[How to enjoy using a macro lens! How to photograph flowers and insects] How to select a lens and tips on how to use it

Macro lenses are ideal for capturing the delicate beauty of small flowers and insects. In this article, we will provide some basic knowledge on the most common subjects for macro lenses: flowers and insects. It also explains the key points to consider when choosing a macro lens.

What is the appeal of macro lenses?

Before we get into specific photography methods, let's take a look at some of the characteristics of macro lenses. Knowing these characteristics will help you bring out the appeal of macro lenses more effectively.

Macro lens characteristics

The most important characteristics of macro lenses are their large maximum magnification and short minimum object distance. This allows the photographer to get closer to the subject than is possible with ordinary lenses. As a result, it is possible to capture fine details in large photographs.

Full-size Macro and Half Macro
Macro lenses are generally available in two types: “Full-size Macro,” which has a maximum magnification of 1:1, and “Half Macro,” which has a maximum magnification of 1:2.

The maximum magnification is the ratio of the maximum size of the image on the sensor to the actual size of the subject. Full-size magnification means that the actual size and the size of the image on the sensor are equal.

When photographing flowers, using full-size macro allows you to precisely capture minute details such as the veins running through the petals, fine hairs, and pollen.

On the other hand, half-macro cannot capture as much detail as full-size macro, but it has the advantage of capturing the subject and background in good balance. It is possible to create a painterly expression, such as highlighting the shape and color of a single flower in a landscape.

Immerse yourself in a small world

Because macro lenses have a shallow depth of field, they can greatly blur the area outside of focus. This makes it possible to capture the subject with pinpoint accuracy while skillfully layering the blur in front and behind to create a powerful photograph that makes the viewer feel as if they have entered a microscopic world.

Greatly accentuate details

With a macro lens, you can capture large images of small subjects, surface textures, and even minute details. This allows you to capture elaborate structures that are difficult to see with the naked eye, creating images that stimulate the viewer's curiosity.

Tips for photographing flowers with a macro lens

To take beautiful pictures of flowers with a macro lens, you need to keep a few tips in mind. Here, we will explain exposure settings, composition, and focusing that are suitable for photographing flowers.

Suitable exposure settings for photographing flowers

If you want to emphasize a bokeh effect, use aperture priority mode. By setting the F-number close to the maximum aperture, you can easily take pictures with a bright, beautiful bokeh effect.

When adjusting the shutter speed, use 1/200 to 1/500 second as a guide to minimize subject blur and camera shake.

A good rule of thumb for ISO sensitivity is to use ISO 200 to 400 in bright outdoor conditions. If the photo appears dark, increase the ISO sensitivity.

It is also recommended to adjust the brightness of the photo by adding exposure compensation. Since exposure varies depending on the environment and equipment used to take the picture, use the above as a reference and adjust it as you take the picture.

Pinpoint the subject

It is important to choose a subject that you find attractive among flowers. Pinpoint and define the elements you want to make the subject of your work, such as the shape and color of the petals, stamens and pistils, and so on.

As already mentioned, macro lenses have a shallow depth of field, so areas other than those in focus will be largely out of focus. Since the impression of a photograph can vary greatly depending on the position of the focus point, it is important to observe the flowers carefully and pay attention to the details before shooting.

Compose your shots to create crispness

Composition can add a sense of fullness to a photo.

The sunset composition, in which the flower is placed in the center of the picture, is easy to take, but it often gives a mediocre impression. In such cases, a three-section composition is also recommended. By incorporating a foreground and background blur, you can create movement in the line of sight. Try taking photos with a good balance in mind.

Changing angles to create a powerful effect

When photographing flowers, try angles not only from above, but also from directly beside or below the flower. Shooting from a low position, looking up at the flower, can create the life and power of the flower.

Also, depending on the shape of the flower and the background, an angle directly beside the flower may enhance its beauty. Try different angles to get the most out of your flowers.

Changing the impression with the background

The choice of background can make a big difference in the impression of a flower photograph. Less background information will bring out the details of the subject flower.

On the other hand, incorporating the surrounding flowers into the background creates an overall sense of volume. In addition, using leaves and grass as a background brings out the contrast and makes the vivid colors of the flowers stand out more easily.

In addition, incorporating flowers and leaves in front and behind as bokeh can create a three-dimensional effect and a soft, fluffy atmosphere. Depending on how the colors are captured, the image may look like a painting. Try experimenting with various expressions by choosing the right background.

Try shooting with different light directions

The way the light hits the flowers also affects their impression. To delicately express the texture of flowers, a slightly low-light location, such as in the shade, is recommended. This is because strong light can destroy details and make them difficult to see.

On the other hand, backlighting allows light to penetrate the petals, creating a translucent, glittering beauty. Depending on the light, the light scattered by the laying hairs may also add a more fantastic atmosphere.

In this way, photographing flowers in different directions of light can bring out their various expressions.

What to do when flowers sway in the wind

When photographing flowers, the wind may cause the flowers to sway, resulting in blurring of the subject. On windy days, you can minimize subject blur by setting a faster shutter speed.

On the other hand, on cloudy days, a faster shutter speed may result in darker photos. In this case, adjust the brightness by adding exposure compensation.

Also, by utilizing the continuous shooting function, it will be easier to take pictures with minimal subject blur.

Tips for photographing insects with a macro lens

Here are some tips for photographing insects with a macro lens. Be sure to check the exposure settings, lens selection, and focusing for insect photography.

