ON LOCATION MAJESTIC MUSHROOMS

Get your off-camera flash set up correctly for fungi close-up shots

01 EXPOSURE & APERTURE

Set your camera to Manual Mode with shutter speed 1/30 sec, aperture f/8 and ISO100. A mid-range aperture will give you the sharpest results, as lenses tend to perform their best a couple of stops down from the max aperture. The depth of field will be limited so precise focusing is vital.

02 TRIPOD & FOCUSING

A tripod is a must for macro photography, not just because it lets you slow your shutter speed, but also because it means you can focus precisely. Manual focus is best. Use Live View and zoom in, then use the lens focus ring to ensure the front edge of the mushroom is sharp.

03 SPEEDLITE SETTINGS

Fired at 1/4 manual power, our Speedlite is placed slightly behind the subject and angled back towards the camera so that it doesn’t spill onto the area beyond the subject. This helps the backdrop to appear nice and dark, which in turn helps the water drops to stand out.

04 FLASH TRIGGERS

Key to this technique is learning how to fire your flash off-camera for side light. You’ll need a wireless trigger and receiver for this (we used a set of Godox triggers here). With tiny macro subjects, the slightest change to the position and angle of the flash can have a huge impact, so experiment with your flash placement.

05 SMALL SOFTBOX

A small portable Lastolite softbox is fitted over the Speedlite. This diffuses the harsh light from the flash bulb so that it looks softer and more natural. The softbox is angled so that the edge of it catches the subject, rather than directed straight at it. This feathers the light to give it more of a wraparound quality.

06 WATER SPRAYER

A spray of water can add atmosphere to your macro photography, especially if you’re using flash. The flash will freeze the droplets and make them sparkle and glow. Spray the mushroom and capture drops falling off the bonnet. If your camera is on a tripod, you also have the option to combine several frames in Photoshop.