The Best Camera Settings for Macro and Close-Up Photography

This video simplifies camera settings for macro photography! The first part explains the optimal settings for close-up photography in general (including larger subjects like flowers, lizards, and crabs). The second part covers high-magnification macro photography, which uses more specialized techniques.
The tips in this tutorial apply regardless of the camera you have - whether DSLR, mirrorless, Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc... the system I cover works the same way no matter what.
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This video is not sponsored! You can support Photography Life and Spencer Cox Photography by buying anything through my affiliate links!
Here is all the photo equipment I use: bhpho.to/3XUv32a
And here’s my video gear to film this video: bhpho.to/3Yt8th1
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If you're not familiar with macro photography yet, you may find it useful to watch my complete introduction to macro photography beforehand: • Complete Macro Photogr...
I also have a complete video on macro photography lighting: • Macro Photography Ligh...
As well as macro photography ideas that you can do at home: • Macro Photography Idea...
This video ONLY covers camera settings, but it does so in more detail than I've been able to do before. Macro photography is very demanding on your settings, after all, so I hope you like the comprehensiveness of this guide.
I do want to make a quick note here. I said in the video that the best aperture depends on the camera you're using, and that's true. Something I've talked about before is that Canon calculates aperture differently from other manufacturers at these high magnifications. You'll need to divide my recommended values (f/16 to f/22) by two if you shoot with Canon. So, f/8 to f/11 is the equivalent, if you're shooting at 1:1 magnification. I'm sure this is something you've already figured out on your own (heck, it's in Canon's camera and lens manuals), so I'm only mentioning it just in case :)
If you have any questions or comments about this tutorial, let me know below! I'm planning to answer every question, so now's a good chance if there's anything you were wondering about macro photography.
~Spencer
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#MacroPhotography​ #Photography​

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

I hope you enjoyed this video! I published it almost three years ago, or I would have mentioned this at the time, but I'm finally doing photography full-time now. It's been a difficult but rewarding road. If you liked this video, I just published a Patreon page with all of my newest projects, including my composition ebook and online workshops that I'm hosting. Thanks guys. patreon.com/PhotographyLifeBlog

[@mumo9413]

Top tips for non studio macro work. 👏👏👏 My tips for macro, If you have a basic lens you can always use extension tubes or a clip-on lens like the Raynox DCR-250. I never photo in direct sunlight, always use a flash & diffuser. You can you back button focus for continuous focusing if manual is not comfortable for you. Always start with a clean lens. For something non moving, I use a mini tripod & my live view screen. Zoom in on screen, you can then see full definition & if you need to tweek the focus. Get down to the level of your subject, think about interesting angles. And take a small spray water bottle with you, especially for flora (water droplets add interest) you can wet stones that brings out colours, puddles for reflection & if it's very dry it will attract insects because they're thirsty.

[@WillySolares]

I am 42 years old man learning from a little boy. Thanks a lot. I love macro photography, juste gettings started with a Nikon D3500 and a 85mm micro.

[@SuchaDoofus]

Little boy? He's clearly a young man. Think before you write....

[@clovishound5756]

Good no nonsense tutorial. One thing I find very useful in my new Nikon Z5 camera is the user defined modes. I set up one for static bird/wildlife subjects, one for birds in flight, and one for macro. I may need to adjust a little, but the majority of settings are what I'll need for specific subjects, and I can change from one mode to another in seconds. This is especially useful in regards to focusing modes, which take some time to go through the menus to change.

[@michaelscaife6150]

Spencer, you have a great presentation style and you are providing very useful, clear and precise advice. Please keep them coming!.

[@maik723]

Thanks Dude. That 1:1 focusing info was on the money. Thanks.

[@gerryphilpott9766]

Thanks, this is great. I ordered the Z MC 105mm and can't wait. Making due with others for now and really appreciate the tips. You cover more info and explain more clearly in 9 minutes than some 30 minute videos. That gives everyone 21 more minutes to go out and shoot the little creatures.

