CREATIVE FLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS - Using Macro Photography To See Things Differently
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- Flower macro photography is the subject in this Visual Art Photography Tutorial. Ray Scott usually likes to portray flowers in a soft almost romantic fashion but in this video he strives to show another side, a more intimate view that usually cannot be seen with the naked eye. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder here with images that sometimes evoke illustrations of something completely different than flowers themselves.
Ray uses a Canon macro lens with Kenko extension tubes to get anywhere from life-size to 3x life-size and the results are thought provoking and unique.
When in studio or in the field Ray uses Canon gear. This is a choice he made years ago knowing that he was buying into a system that he could grow into. His go to camera is the Canon EOS 6D with the second camera being a Canon 5D. Lenses used are all L series f/4 except for the 50mm macro with extender. 16-35mm f/4L, 24-105mm f/4L, and 70-200mm f/4L round out the kit which is carried about with either a Lowepro Urban Reporter 250 messenger bag for city shooting or a Lowepro Sling Bag for landscape field work. While Ray does more camera handholding than before due to the image stabilization capabilities of his various lenses, he still is a believer in using his Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod. It's light and it is sturdy.
Ray is a firm believer in exposing himself to as much photography and its history as possible. By looking at other people's photos, he has gained a big appreciation of what this medium has to offer. Ray doesn't think that "copying" someone else's style is a good thing but rather feels that exposing oneself to others work can work as a teaching and inspirational tool. With this in mind, Ray has amassed a list of favorite photographers that he uses for inspiration. Some of these artistic photographers are Galen Rowell, Ansel Adams, Frans Lanting, Annie Leibovitz, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, Freeman Patterson, William Neill and Richard Avedon.
One of the playlists on this channel is called "neighbourhood photographer" which covers tutorials shot in urban and suburban areas. It's always a challenge to see different things of interest when you've been to an area many times yet this is the best way to create good images. You need to return to familiar locations many times. To do so, Ray often drives by car to an area but when he really wants to cover ground yet see things more clearly, he uses his bicycle…bike…and explores the given place.
Whether shooting landscape, macro, portrait or abstract images, Ray always tries to be aware of his surroundings to capture the best pictures possible. Part of this workflow means he is very aware of composition and uses various tips, such as the rule of thirds, as a good starting point in composing. He also likes to break rules from time to time to add new effects to his photos. Being aware of angles, shadows, shapes, lines, textures, patterns and colours goes a long way to making good pictures. He is also a big believer in "getting out there" and shooting as much as possible as it is the only way to improve and flex one's imagination. His message is it doesn't matter if you do your photography in the city, suburbs country, mountains or by the sea, just make sure you do it and follow your artistic passion.
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I can't stop myself from writing a comment and saying that it is an increadibly helpful lesson. You could film a lit about the equippment and technical stuff that everybody does, but there is not so much lessons that teach people how to get a better taste in their photos. To become more creative and how to feel it better. This video has beautiful and inspiring examples, and thought it seems quite easy to simply make more pictures using different angles, this video has helped me to feel thorough it, not just understanding the theory. Really good job.
Thank you so much Roman. I've always felt that without inspiration, we photographers just can't get to the level we want to so I'm happy you enjoyed the video. Good luck with all you do and thanks for watching.
Yes, you have certainly got my created juices flowing. I have just re-invested in a macro lens...had a Nikon outfit but now have changed to Micro 4/3 and bought a new macro lens. Your videos in macro are superb, but I now have a new mantra..."it's not WHAT you see, but how YOU see it." Formerly I would skate around an idea, then dispose of it, thinking this had been done before, but your mantra is now changing all that. Thanks Ray.
Joan
I have to say Joan, you made me chuckle a little when you mentioned my mantra. It is something I try to live by photographically. Joan, I am so happy your are enjoying the tutorials and that you feel inspired. I've always believed that without inspiration there is no creativity so this is a good day. Thank you very much for watching and good luck with your new macro lens.
I almost started crying - this is really another beautiful world! Several years ago, I made a macro dias-photo outside my mothers house - from 1 cm distance to a small Robertanium. When she looked at the picture - 1 m big on the screen - she wondered where I had been to take this photo...? In your carden - 10 meters from this house! Its impossible to believe!
The macro world is incredibly beautiful.
Very interesting perspectives. I particularly liked the bird of prey shot.
Very nice.
Good job!
Keep them coming.
You're doing great things.
Thank you for this valuable info.
Thank you kindly.
Superb video Ray, well explained.
i followed you explanation but i did not have a macro (yet) so i started with à 50mm and than put on my 200 mm and zoom from someone distance and ended up quite nice but not macro... i ended up discovering low key flower photography and i am in love hee hee. i looked at your pictures in this tutoriel and studied where the light were comming from. really helpful and inspiring work Ray.
