented and structured. Instant sub and THANKYOU Spencer for sharing.

[@fusiongingerragegaming]

Just picked up a canon 100mm 2.8 L. Shooting on a 6d mk2. Thanks for the video. Super helpful

[@Triplebuc50]

I enjoyed your video, although as a Beginner in Macro Photography,...T.M.I. all at one time, my head is spinning.

[@chasmoonie3403]

Excellent :-)

[@beakhammer2638]

Good calm delivery but a trifle fast. At the end I was still wondering what ISO was. Total beginner from Ireland.

[@tomslittlecorner]

thanks for the tips:) great tutorial for beginners like me! Great work!

[@larrym2068]

Spencer, I just got my macro lens and this is very useful and specific information that I need. Thanks.

[@amitchattopadhyay9367]

Excellent video as like the photography life articles

[@jaxbrie]

This was very approachable, concise, and well explained. Did I say useful? I read PL articles avidly, and this may just be a video version - though I won't stop reading. Thanks!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Jacques, we are really happy to hear it, thanks!

[@KubkibGaming]

very easy to understand! thank you!

[@johnsamuelmcelroy]

Great advice! All of it. My new system for macro is going to be on a cropped sensor mirrorless using a 2:1 manual focus lens, and diffused flash.

[@chrisb7807]

This video was perfect. Great advice and thank you for providing specific values, advice!

[@bettinademiguel6155]

thank you for your video! Question regarding flash With a honey alfa 6000: is the kit lite and toilet paper wrap helpful ?

[@alinatekumara8541]

Thank you. Very well Made. Are your red and sacky eyes a Result from Marco photography though? I hope Not.

[@CrystalIine]

You are amazing, this is the most complete guide for macro photgraphy, you talk about all the real aspects and problems in macro! Great job dude

[@orcaspest]

Wonderful video and very informative, thank you!! 😊

[@johnfisk9175]

Excellent tutorial- cool, efficient, articulate. Great information. Thank you!

[@Roseingrave]

A really excellent presentation on a tricky photographic subject. Thanks

[@supranomicon]

Many thanks- great tutorial and tips, thanks for uploading!

[@robingrussling7795]

Thanks for the video. Love macro. Using a Nikon D500

[@saramelzer5433]

This is great! But I would have liked a more detailed discussion of how to focus. For me, focusing is the most challenging issue and I've not seen a good set of instructions on how to focus using magnifer focus, etc.

[@PaulW98Z]

Working distance isnt measured from the front of the lens. It is measured from the front of your camera's sensor. In the side of the camera body up on the outside of the viewfinder, there is a circle with a line thru it. That is the sensor line marking the front of the sensor. That is where your working distance measures from to your subject.

[@ckelin13]

Thanks, a very helpful video and expertly delivered tutorial.

[@tiffanyanderson9249]

This was extremely helpful! Great video. Thank you.