[@shelmana]

Great info, well presented and easy to understand. Some KZbinrs seem to explain things in an overly complicated way, so I really appreciate the effort you have gone to for those of us who love Macro. Special bonus points for the mirrorless tips. 👍

[@mickbear413]

Cheers Spencer. Great video and information. I’ve just realised that my favourite photography genre is definitely macro, but I have a lot to learn. Thanks again 👍

[@uratasan]

I just dove into the macro photography world and quickly realized there’s so much more to learn than I expected. Your video was quick and filled with great info. Thank u!

[@leftie7000]

Thank you for presenting in a way that is easily understood by those of us that don't know all the ins/outs of our cameras - this is one of the BEST videos I've watch regarding macro and close-up - which is a new obsession of mine - I can't wait to try out your suggestions and recommendations - I need to order a diffuser but will maybe make one until I can get one delivered. I'm so excited to try these techniques - thank you Spencer!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Wow, glad you found it so useful! Good luck with your macro work, it's such an exciting genre of photography.

[@mindseyeproductions8798]

Your explanation and directions on how to achieve the images that you want are very concise and easy to understand thanks

[@coachcindy]

Loved the video. Working with my new Sony A7R 111 and this helped me to produce much better pics with this setting. I learned some new things about the settings. I have only had the camera for 3 weeks. Went to a local camera shop to learn more. The guy i had did not tell me anything I did not know already. You gave me more information that was wonderful. Thanks so much. Will be watching more of your videos.

[@sarajitsil]

Fantastic content. Very helpful indeed. You have covered some brilliant techniques. Thank you mate for sharing with us!!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Sarajit! Glad it was helpful, and good luck with your close-up/macro photography!

[@jonkers2007]

excellent, thank you. no filler, loads of good info and great pace.

[@emmanuelnwali8826]

Thank you for this explicit explanation. This is awesome.

[@Chimboica2011]

Excellence video Spencer, thank you so much. I will watch again.

[@highwayman1224]

Awesome video! I just got into photography at 55 years of age about 3 months ago and I'm learning a lot from watching these KZbin videos. I just got my olympus 60mm macro lens from FedEx today and have been playing with it all day. Lot's of stuff to learn that's for sure but man it's fun!

[@joyceyang6976]

Hi Spencer, what a great video on Macro and Close-Up Photography , I would say that I have learned so much from this less than 10 minutes video of yours, very impressive content, love it! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙏😃💕

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

I’m glad to hear it! Thanks, Joyce, and good luck with your own macro shots!

[@dflo_art6817]

Great video, really does help out a bunch. Just got my camera today, and have always been super interested in macro shots. This is going to help out so much, going to be watching more!

[@lynnsargeant2749]

Thank you ! Keep up the great work

[@5RustyBin]

great video - only thing I would say is that if you are shooting a burst of pictures for a focus stack then 1/4th flash power will likely have some images not flashing due to flash recycle time. I use 1/16th max normally and find the flash will fire every time that way. if test pic at 1/16th still comes out a little dark just pop the iso up to maybe 500 - the new denoise tool is superb at removing the small amount of image noise that results. Took a lot from your video though and keep up the great work. Thanks for sharing.

[@zarrir]

Good tips

[@Tunesmithnw]

Thanks. I really enjoy your videos. Your enthusiasm is contagious.

[@50deserteagle]

Awesome Spencer i learn a lot from this short video thanks!

[@annerichard788]

I agree that this is one of the best videos on macrophotography, thanks!

[@YTsurferr]

I'm grateful you've done videos on the 2 areas I'd like to explore as I'm returning to the hobby, Astrophotography and Macro. The last time I shopped for camera gear was about 15 years ago. I wasn't aware that since then, all of the camera shops around me have closed, leaving no place to go to pick people's brain. Videos like this have been very helpful, thank you.

[@withak7683]

Very nice video Spencer, thanks.

[@cameraopera]

Awesome video, I will definitely be using your tips. Thanks so much👍👍👍

[@tiko6363]

Perfect video, you helped me out greatly!

[@tanmoydas825]

Very informative and very specific too. Thank you.

[@genemcloud4114]

Well done. Nice differentiation between just casual shooting up close and true macro shooting. Thanks!

[@FreeWillPhotos]

Thank you for sharing this information. Now I will have to go and try that out.