Where there's a will there's a way. We don't always have the equipment we want or need but you are a perfect example of a photographer figuring out a way to do something and then also discovering something new along the way. Merci Serge et bonne journee.
Great video. Yes, we walk around oblivious of the beauty about us. Thank you.
You are very welcome and thanks for watching and appreciating. Have a super day.
My interest is in documenting botanical specimens so this video really helps.
Sounds good Sam. Good luck!
Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing. Thumbs up for you.
Thanks Agus. Cheers!
I really enjoy your tutorials Ray...thank you
Thanks so much and thank you for taking time out of your day to watch.
I enjoyed this< Ray. Thank you for posting..
Thanks Jann and have a wonderful weekend.
Very good, focus stacking / bracketing adds another dimension. Do you use it?
Do you move into focus stacking, as I believe this is the penultimate way to show these anatomical details?
RAY for the bird of prey photo what settings (camera)did you use and where was your focus pt on the photo. Loved all the flowers. Which of your videos explains the use of extension tubes!
Hi Irwin and thanks. For the bird of prey shot I focused on what I call "the eyes" that seem to be looking at you. I used a very small aperture, I believe it was f/22 and got most of the image in focus. The "refracted flower in a water droplet" video goes into how to set up properly for macro photography. I do not have an actual in depth description of how to use extension tubes but they are really easy. You just attach them to your camera and then attach the lens to the tubes. What you will notice is that you have a much more magnified image. You will also notice that your lens is much closer to the subject so this may create some challenges with lighting. Also, if you are shooting insects as an example, you may be way to close for their comfort. They tend to get out of there quickly. Anyway, in short, there's nothing difficult about extension tubes and if you go that way you'll be surprised at how close you can get to a given subject. Good luck.
Nice close-ups
Thanks Alex.
Hi Ray, Your histogram was right on the one's you liked too. (leave it to a student to point out something they just learned about, lol) Isn't the negative space in that side shot NOT what we want in the composition?? I like the fact your videos are short and to the point. TMI is difficult for us noobs to remember. I agree as far as what size extension tube you're using in the different shots, that would be helpful information, but there aren't that many sizes available so repeating what your whole set is would be redundant, I agree.
Ah yes,negative space. When and when not to have it and in what amounts. As is the case with everything it depends on what the creator is trying to convey. While there are always different ways to present things and some ways tend to be more pleasing than others, I really don't care to say "this is the only way to do something" etc. It really is in the eye of the beholder. Good question.
yes, I am struggling to figure out that negative space thing, what I think looks fine has been (constructively) criticized. Yours however looks great to me too, just trying to figure it all out, whats acceptable and what is not. Think I need to review your videos on composition. On my flower shots I tried last summer, with and without macro attachments, the macro shots seemed to be leaving me wanting to see more of the flower. Yours, as usual, are perfect. Guess I need to keep trying. Thank goodness we don't have to pay for developing any longer (I'd be broke by now, lol) Mt tripod died, so need to replace that b/4 any other new gear. Do you have a video on Back button Focusing and how to set it up? The videos out there are all leaving me bewildered. If you do NOT have a video , how about that for an idea for a new one? (just in case you were looking for ideas, as if that were possible with all the questions you get) It proly won't be a short and sweet video, but a necessary button to master. Please help if you can, Thank you in advance. Your videos always get the creative juices flowing, your work is appreciated by many (even my friend in Germany, your famous!)
Thank you so much. You know something? I started using back button focusing a while ago and ended up not caring for it even though some photographers swear by it. This whole photography thing is really subjective and everybody feels differently about so many things. Isn't it GREAT? I may just do a video on it anyway because for some it seems to have an important place in their workflow. On your negative space issue...just remember, even the greatest artists of all time have their detractors so maybe your images are better than you think. In the end of course it's what pleases you that counts the most. I've spoken to you often enough to know that you LOVE photography and am working hard on improving just like me and every other person who has a deep passion for it. Keep it up and have a blast.
I saw that "bird" too. I actually thought of some weird alien at first. Great shot. If that was mine, I would seriously think about blowing it up for a wall picture. Just kept staring and realised, especially with the colouration, that females may really find it appealing, hell, I do, and I'm an old white guy (just not rich dammit) lol. Name it something like "Heaven's Angel" and you could probably sell quite a few; just a thought. Peace man, and warm wishes from Australia.
I just subbed too, as I like your style.
John, thanks so much and I think we’re kinda on the same wavelength with this shot. Amazing! Cheers to you in beautiful Australia.
Nice tutorial with great results from a tube set. Making the most of my orchids at the moment. In my opinion magnifying their features creates a more sinister look from such an otherwise beautiful plant!
