DIY Network

Macro Photography: Tripod and Self-Timer From "The Whole Picture" episode DTWP-102

Erin Manning offers her student advice on how to use a tripod to achieve better results in macro photography.

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In "Lesson 2" of DIY's macro photography series, professional photographer Erin Manning shows how to use a tripod and self-timer to get better results in macro (extreme close-up) photography.

Materials used in this episode:

Digital camera with macro function
Camera's user manual
Tripod
Shutter release cable
12"x12" piece of cardboard or foam-core
Sheet of white paper

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Augmenting Your Macro Photography Using a Tripod and the Self-Timer

It's often difficult to hold your camera perfectly steady no matter what the distance is. But in macro photography, because you will be up so close, the focus range for the image is very limited. The slightest movement will cause your picture to be blurred. That's why Erin recommends using a tripod when you shoot macro photography.

Camera shake can also cause your image to be blurred.

Wind can cause your subject to move and appear out of focus.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Tripod Basics

Mounted on the tripod (figure A) the camera will have an easier time finding the focus point because there is no forward or backward motion. Also, it makes it much easier to shade yourself and the camera to really see what's on the LCD.

When selecting a tripod you want to make sure that it has plenty of adjustments on it. You also want to make sure the tripod has some weight to it -- which will help to stabilize it and prevent it from blowing over in windy conditions. Some tripods even have spikes in the feet to help keep them stable.

One feature that's extremely handy in macro photography -- and any photography where you may be using a tripod -- is a shoe. A shoe is a plate that screws into the bottom of the camera that allows you to just pop the camera on and off the tripod quickly and easily (figure B). Without a shoe, you'll have to keep screwing and unscrewing the camera every time you want to remove it from the tripod. This can become a nuisance and can limit your flexibility when shooting.

Another kind of tripod is the mini tripod (figure C). Take one of these along so you can get down low and into tight areas.

	Figure D
	Figure E

More Tripod Tricks

The beauty of digital photography is that you if don't like the picture you can just delete it. So don't be afraid to try new things.

When working with a tripod you don't have to always extend out all three legs to the same height. Adjust the tripod so that you get the most interesting angle of your subject. Try experimenting to get just the right camera height and position. For example, you might try using the tripod's adjustable head to look down on your subject (figure D) or even up. Some of the best pictures happen when you shoot at unusual angles.

A mini-tripod can help you get the camera into low or tight places where you might not ordinarily go. It can also enable you to take extreme low-angle shots.

If you don't have a tripod, or your tripod won't go low enough, try putting a piece of cardboard on the ground to give your camera a stable base and then slide it into an area where you might never see (figure E).

Try using a tripod, or simply a piece of cardboard for a stable base, along with your camera's self-timer to help ensure that you get a clear image.

The Self Timer: Not Just for Self-Portraits

Even when it's on a tripod, you can still get some blurring if the camera moves even slightly, and the effect can be magnified in macro photography. Camera movement can occur simply from the action of pressing the shutter-release button with your finger.

A trick professional's use when taking macro close-ups is using the self-timer. Most people use the self-timer so they can get in the picture, but you should also use it whenever camera movement is an issue. If you turn on the self-timer and then snap your shutter, you'll have enough time to move away from the camera before the picture is snapped. The camera won't shake and your picture won't be affected your movement. Simply trigger the shutter and step out of the way.

On more advanced cameras you can attach a shutter release cable that allows you to trigger the shutter without touching the camera. This will give you the stability you achieve using the self-timer--but without the wait.

RESOURCES :

PC Photo magazine
Website: www.pcphotomag.com
Online version of the magazine devoted to digital photography and related technologies.

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