[@ronmasters751]

Concise, comprehensive survey of reliable techniques!

[@briansquibb999]

Another super video! Thank you Spencer!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing, Brian! Glad you liked it.

[@mariairmasaiz248]

Thank you for this video - the best explanation for a new macro photographer 👍👍👍 I have watched several videos on basic of macro photography and your explanation is the most comprehensive and helpful without feeling overwhelmed about the technical aspect of macro photography.

[@dianejohnson6777]

Great video to watch thank you. Been finding it difficult to get use to the settings on a macro lens.

[@castironwood]

I’ve watched two videos so far (Milky Way, Macro) and plan to watch every video that you have posted. Concise, relatable, and great content. Thank you.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, David!

[@stephaniemand]

This might be the BEST VIDEO about micro photography I've come across on yt !! Thank you SO effing mucht for sharing you insights. This was absolutely helpful !! greetings from belgium

[@micahsouzaphoto]

Thank you for the help Spencer!

[@majawn]

Great stuff, very helpful, thank you!

[@sarahhicks3971]

Just what I was looking for to help me with my macro photography! Thank you! 😊

[@sabgerland5298]

Thanks so much Spencer for the quick, easy, and clear info. I can't wait to try!

[@IanWilkinson]

I think you covered most of the important aspects of successful macro photography very well. One tip that sometimes helps with high-magnification photos of bugs is to hold onto the insect's 'perch' with your left hand and rest the lens on that hand as well, for better control of the subject-to-lens distance and consistent manual focusing. And a lightweight monopod helps too. When the insects eventually reappear in the Spring I'll be breaking out the kit again.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you like it, Ian! And thanks for adding these tips. A monopod definitely makes things more stable and easier to focus. Naturally it does require slowing down slightly to set the monopod at the right height, so I don’t use one all the time, but it depends on the subject.

[@davidleighsparks]

Well done - lots of great info even for a someone like me who's been shooting for 60 years. Got me thinking about how I do macros and got me interested in getting back into it.

[@berginrp]

This is the first time I stumbled on your channel and I really like your way of explaining things and very informative. Thank you!

[@hansingram4761]

Well done! I loved this video. you just now gained a new subscriber

[@Peyre]

Amazingly helpful video. I was testing my new macro lens the other day and ran into so many issues. Thanks for all the advice!

[@MonsieurSingh]

Thanks for this! Helps a lot especially since I'm new to macro photography.

[@houcinesinaceur5170]

Thank you so much for this video we can feel the dedication and love for photography I hope you become a very good photographer and thank you so much for this very useful information

[@lesmar234]

Outstanding video. Thanks for sharing. This was really helpful.

[@Grizzleds1]

Great video, has given me some tips to try. I like the way you keep to the point. Its dragonfly season over here in the UK so I best put the tips to the test. Thanks Phil

[@GoldtriggerDude]

I'm new to macro and came across your tutorial. Very well done. Thanks!

[@robertclarke1833]

That was explained really well. No 'filler'.......perfect

[@franciscocalvo1980]

Very useful. Thanks!

[@katielacadie1214]

I am just beginning with macro photography. Thank you for the way you teach. Now to get the right camera and lenses. If you can recommend the best/ easiest one to use.

[@johnjoe351]

Very helpful I will put what I have learnt into practice. Thanks.

[@marian-valentinlascu5099]

Great tips and presentation! I knew most of them, but the way you show them here make them more easy to understand. Congrats!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you thought so! Thanks for the great feedback.

[@mikepittman1950]

I just stumbled across you and immediately subscribed to your channel. You are probably the best camera instructor on KZbin! You simplify things and make them very clear and concise. I can't recommend you highly enough. Putting a link to on my photo club facebook page. Outstanding work please keep the videos coming.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Wow, thank you, Mike! Very glad to hear you like the channel so much.

[@momentswhisperedphotograph2805]

Great insight Spencer!! I look forward to trying these tips out!!! Thank you!!!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad to hear it, hope it goes well!

[@simon01ize]

Great video, easy to follow and good practical advice.

[@johnlochness]

I'd got a bit disheartened doing macro photography as so many of my pictures where out of focus or blurred. Your techniques have really inspired me to try again, thank you.

