Michael I appreciate you doing these videos, I know that coming up with new content all the time can suck all the joy out of photography, so my gratitude is double.
When to go out; after a rain fall has passed many insects become more active. When the sun goes down the level of activity tend to increase, even among insects. The book recommendation can be expanded to be general. Unlike TH-cam and other sources on the internet books have been proof read and checked that correct knowledge is there in the book. Reviewers are important to get quality. That's why I always promote books 😊
Really nice seeing a macro video that is not for beginners and also is for live insects. Most of the advanced videos for macro are about all the work to do with dead bugs, which I don't photograph.
Tip #3 is probably my favorite. Not only does it help train my eyes for small subjects, but I also have the time to relax for a bit. I've had people ask me where I find so many "strange creatures" for my macro photographies. It's all about relaxing and observing. There's a giant world among a small one 😊
One "trick" I use to get shade on the insect is to wear a broad brimmed hat. I normally wear one when out in the sun to protect my head and face from UV. As a benefit, I have found that it normally shades the subject when shooting most close macro shots. Of course, this only works when I'm using the viewfinder rather than the back screen.
Another great video. Totally Micael ....advanced tips have mostly nothing to do with the camera or lens but everything to do with the subject and the approach you should take. One piece of advice I would like to add is to cover up and invest in some anti-tic spray. Tics have become more of a serious problem in recent years especially in the UK. Sitting down in long grass is just asking for a tic to jump on board. With Lymes disease a fairly serious condition its well worth it to take some simple precautions and invest in spray or lotion and be mindful of what you wear, with long trousers preferable to shorts. Spray both limbs and clothing to be on the safe side. We all want to take great shots of insects but we don't want to bitten by them especially tics.
I use kind of an unconventional approach to AF which I am sure it’s wrong but works for me. I set the camera to continuous AF and start moving closer to the subject. It helps because I use a raynox and I cannot find easy the focussing distance. The green confirmation in the screen is a starting point for me.
Once again, great collection of tips. I really have to try and learn to properly use a flash and diffuser. I love sunlight, but I realize my camera's sensor doesn't. Now, if spring can only get here!
Outstanding channel. I've learned so much from you! Just got the Oly 60mm F2.8, V350O flash, and AK Diffuser Mini for my Lumix G9ii, mostly based on your recommendations! So thank you!
Micael, great video as always! Have you tried shooting videos of insects with the OM-1? I put the video settings of my OM-1 for the slowest slow-mo, and the honey-bees can be observed so well as they gather pollen on plum flowers in Korea (using 60mm macro lens). Can't wait for other relatively slow-flying insects to show up. Hope you can do a video like this one day!
Haven't done too much video yet, but I want to explore it more! The stabilization on the OM-1 and the OM macro lenses is crazy good, so excellent for macro video.
Hello Micael, I love your videos. I'd like to take an adventure into macro photography (i've been a Landscape photographer for 20 years). I know the technical stuff but have a question regarding the lens to use as I also want to do big close-ups (like the head of a fly or the opening image of this video). I for sure will photograph the whole insect but want to be able to come very close to the beautiful eyes of a jumping spider for instance. Is a 2x lens sufficient, cropped if necessary (I'm on FF, Nikon ZII) or do I need the laowa 2,5x-5x lens?
If you want to make the head of a hoverfly cover the whole frame, 2.5-5x is probably needed, especially if you are on FF. The problem though is that the depth of field will be extremely small at that magnification, so you need to learn to do focus stacking as well to get nice photos. However I would not recommend the 2.5x-5x lens to a beginner in macro photography. Begin with a Laowa 2x lens and when you have practiced the basics you can buy more extreme stuff. There is a lot to learn.
@@MicaelWidell ok. Yes i know focus stacking from landscape experience but obviously more difficult in macro. From your site the laowa 85mm f5.6 2x macro seems the suitable lens for me to start with. I guess i can try to crop my fullres images to fill the frame with an insect head, use my DX crop inside the body.
I programmed the FN button on my Olympus macro Lens for photobracketing, so I can switch in a sec from single shots to bracketing, and why should you do Manuel focussing when the Olympus 90 mm macro lens has a perfect AF function for macro?! Inatural is a very good tip, tnx!
