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Top 10 Tips to Master Macro Photography
.One of the best ways to start underwater photography as you can always find plenty of subjects perfect for macro on the reef and it is relatively easy to do.
First of all, get the basics of Macro down, then try out these Top 10 Macro Tips!
Macro photography is arguably the most popular underwater photography style because it has so many styles, techniques and objectives. Macro techniques have produced many fantastic photos, as a macro beginner, you have many examples out there to lend inspiration from yet sometimes these images start to look similar to each other, especially after the 500th Shrimp or nudibranch photo. This is where Abstract Macro Photography and our Top 10 Macro Tips will take you to the next level. Always keep an eye out for those classic macro shot techniques but also for flavor and fun, let me introduce a few tips for abstract macro underwater photography.
#1 - Get Close
First of all, before you get fancy trying our Top 10 Macro Tips, check you know the basics! Most of all, read my Macro Basics Tips if you dont. You must have heard this before!? "get close, and when you think you are close enough, get closer again!" because minimizing the amount of water between you and your macro subject is the base line to achieving vibrant, colorful and sharp underwater clicks. When diving you will notice the water carries thousands of tiny particles. While not that distracting to your eye, when illuminated by a flash or dive light, create speckles all over your great picture,consequently spoiling your image.When shooting Macro you are so closely focusing that even in bad conditions, if you get close enough, particles won’t be that much of problem. If you get some back scatter on your images, dont worry, because you can read how removing backscatter is easily with a few clicks right here!
#2 - Buoyancy
Abstract Macro Photography is not all about Camera Skills!
#3 - Use Macro Mode
While this may sound stupid, its especially relevant to beginners who leave their cameras in auto mode. I use a CANON G12 in macro mode. Sometimes I use a macro wet lens but not always, for lighting I use a Sea and Sea Wide angle Video light or built in flash, most importantly, with diffuser. All my camera settings are manual. Any underwater camera system capable of shooting macro can be used for artistic macro shooting. Finally, the photographer’s creativity is always more important than the equipment used!#4 - Get Creative
Think of Abstract Macro Photography like any other abstract art, focus is on the shapes and forms, the colours and patterns. Usually you would not see a whole object but instead only see part of its form focusing on perhaps only a small part of it. When Shooting abstract compositions the idea is to capture specific details on a subject to create an open view or interpretation that can be processed or observed infinitely by the imagination of the beholder.#5 - Observe Colors and Patterns
Look not for interesting aquatic life as a whole but observe the patterns, textures and color variations of the reef and its inhabitants.. Almost every common macro subject has abstract potential to be recognized and then captured by the right artist mind.#6 - Use a Focus Light
Any aperture/shutter works as long as it provides a properly exposed photo. You'll find it far easier to get focus and detail with various setting with an excellent light. It really is crucial since we are shooting very small detail.
#7 - Use bokeh
Truly, using bokeh (shallow depth of field) looks amazing
#8 – Go Manual
Dont be afraid to go full manual! Photography is fun and when exploring it, you will discover that manual mode really is your best friend since it gives you total control. This is especially relevant when working on Bokeh shots! Look at your manual camera settings and aim for a aperture around f/2 to f/4 – basically a wide-open aperture. The shutter speed is then set to around 1/250s or what your camera will allow. Play around and ask advice. Good Luck!
#9 - Try High Key
Most of all, a high-key image makes for stunning picture!
Remember, most of all, to Click a high-key shot you will need a subject that already has a bright background, such as sand or bright-colored rocks. Sand usually always works best in a underwater setting. Set the light measurement of the camera to spot metering! This is important step to ensure the exposure of the main subject is in the dead center of the frame and therefore not the sand around it. This way the camera will expose for the darker subject, probably leaving the light background overexposed. Pointing your strobe or light straight down towards the subject to have the sandy ground reflect the strobe light. While sometimes I use the built in flash for this or my Video light from the side, as long as you fill out the subject as required it doesnt matter which you use. Tada! A High Key Click with a white background!
