I've seen Don present twice at the Macro Photo Conference in difference years. He knows all the very technical aspects of his craft but can present it in an interesting and non complicated way that is easily understood.
They're not SHARING squat. They're selling, they're a business. They're making money along with TH-cam off the viewers. What's all this sharing bullshit?
Wonderful! I am excited to know the technique in detail. I have been experimenting this technique for a few days, but now this video gives me a clear idea. Thank you ❤
I certainly agree with Don on the use of m 4/3 cameras for macro work. You get what appears to be more magnification without some of the optical complexities one might find when using larger cameras. My Olympus does a great job.
Great video. I can’t wait for Don’s book to come out. Just a quick tip: it would be great if you could include a list of equipment that was used to take the shot. Thanks.
So glad you agree, Matt! This isn't a technique that you can use in any other area of photography but it's one of the best ways to focus for macro work - with or without extension tubes at 1:1 magnification or higher. One of my favourite macro lenses, the Canon MP-E 65mm has no focusing mechanism at all, just a magnification adjustment ring. :)
HI, this is fantastic and I can't wait to try it. I researched for the Platypod and I know where to get it, but, could you please let me now how did you attach the LED flashlight to the Platypod gooseneck?
Beautiful video, thanks for posting it, lots of information, also I have another comment/observation, something that I saw, that I personally loved, is a small dust particle flying from left to right at the mark 5.55
A good source of high power LED lights are bicycle lights, rechargeable or battery, come with a mount, most have multiple power settings. You can make a stand using the correct diameter of PVC pipe and fittings, or many other options for stands
Hi, very easy to watch the video, and nicely done! I have one little question, can I have the same results using a Tokina 100mm macro? It looks like you are so near to the object, and with my Tokina I believe I need to step back! And when I take the photo, do I need to crop? I hope it was clear! Regards. Thank you.
Larger digital sensor offer shallow depth of field and that is wonderful in typical photography. However with macro photography in most cases we don't want very very shallow depth of field and that is solved with smaller digital image sensors and smaller apertures like f/16 and f/22. Smaller sensors with smaller apertures demand higher ISO which creates more image noise but in macro photography cameras are usually on tripods. So native ISO is selected with longer shutter speed. Extension tubes make every common kit lens a macro lens with a minimal cost. In the case of dangerous insects or reptiles like scorpions and snakes, extension tubes permit medium telephoto lenses to be macro ones. Macro photography is easy and affordable. Of course dedicated macro lenses are always a better choice because they offer great sharpness from corner to corner with very small apertures like f/16 or f/22. Also avoid close-up filters. It is an easy and affordable solution but usually destroy optical quality.
I find that this type of macro photography is easily done handheld, using higher ISO settings and still achieving great results. Part of the reasoning here is that the alignment of the camera, droplets, and background can be easily adjusted by rotating the camera with the center of rotation being the droplets - hard to do on a tripod. Also, these subjects are not as "static" as you might first think. The seeds begin to animate when wet, changing their shape and orientation. The picked flower petal begins to droop. Since this type of photography survives noise reduction very well, I'd rather have a perfectly-aligned noisy image than a misaligned (potentially) blurry image. But hey, I know a lot of people live and die by their tripods, and I use one when shooting in high-resolution mode too! We were illustrating how the simplest of gear can get you into the macro realm - a single extension tube on a cheap kit lens. Obviously a dedicated macro lens would be more flexible, but be aware that with any lens - especially at higher magnifications - it might be wise to avoid F/22 and beyond due to diffraction. With higher resolution sensors becoming the norm, you'd be sacrificing critical sharpness for an almost intangible increase in depth of field. For water droplet refraction photography I usually recommend staying between F/8 and F/11. Not only because of diffraction, but also because the flower in the background should stay soft, which makes for a stronger compliment of snapping into focus inside of the water droplets. :)
Hah, thanks! There is definitely a lot of moving parts here and we illustrated what happens when they are all working together. If one thing is off, you'll have issues - but the point is to try different things and experiment, growing your own skills in this area from your experience practicing. I've spend countless hours tinkering away in my studio - originally my kitchen table - to end up making it look easy. :)
We used plain and simple tap water, as I do for all of my water droplet images. As for insects, look up any natural insect pest control company near you. One local to me sells ladybugs by the hundreds or thousands, as well as Praying Mantis oothecas and more. A quick online search will find someone close to you! Support local businesses right now. :)
A focusing rail can work! However, I almost always shoot such images handheld as it allows you to move the camera around the droplet as the center of rotation rather than the center of rotation being wherever the tripod mount is. This can be critical to getting proper alignment with the background. Yes, you can move both the droplets and the background to get this alignment as well, but then you'll find yourself going back to adjust focus on the rail, all the while your droplets are evaporating or maybe simply just flattening out (as they tend to do when placed on a flower petal). The idea is to work quickly with transient subjects, and a focusing rail will slow you down. If you can do it without it, it also makes the technique more approachable from a gear perspective. I use a focusing rail for very small but very stable subjects - grains of pollen with a microscope objective is something that comes to mind!
@@JulesMoyaert_photo happy to help! I take the same approach with subjects like snowflakes and freezing soap bubbles when timing is far more critical than carefully calculated movements. You get used to it. :)
The lens used was as inexpensive as you can get: Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. - coupled with a set of extension tubes from Kenko, you've got a macro lens! My current favourite macro lens on the MFT platform is the Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. Lens, but the point of the video was to showcase that you can be creative in this area with a minimal investment.