If you just want to ID an insect upload the picture to Google Reverse Image Search it will return a dozen or more pictures it thinks look the same, some of these will have descriptions. However, some will be some other insect or the description will be wrong, so don't take the first one you find as correct. This also works for most anything, including plants and flowers. I even uploaded a picture of some droppings (poop).
No I find that bursts do little good for that purpose. I find it easier to try to press the shutter when the focus is right. Bursts I use for focus stacking.
For me, the most difficult thing has been trying to focus stack images. Both the process of taking the photos on such a way that I have all the needed frames, as well as the post processing stuff. I’m using a Sony A7riv, Godox 860vii flash, and AK diffuser. I haven’t figured out how to get the flash to fire fast enough to get the needed frames. With all these complications, I have just stuck to single images. But I know I could level up my photos if I can learn to stack properly! Thanks for the videos!
@@Hobbyist.Photographer. How do you focus stack? I hate one stacks. I am about to switch to OM-1 just by that. I don't wany any focus rails, only handheld focus bracketing. But I can't imagine doing focus bracketing with 40 images handheld, either on tripod. Even when they use OM-1 which is pretty good at that they use tripod probably over 12 photos.
@@pentagramyt417 all of my macro shots have been single shots. I want to be able to focus stack many, but I feel like my flash isn’t up to the job. Way too many misfires. I still have a lot to learn about focus stacking and getting all the shots I need for it.
Please no more square. Please PLEASE. My tv is feeling violated. Please for the love of macro and everything HD…please return to the wide aspect ratio. Please. Not sure if this was indoors Michael that made this decision, but outdoors Michael needs to step in…
The TG series cameras are fantastic for macro photography. They have a 'microscope' mode that allows for up to 4x magnification. The working distance is very small, though, so if you're going for flying insects it can be hard to get close enough without scaring them off. But for things that hold still, they're great. And like all the Olympus/OM Systems cameras, they can do in-camera focus stacking. I have a TG-6 and absolutely love it. In winter when the bugs aren't moving much, it's what I reach for first. Yes, it's got a small sensor, but that's what you're going to get in any compact camera.
I understand that you love this square format but i cant deal with it. Those photowalks fit in this artie style but those other videos just waisting screenspace that remains black.
Thanks for watching! Please also visit my... 🐞 favorite gear: micaelwidell.com/#gear 🐛 lens guide: lensguide.micaelwidell.com 🪳 monthly newsletter: micaelwidell.com 🐜 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll
Michael I appreciate you doing these videos, I know that coming up with new content all the time can suck all the joy out of photography, so my gratitude is double.
When to go out; after a rain fall has passed many insects become more active. When the sun goes down the level of activity tend to increase, even among insects. The book recommendation can be expanded to be general. Unlike TH-cam and other sources on the internet books have been proof read and checked that correct knowledge is there in the book. Reviewers are important to get quality. That's why I always promote books 😊
Really nice seeing a macro video that is not for beginners and also is for live insects. Most of the advanced videos for macro are about all the work to do with dead bugs, which I don't photograph.
Tip #3 is probably my favorite. Not only does it help train my eyes for small subjects, but I also have the time to relax for a bit. I've had people ask me where I find so many "strange creatures" for my macro photographies. It's all about relaxing and observing. There's a giant world among a small one 😊
One "trick" I use to get shade on the insect is to wear a broad brimmed hat. I normally wear one when out in the sun to protect my head and face from UV. As a benefit, I have found that it normally shades the subject when shooting most close macro shots. Of course, this only works when I'm using the viewfinder rather than the back screen.
So Glad to see you plugging iNaturalist!!!!
Another great video. Totally Micael ....advanced tips have mostly nothing to do with the camera or lens but everything to do with the subject and the approach you should take. One piece of advice I would like to add is to cover up and invest in some anti-tic spray. Tics have become more of a serious problem in recent years especially in the UK. Sitting down in long grass is just asking for a tic to jump on board. With Lymes disease a fairly serious condition its well worth it to take some simple precautions and invest in spray or lotion and be mindful of what you wear, with long trousers preferable to shorts. Spray both limbs and clothing to be on the safe side. We all want to take great shots of insects but we don't want to bitten by them especially tics.