A great world the macro world. My favourite photographic genre by far 👍
I love your videos - you're inspiring me so much! It's great to listen to your awesome tips and your friendly explinations.Thank you
Thank you for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I love your videos. I do have a quick question... concerning lighting for macro. Could you possibly add that into your videos as I believe its a very important element to be aware of. I am FAR from being a pro, but are those Christmas Cactus lit from both sides? Thanks and keep up the great videos! I'm hooked. :)
Hi Judith...so happy you are enjoying the tutorials. You bring up a good point. In my macro photography over the years I've tried various lighting arrangements usually centred around off-camera flash. I never really liked it very much. I know some macro photographers have had great success using macro ring flash setups. Personally, I prefer using natural window light, preferably on an overcast day. This provides good even lighting but allows for light shadow areas if you want. The Christmas cactus features that natural window light I was just talking about. Hope that helps and have a wonderful day.
Thanks great info
You’re welcome Mark and thanks for watching.
What type of lighting do you use for the orchids and a black background?
Hi there. For these shots I used black velvet as a background and natural window light at times supplemented with a little fill flash. Lately, I leaned more towards studio lighting but either one works just fine. Have a great week.
I enjoyed the video. How did you light the flowers?
Hi Melvin...thank you. The lighting was an easy set up. I used natural light on an overcast day coming through a window. Have a great day.
On the Christmas cactus, where was your focus when shooting the pistil & stamens? I'm doing macro flower photography, but having trouble getting the whole flower in focus. I understand the aperture and DOF, but should I use spot focus or light up all of the focal points? I'm using a Canon 6d. Thanks in advance.
Hi Nathalie. I would never tell you what you should or should not do. Different things work for different people. What I will say is that I prefer to use a single focus point on my Canon 6d. That way I focus on exactly what I want. With the Cactus sometimes it was on the pistil and sometimes it was on the stamens. It just depended on what I was trying to portray. Hope that helps and have a great day.
Nathalie, I also meant to say that for much of my macro photography I focus manually. Cheers!
Visual Art Photography Tutorials thank you.
You said you used an old macro 50 mm for this. Can you indicate which it is?
Hi Darrien. Canon called it the 50mm f/2.5 compact macro lens way back when. It gave half life-size photos but went to full life-size with a special Canon adapter lens.
Visual Art Photography Tutorials thank you. I’ll do a bit of research on it. Thank you.
Hi Following watching your video you have me interested in Macro photo's of Orchids,I have looked around in Books and the Web and had no luck in what you have in your video.Do you Know the name of the ones you are using,it has totally amassed me I have never looked at a flower in this way, Hope you can help, Ps I have watched other videos of yours and saved in my History. regards Ron
Hey Ron, thanks for the nice comments and your interest in the subject. This type of orchid is really just your "garden variety" in the sense that it is very common. Depending on where you are living, orchids are usually pretty easy to find. Garden centres often carry them. As I mentioned, this particular type of orchid is pretty basic but some can be even more spectacular. Hope that helps and good luck.
Hi Ray Thanks for the info, I still like your name of Bird of pray, my Wife has the Christmas Cati so I will be waiting for them to flower. Many Thanks Ron
If I may add to your comments, Ron and Ray - This orchid is a Phalaenopsis, also known as a moth orchid. Phalaenopsis is one of the most popular orchids in the trade and can be found many places, from grocery store floral depts., big-box hardware stores, to floral stores and specialty orchid outlets. They are very easy to grow and maintain, but do require a little bit TLC to get to bloom again. Bloom sizes range from miniature 1” to massive 3-4 inch monsters. Colors range from pure white and bright florals to variegated, spotted and speckled versions. Costs (in my area - Fresno, CA) range from $10 to over $75 per plant, with many featuring multiple bloom spikes. The best part is, the more flowers there are on the plant, the more experimentation you can do. In addition, there are dozens and dozens of species of orchids. For more technical plant info, check the AOS, the American Orchid Society, at www.aos.org/. Hope this helps, and hope you have as much fun as I did photographing flowers. Thom Ream
Hi Thom Sorry for not answering earlier but I have being having some hospital operations, Thanks for the info,Regards Ron
very nice but i love to know the exif
I found photography flowers for it is micro, miss colour in the flowers. Thank! visual art....,
You're welcome and have a good day.
how about the yellow double foxes want hugging you?
Interesting. Have a really good day.