[@theflyingdutchman787]

Great instructor!!! I love that narrow depth of field look in macro photography.

[@samelogio7441]

A very good series of tips. Thank you.

[@carmennebe988]

amazing Spence, the first time after watching many videos I found one, yours, that is really helping, thank you!!! 👍👍

[@JohnBunger]

Great vid. Always have loved macro and only recently have invested in good equipment. I'm sure I'll put a lot of these techniques to use in the coming months. Thanks!

[@johnmorgan4087]

This is one of the best videos I've seen on macro-photography. Well laid out and in logical order. I really liked that you explained the settings recommended.

[@TomGrubbe]

Great info, thank you!

[@vishypai7554]

Very useful tips explained so simply. Thank you, Spencer!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You’re quite welcome! Happy you found it useful.

[@chipcurry]

Thank you for taking the time to do a great video like this.

[@Sonny80m]

Thank you for good kick starting tutorial for macro photography!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Of course! Glad you found it useful.

[@shaysayag713]

Hey Spencer. great video tutorial i watched about this subject. Thank you and Happy New Year. Shay

[@billbain2943]

Thanks for putting this together. Lots of helpful info here.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing, Bill, glad you found it useful!

[@pipwaltersart9693]

This is brilliant! Helped me a lot and answered some important questions for me. Thank you.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing! Happy to hear it.

[@lindabell4892]

I am fascinated with macro photography, especially insect macro photography. I am completely new to this. I don't have deep pockets, but I am definitely interested. Thanks for the tips.

[@betulokandan6731]

This is really an excellent tutorial, thank you so much!

[@JanAnton]

great video spencer! Thanks

[@sintijainnature]

Thank you so very much!!! Next week I'm getting my macro lens and now I will now what to do with it! :))

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Excellent presentation! Thank you.

[@abdulsslamkhierallah5170]

Very much appreciated. Thank you for the sharing.

[@dildralax7567]

Thank you your info was most helpful...

[@Wendy-cf5tv]

This was great! Thank you!

[@petroslefteris7597]

Great video, many thanks!!!

[@tigersunruss]

Great video mate!

[@actorpoesia]

Excellent presentation, very easy to understand. Congratulations.

[@BrightResultsMedia]

Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@2229east7thstreet]

Hey Spencer, your videos are great->keep it up

[@beatfarmerfan]

Great video Spencer! I love macro photography, but I don’t do much outside in the winter here in the U.P. of Mi. I like to use my CamRanger setup a lot, paired with my IPad. It probably triples my chances of great shots, especially with Bees and Dragonflies. Keep the great vids coming.👍

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

I don’t blame you for staying in during Michigan’s winter! Although if you ever feel like photographing icicles or snowflake macros, you’re going to have a lot of subjects at your disposal 😄

[@c.e.m7535]

Bro- you're my hero! Thanks.

[@vikassaraf3122]

Another great video from you sir!! Awesome tips! Thank you soo much!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You’re quite welcome!

[@kidglove55]

Great stuff here. I will have to try these tips.

[@genewhitney5993]

Really good video, Spencer. Very helpful.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Gene! Glad you found it useful.

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

Very helpful video. Thank you!

[@ianpeters9331]

Excellent - thank you Spencer! Ian

[@hermanmunster4949]

Very well done..!

[@KeithMoffat-yo4gq]

I am a latecomer to macro photography. I have A LOT TO LEARN. Your video has given me the start I need. Am a Willing and Happy subscriber.

[@DollhouseTutorials]

You are very good at explaining while keeping it short and sweet. You gave valuable information that wasn't drug out and I watched your entire video. Great job, great information ♡ thank you ♡

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kineticuncertainty]

Good tips , thanks

[@Namaste..]

Focus peaking is a real asset when shooting macro, especially handheld!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

I use peaking a lot for my macro videos! Good tip. I should have added a note in the video about using it for stills as well. If you're lucky, it can boost your focusing keeper rate all the way to 50% for those 1:1 shots :)

[@mr.t5610]

Thanx for really useful tips, Spencer 👍.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing!

[@Pine4205]

I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.