Good suggestions. I bought some bug books and signed up at inaturalist.
I use kind of an unconventional approach to AF which I am sure it’s wrong but works for me. I set the camera to continuous AF and start moving closer to the subject. It helps because I use a raynox and I cannot find easy the focussing distance. The green confirmation in the screen is a starting point for me.
TIP: Wear Waterproof trousers if employing these tactics - The mud cleans off easier, certainly in the UK
Many thanks Micael. Very useful tips. :)
Each of those tips could have been a video in themselves. Great work.
Once again, great collection of tips. I really have to try and learn to properly use a flash and diffuser. I love sunlight, but I realize my camera's sensor doesn't. Now, if spring can only get here!
Thanks for the excellent tips and your great work for us. I’ll try out the back button AF tip now. (I don’t like the square format either)
Outstanding channel. I've learned so much from you! Just got the Oly 60mm F2.8, V350O flash, and AK Diffuser Mini for my Lumix G9ii, mostly based on your recommendations! So thank you!
Happy to hear that :) Glad to help!
Can't go wrong with @Micael Widell's advice. Unbiased, honest and practical
thAnk you SO much!! them'r some HAWT tips, yo!
This website that shows dates of insects was exactly what I was wondering yesterday. Well done and thanks
Glad to help
Micael, great video as always! Have you tried shooting videos of insects with the OM-1? I put the video settings of my OM-1 for the slowest slow-mo, and the honey-bees can be observed so well as they gather pollen on plum flowers in Korea (using 60mm macro lens). Can't wait for other relatively slow-flying insects to show up. Hope you can do a video like this one day!
Haven't done too much video yet, but I want to explore it more! The stabilization on the OM-1 and the OM macro lenses is crazy good, so excellent for macro video.
Superb.
I head to specific habitats for a chance to find some species.
Different kinds of coastline for example!
Merci pour ces bons commentaires Micael
Hello Micael, I love your videos. I'd like to take an adventure into macro photography (i've been a Landscape photographer for 20 years). I know the technical stuff but have a question regarding the lens to use as I also want to do big close-ups (like the head of a fly or the opening image of this video). I for sure will photograph the whole insect but want to be able to come very close to the beautiful eyes of a jumping spider for instance. Is a 2x lens sufficient, cropped if necessary (I'm on FF, Nikon ZII) or do I need the laowa 2,5x-5x lens?
If you want to make the head of a hoverfly cover the whole frame, 2.5-5x is probably needed, especially if you are on FF. The problem though is that the depth of field will be extremely small at that magnification, so you need to learn to do focus stacking as well to get nice photos. However I would not recommend the 2.5x-5x lens to a beginner in macro photography. Begin with a Laowa 2x lens and when you have practiced the basics you can buy more extreme stuff. There is a lot to learn.
@@MicaelWidell ok. Yes i know focus stacking from landscape experience but obviously more difficult in macro.
From your site the laowa 85mm f5.6 2x macro seems the suitable lens for me to start with.
I guess i can try to crop my fullres images to fill the frame with an insect head, use my DX crop inside the body.
Yes you will get far by using the 85mm 2x lens and cropping. It's a great lens!
IDEA (for the future) capturing insects in bokeh filled images
In Sweden winters the flies go to south Spain 🇪🇸 for a lovely vacation
Great tips Michael. Thanks
You are a big master!
more like a bug master 🧐
Thank you very much, good man!!!
I programmed the FN button on my Olympus macro Lens for photobracketing, so I can switch in a sec from single shots to bracketing, and why should you do Manuel focussing when the Olympus 90 mm macro lens has a perfect AF function for macro?! Inatural is a very good tip, tnx!
Ich identifiziere Insekten und Pflanzen mit der jeweiligen App, das funktioniert sehr gut !
