Monday, November 19, 2007

Macro Makeover

It's The Smallest Details That Count

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


This picture was taken some months ago when I was experimenting with the macro settings on a Pentax K10D that I was testing at the time. I got some great results with this camera, and this shot here shows is a very intricate design on a hand-painted miniature stool from India.

Macro is a great way to shoot, but it's always an interesting learning curve. I've just answered an email from US blogger Jenera Healy. In response to my cobweb pictures in the post Web Sight, she wrote: "I'm so jealous - I've not been able to get a good clear shot of a cobweb at all. the focus is always off or something else goes wrong with the photo."

As I said to Jenera, macro shooting takes a bit of practice. If you are keen are close-up shots, check the macro settings on your camera and experiment for best results. I recently saw an interesting post called Difference in Lighting for Macro on WhoDatDare's blog with some interesting feedback.

I also had a query from YesBut, asking for the details on the photo Mary Had A Little Lamp. The shot was taken with my Pentax K100D and my shutter speed was 1/60 aperture F8 and the ISO speed 800.

17 comments:

Mega said...

Thank you David, any tips or tricks that can be used for photography definitely helps an amatuer like me. I've been taking lots and lots of them with mixed results. I guess it takes lots of practice to get good at this.

San said...

Luscious.

Anonymous said...

Superb picture, David. My husband is a keen photographer (amateur and spare time) but he loves to take pictures of anything! He has an Olympus with lots of lenses, forgive me as I know very little about cameras. I have a Samsung digital which I love using then transferring onto the computer.

Best wishes, Crystal xx

Jenera said...

Thanks David! I plan on getting out the camera tomorrow and doing some exploring and lots of picture taking. I've missed it in the midst of our moving. I hope to have some good shots soon to put up.

ro_pumpkin said...

tks for your visit . i enjoy your blog and i hope i will have time to read your tips because i need them ... hahaha

Sam Fox said...

I Want That Stool! Beautiful, beautiful colours and design, and of course skill of the photographer who brought it to us - thank you, David.

Have put up a pic I took of a web on my blog today, where I talk about meeting some fellow B&B-ers.

YankeeChick said...

Your photos are wonderful!! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leading me here. I look forward to exploring your entries and photos!

Anonymous said...

this macro turned out great. nice one!

Rachelle said...

Cool beans, is it three dimensional, like a carving too?
It looks like it.
Slainte~
Rachelle

Cape Cod Washashore said...

Thank you for your comment on my blog re my new nephew.

Fascinating profile you have. I had a college roommate who was from India (her family is from what was then Bombay). She has since married and now lives in Perth.

Don't know if you saw over at Imac's that I have a photo blog as well: beachyscapecodphotoalbum (link is on my profile).

Mary said...

Love the detail! I'm so obsessed with the macro setting on my camera...I just love capturing the little details!

meggie said...

That illustrates the heat rather nicely!!

I have been metaphorically on my knees to the camera gods to bring me a macro feature camera!!

I get so frustrated when I try to photograph small details on such things as my Netsuke find, only to see it is all blurry & indistinct, with my current small camera.

YesBut said...

Hi David
Thanks for the info.
You really achieve "crisp" images. I'm envious!

indicaspecies said...

This beautiful picture reminds me of exquisite Buddhist thangkas.

Lee said...

Really like the detail on that one David. Very nice.

Peace!

regina said...

This. Is. Gorgeous!

Corey~living and loving said...

I am so excited becasue I just placed an order for a macro lens for my christmas gift from hubby. I can't wait to get it. :) thanks for the link.