I am sorry to say I was disappointed. Not by your photos which were really nice, but the complete lack of useful equipment and shooting information. You talked about macro objectives and extension tubes, but neglected to tell which ones of these you used in the photos, how you set them up, whether you used a tripod, how far the front of the lens is to the flowers, how to overcome the shallow depth of field problem, what is the difference between full frame.and APS-C cameras in this respect, etc. I would not complain if you did leave out all technical information (e.g. by referring to any other video or book too look those up) and only show interesting shots, however this video is referred as a "tutorial" and it did not really taught me anything.
Hey Andreas...Sorry the tutorial didn't work for you. At the top of the video I did mention to check my other macro tutorials for info that would show you how to do this. In order to keep my videos to a relatively short length I try not to repeat stuff that I've mentioned in other tutorials. Again, sorry this didn't fit your needs but good luck with your projects.
Love this video, make me rethink flower photography. Thank you Ray
SO I am very interested in shooting Macro flowers, butterflies, Bees, etc.. I have a Sigma 70-300/Macro lens for my Nikon d610. The issue I am having is focus. I have a tripod and still don't seem to be as sharp as I would like. Any suggestions?
I am not familiar with your lens so I don’t know if there is a problem there. Focusing is critical at extreme magnification so look out for that. Your tripod needs to be really rigid. You might try using the mirror lockup feature to minimize vibration. Good luck!
This is one of the main reasons I love Macro photography. It shows features of everything close up that people dont take the time or the effect to see. What a beautiful world we live in
Visual Art Photography Tutorials I was away in Somerset England with my wife last week and, although I've done quite a lot of macro images in the past, I found myself photographing flowers with a flash much more than I have done before. They were "semi-closeup" (stole that term off another TH-camr) because I didn't have time to set up my macro equipment but I'm going to use flash much more in future as it gave me the darker background and helped freeze my subject. I find even with clamps (or plamps) there can still be movement which is magnified because you are working with such tiny subjects. Do you use flash at all for your subjects? Do you take the images indoors or outdoors? Or like myself wherever the flowers are in or outdoors? Also do you use plamps? If so do you have any tips for using them and getting zero movement outdoors? I can't imagine you doing anything to harm the flowers in any way, you have a wonderful appreciation in beauty for what it is, not changing or destroying it to get the image. Last question, do you ever do any focus stacking at all?
Hi Mark. Your trip sounds like it was wonderful. First up, I've been doing macro photography for decades and only in the last few months have I started using flash with any amount of regularity. In fact, I recently bought a macro ring flash and I really like it. I take images both indoors and outside but I have to admit it's a lot easier indoors without the wind. I've never used plamps or anything like them but I've certainly considered it on more than one occasion. Up to this point I've used a lot a patience and often shoot in the morning when the breeze is a little lighter but at some point I'll probably cave and get a plamp or two. You're right, I do everything I can not to harm any living thing. I have focus stacked but not very often. Always good to hear from you Mark. Take care.
Visual Art Photography Tutorials Thank you for your comprehensive answer, I do appreciate it.
Hi Im using Nikon D 5300 and really loves macro photography but do not know what kind of lens should I pick some people told me to use Sigma 105 mm but Im not sure any advice ?
Hi Ali. I use Canon gear so that’s the equipment I’m most familiar with. Having said that, most of today’s lenses are of excellent quality. I think if you buy from a major manufacturer like Nikon, Sigma or Tamron you will most likely be just fine. It is a personal thing however and you should stick with what you are most comfortable with. Hope that helps and have a great day.
thank u very much and happy new year
Thank you for this video. I have a whole slew of flower images taken over the years and was wondering how I could vary the look of the flower images I take from this point on. This video provides the artistic inspiration I need to purchase the extension tubes (in my cart on Amazon, but never took the plunge), and thankfully, they're not expensive. Beautiful images by the way. Thank you!
Thank you Sarah. So glad you enjoyed the video and I'm even happier that you are going to pick up some extension tubes. They really can help change the look of your flower photos. I'm excited for you and can't wait to hear how all this turns out.
Thanks for sharing and I have subscribed
You’re welcome and thanks so much. Have a great weekend.
👌👍👏Good morning! Thank! Ray.
You’re very welcome and good evening to you.
You're a Rob Boss in macro :)
Bob Ross-Rob Boss who the heck knows eh? Thanks for watching Alec.
Nice video, I love the close-ups.
Thanks very much!
4:35 and 5:50 are absolutely beautiful
Great vid👍
Thanks very much...glad you enjoyed it.
What made you think of your internet name I am just curious?
I've always tried to treat photography in a very artistic way. It's just the way I see the world hence the ART in Visual Art Photography. Obviously photography is a visual medium so that's the Visual part and well the Photography part of the name is... Have a super day.
cool, thanks. You also refer to yourself as the "friendly neighborhood photographer," I like that too. We all love the way you see things. It motivates us all to be better. Thanks for your insight and perspective.
Thank you for watching and caring.