Tehnik macro 👍👍👍👍
G'day from Australia 🇦🇺
If you just want to ID an insect upload the picture to Google Reverse Image Search it will return a dozen or more pictures it thinks look the same, some of these will have descriptions. However, some will be some other insect or the description will be wrong, so don't take the first one you find as correct. This also works for most anything, including plants and flowers. I even uploaded a picture of some droppings (poop).
Yeah I use it pretty often, it is a great tool
Micheal with the OM-1 + 90mm do you take photos in bursts to maximise your chances of getting a image in focus?
No I find that bursts do little good for that purpose. I find it easier to try to press the shutter when the focus is right. Bursts I use for focus stacking.
@@MicaelWidellbrilliant thanks for replying. I've just seen you latest video on all your settings. It's very useful thanks for sharing 🕷📸
Great tips!
Glad you like them!
hi. what is the best lens for iris photography ? what mm and f stop
Doesn't really matter. You can use pretty much any macro lens.
Are u still thinking of making a macro book?
Thinking about it, haven't gotten around to start working on it yet
For me, the most difficult thing has been trying to focus stack images. Both the process of taking the photos on such a way that I have all the needed frames, as well as the post processing stuff. I’m using a Sony A7riv, Godox 860vii flash, and AK diffuser. I haven’t figured out how to get the flash to fire fast enough to get the needed frames. With all these complications, I have just stuck to single images. But I know I could level up my photos if I can learn to stack properly! Thanks for the videos!
Yeah getting good at stacking really is a hurdle! Took me a couple of years to nail the process.
Your flash can recycle faster if it fires at lower power. Try increasing your ISO a couple of steps if you're currently shooting at ISO 100
@@thenickdude thanks I will try that!
@@Hobbyist.Photographer. How do you focus stack? I hate one stacks. I am about to switch to OM-1 just by that. I don't wany any focus rails, only handheld focus bracketing. But I can't imagine doing focus bracketing with 40 images handheld, either on tripod. Even when they use OM-1 which is pretty good at that they use tripod probably over 12 photos.
@@pentagramyt417 all of my macro shots have been single shots. I want to be able to focus stack many, but I feel like my flash isn’t up to the job. Way too many misfires. I still have a lot to learn about focus stacking and getting all the shots I need for it.
Please no more square. Please PLEASE. My tv is feeling violated. Please for the love of macro and everything HD…please return to the wide aspect ratio. Please. Not sure if this was indoors Michael that made this decision, but outdoors Michael needs to step in…
Orders from outdoors Micael. Sorry.
I love the square
Great video. I am an advanced macro shooter 😅
Why you never show any of your photography hanging in the background
I show it on TH-cam and Instagram. That’s enough for me :)
What are the best pocket compact cameras for macro ?
I am afraid there are no compact pocket cameras that are great for macro. The closest I have seen is the Ricoh GR III.
@@MicaelWidell ok, thank you very much.
@@MicaelWidellagree
The TG series cameras are fantastic for macro photography. They have a 'microscope' mode that allows for up to 4x magnification. The working distance is very small, though, so if you're going for flying insects it can be hard to get close enough without scaring them off. But for things that hold still, they're great. And like all the Olympus/OM Systems cameras, they can do in-camera focus stacking. I have a TG-6 and absolutely love it. In winter when the bugs aren't moving much, it's what I reach for first. Yes, it's got a small sensor, but that's what you're going to get in any compact camera.
@denisewilliams1374 what is tg?
I understand that you love this square format but i cant deal with it. Those photowalks fit in this artie style but those other videos just waisting screenspace that remains black.
I appreciate the feedback!
Try maximizing it. It makes it easier for me to watch.
I watch on a large monitor, not a phone, and the square format drives me batty. But I like his channel too much to stop watching so I deal with it.
Yeah, I was so excited for this video and was immediately annoyed by the horrible aspect ratio. Terrible in both landscape and portrait on my phone…
@@MichelleCox I have a 42 inch 4K monitor, and it does not bother me, unless the square is small but to each his tastes.
Jumping Spiders❇️
Caterpillars
Amphibians
Nano Fish
Tardigrades waterbears
Brine Shrimp 🦐
Nano Pondlife
Hydra etc
Mosquitoes 🦟
16:9 please 💩