Camera skills Shoot backlit leaves

Got a close-focusing lens and a tripod? You’re all set to shoot colourful leaf patterns

Flatten the subject

Press the leaf flat against a window and tape it around the edges so that it’s pulled tightly to the glass. Depth of field is minimal at close distances, so making the leaf as flat as possible allows you to record details sharply across the frame.

Level up the camera

Position the camera so that its back (and therefore the sensor) is parallel with the leaf’s surface. A macro lens allows you to create a life-size image. Manually set the lens at its closest focusing distance, then move the camera back and forth to focus.

Use a small aperture

To increase the depth of field, choose a small aperture, such as f/16. Avoid the smallest aperture on the lens, as this will result in soft details, even though you’re bringing more of them into focus. Check the results using your camera’s depth-of-field preview.

Shoot hands free

To avoid nudging the camera when you take a picture, use the self-timer function or a remote release to fire your tripodmounted camera. You may be able to use a smartphone app to control your camera and check the results as you take them.