Suitable exposure settings for photographing insects

When photographing stationary insects, use aperture priority mode. To capture sharp outlines, it is recommended to stop down the aperture from wide open to about F4 or F5.6.

On the other hand, when photographing quickly moving insects, it is best to use shutter priority mode. For example, for a flying subject such as a honeybee, shooting at a fast shutter speed of about 1/1000 second or faster will make it easier to stop its movement.

There are also insects that hide behind leaves or in the shade of trees. Using a bright lens with as small an aperture F-number as possible will make it easier to take clear pictures in dark places.

Focus on the insect's eyes and central element

When taking macro photographs of insects, focusing is a difficult part of the process. When shooting a composition in which the insect's eyes are in focus, it is a good idea to try to focus on the area around the eyes.

On the other hand, when photographing the body surface, carefully observe the characteristics of the pattern and focus on the center of the pattern or the most characteristic part of the body to take a well-balanced and beautiful picture.

In addition, by closing the aperture from wide open to slightly closed, it is easier to capture the entire insect in sharp focus. In macro photography, it is sometimes difficult to use autofocus (AF), so switch to manual focus (MF) and adjust the focus as necessary.

Wait for bees and butterflies to gather on flowers

Many people want to photograph bees and butterflies along with flowers. To take pictures of insects flying around quickly, focus on a flower you have already spotted to a certain extent and wait for the insect to fly by.

When the bee approaches, use the continuous shooting function to quickly take a picture. It is difficult to take a beautiful picture in one shot, so be patient and release the shutter several times.

Shooting from an angle directly beside or below you

As with photographing flowers, you can use angles when photographing insects. An angle looking down from above can capture the geometric beauty of the patterns and outlines on the back, just like a specimen.

On the other hand, looking up from the side or from below will give you a dynamic photo, as if you have entered the insect's world. By keeping your shooting position low, you can also capture the natural environment in which the insects live.

The direction of the light changes the impression of the subject

First, if you want to capture details clearly, try to find a place where the light is a little weak, such as in the shade. If the light is too strong, it may reflect off the surface of the insect's body, making it difficult to see details.

Photographing in forward light also allows you to beautifully capture the texture and luster of an insect's surface.

On the other hand, photographing insects with thin tissues, such as wings, in backlight will emphasize the beauty of their transparent structures. Be sure to choose the direction of the light according to the characteristics of the insect.

Composition

Composition is also an important element in insect photography. By incorporating flowers, plants, and trees as foreground and background blur, you can create a sense of realism, as if you are peering into the insect's world.

When photographing insects from the front, composition that takes advantage of the symmetry and shape of their bodies also makes for impressive photographs. Try to capture the impression you get from the insect as it is, such as a triangular composition for a nearly triangular shape, or a hinomaru composition for a round shape.

In addition, it is easy to achieve balance by arranging the insect and the background in a three-compartment composition. Try various compositions according to the shape and movement of the insect.

How to choose the right macro lens for photographing flowers and insects

When photographing flowers and insects with a macro lens, it is important to understand the characteristics of the lens and to select one that suits your photographic objectives. Here are some points to consider when selecting a macro lens.

Minimum Object Distance

The minimum object distance of a macro lens depends on the focal length. Telephoto macro lenses with a focal length of approximately 80 mm or longer can be used universally for many types of photography, not just flower and insect photography. Because you can shoot from some distance from the subject, even wary insects will be easier to photograph.

Aperture F-number

A lens with a small maximum aperture F-number of F2.8 or less will make it easier to take brighter pictures when shooting on cloudy days or at fast shutter speeds.

Also, lenses with a small maximum aperture F-number make it easy to obtain a large bokeh effect, making the subject stand out. In flower and insect photography, taking advantage of bokeh can bring out the charm of the subject in a more impressive way.

Weight and portability

When photographing flowers and insects, you will repeatedly carry a camera around to take pictures from various angles. Therefore, a lens that is compact and easy to handle will be easier to use. Compact lenses are not only easy to carry, but also allow you to quickly position the camera on the subject you are interested in. It also reduces the strain on your body when patiently waiting for insects to move.

Choosing a lens that is as lightweight as possible also makes it easier to suppress camera shake when shooting hand-held.

Autofocus (AF) performance

The performance of the autofocus (AF) system should also be checked, as a quick and accurate AF system will ensure that you do not miss a shutter release opportunity. AF silence is also important to avoid irritating insects with motor-driven noise.

However, in macro photography, there are some scenes where it is difficult for the AF to focus, and manual focus (MF) is often used. Therefore, it is also important to check the operability of the focus ring when using MF.

Moisture-Resistant Construction

When photographing flowers and insects, you will often be in natural environments, so it is a good idea to have a lens that is splash-proof. If the lens has a Moisture-Resistant Construction, damage to the lens can be minimized even if there is some rain.

Macro lenses recommended for photographing flowers and insects

Nicknamed “Tam Q,” Tamron's 90mm macro lens has long been a favorite for macro photography of flowers and insects because of its high resolution, beautiful bokeh, and ease of use. Tamron also offers a wide range of half-macro lenses, so please check the sample photos to find the lens that best suits your photographic objectives.

Macro lenses that bring out new aspects of flowers and insects

In macro photography, the common point for both flowers and insects is to focus on what attracts you. By repeatedly taking pictures while observing the subject and focusing on the subject, you can take pictures that are unique to macro lenses. Keep your curiosity in mind as you explore your own expression.