Extreme macro photography

PREPARE FOR MACRO INSECT PHOTOS WITH LIGHTING AND FOCUS STACKING TECHNIQUES

1 Tripod for stacking

Focus stacking involves shooting a sequence of images while making minute adjustments to the focus, in order to capture sharpness across the subject, so we need a tripod to keep the camera still throughout. The frames are combined afterwards using stacking software like Helicon Focus or Zerene Stacker.

2 Release and mirror

Our subject needs to stay perfectly still while we shoot our focus stack sequence. Any tiny vibrations are amplified in close-up photography, so we don’t want to touch the camera at all. A cable or wireless release is a must. It’s also best to use Live View or set Mirror Lock-up to prevent mirror vibrations.

3 Focus rail

We used an inexpensive four-way Neewer focus rail (bought for £40 on Amazon). This lets us move the camera forwards or backwards and side to side in tiny increments to bring parts of our subject into focus. It’s often easier than using the focus ring or autofocus, and lets you manually shoot focus stacks.

Extension tubes 4

These are hollow tubes that go between the camera and lens and allow you to magnify your subject, as a greater distance between camera and lens means a closer minimum focus point. Tube sets usually come in threes (12mm, 20mm and 26mm). We used all three tubes with a 100mm macro lens.

Flash lighting 5

Strobe lighting isn’t essential for macro photography like this, but it does give you a clarity that is hard to match with ambient light alone. We used two studio strobes from a home studio kit – one to the left side fitted with a softbox, the other positioned above the bug and fitted with a snoot for a tighter beam.

Coloured backdrop 6

A piece of coloured paper or acetate placed beneath the insect can add impact to your close-up photos. Choose a colour that complements the patterning of the creature. A clean, simple backdrop like this can also help to make the stacking process easier and more successful.