Hi, brilliant video, I have one of those clamps now I know what to use it for. I've been told that you can use some glycerine to thicken the water so that it stays in place better, do you know if Don uses glycerine in the mix or is it just pure water? Thank you. :)
Was just pure water, which is what I use in all my setups like this! When glycerine water dries it tends to resemble snail slime, which ruins the second purpose of purchasing flowers: a gift for my wife. While the change in viscosity might be beneficial in some scenarios, the proof is in the pudding - it's not needed.
To Evelyn and Don, at the :56 second mark, Don is putting a flower in a clamp but he had a small piece of cardboard wrapped around the stem. Could someone explain the significance of doing this? My *guess* is that it is to protect the stem from collapsing and therefore preventing it from drooping? Thanks in advance. I REALLY enjoyed this video.
Those clamps have sharp metal edges and enough "clamping force" to cut through the stem of the flower if you're not careful. This is just a measure to stop the flower from losing its stem, which makes the setup a little more frustrating. :)
I'd like to take a course on macro photography with him. I've been looking for a long time people who works in this area and it's a bit disappointing. This does seem more difficult than I expected.
This guy knows exactly what he's talking about. A joy to watch!
Absolutely! He makes it look so easy. The hardest part is truly creating a photo-worthy macro scene.
@@TheCameraStoreTV Completely agree
Shills
agree too 👍
and the girl doesn't
DonKom is one of those practiced, practical geniuses who has trained himself to communicate clearly. Thanks for the video, TCST.
Love the fact that he is using a really inexpensive setup to produce such amazing work. No need for fancy expensive glass.
Same. It really shows that it’s the user not the tool that makes the difference.
I've seen Don present twice at the Macro Photo Conference in difference years. He knows all the very technical aspects of his craft but can present it in an interesting and non complicated way that is easily understood.
thanks so much for the kind words!
Was fantastic to see Dom revealing some of the magic of his craft.
👍👍 because the like button isn't enough. His work really kicks the brain into gear.
Dom is a master. I'd love to see more of him on youtube.
There's an interesting channel you can look up called "Behind The Shot" and Don is a guest in a few of the episodes. Highly recommended.
Best macro video I have seen so far. These are great images.
Learned a lot from Don when I was starting out with macro photography. Love this video! Thanks, CameraStoreTV!
Excellent and well presented. Thank you for sharing!
They're not SHARING squat. They're selling, they're a business. They're making money along with TH-cam off the viewers. What's all this sharing bullshit?
Wonderful!
I am excited to know the technique in detail. I have been experimenting this technique for a few days, but now this video gives me a clear idea.
Thank you ❤
this guys is really awesome on his field
Wow. These are so amazing. So cool detailing.
Thank you both for this video. Don explains things very well and slow enough for me to understand.
His speak is very much engaging like a water drop❤️❤️❤️
I have seen Don at our local camera club twice here in Niagara.
Super nice guy and SOOO interesting to hear him speak.
Great video!
Knocked it out of the park again Don. Thanks
Very nice job and thank you for not adding MUSIC. I enjoy just getting the simple information. Nice work!! Thank you.
I certainly agree with Don on the use of m 4/3 cameras for macro work. You get what appears to be more magnification without some of the optical complexities one might find when using larger cameras. My Olympus does a great job.
I have seen several of these videos and found them all well done. Thanks, from a fellow Canadian.
Great video. I seem to have everything featured in it already. Even the 23-32mm lens and extension tubes! Thanks. Two super presenters.
Love Don's work.
Very interesting demonstration - macro truly is a different world
Practical, informative and to the point. Very good video 👍.
Awesome macro worlds 👍
Thank you!
thank you for being so informative!!!!
Don could be one of the best photography channels on TH-cam, too bad he rarely remembers his channel exists.
Point taken - it's on my list of things to really pay attention to after my book is finished. :)
abso brilliant.. proper knowledge
Great video. I can’t wait for Don’s book to come out. Just a quick tip: it would be great if you could include a list of equipment that was used to take the shot. Thanks.
Good idea. We'll add a list to the description.
Excellent video! Thank you.
What such inspiration! Great photos thanks guys!
Now those were really cool macro shots. I'll have to try some myself...
A GREAT explainer video!
Really great vid, and thanks to you both for contributing to our knowledge about the macro world.
Great both of you are excellent presenters
Youre show is awesome!!
Great watch!
I absolutely adore Don!! I would 100% attend a workshop in Calgary if he was the instructor
Amazing video and explenetion
Really like the tip to move the camera/subject to adjust focus with extension tubes. So that's how you do it!
So glad you agree, Matt! This isn't a technique that you can use in any other area of photography but it's one of the best ways to focus for macro work - with or without extension tubes at 1:1 magnification or higher. One of my favourite macro lenses, the Canon MP-E 65mm has no focusing mechanism at all, just a magnification adjustment ring. :)
Straight to the point and very inspiring. Thank you so much.
Really nicely put together, 'mystery revealed' and really inspiring, Thanks for this great video, beautiful work!
It's like a magic trick if you don't know how its done! Glad the "reveal" was appreciated. :)
very nicely and easily explained well done
Interesting....
Good talk 'bout macro photography, i like this so detail
Thank you for a great video. Im just getting into macro photography. Thanks for the parts list. Its very helpful.
Thank you so much Don! Your work shop was awesome! This video is great!
So glad you enjoyed, Lorraine! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing the video, it's amazing world and very well presented.
excellent lesson.. but also excellent interviewer asking great questions
Awesome Video
In my lab I use a Sigma FP-L for macro work and it’s a dream to use (but only when attached to a humongous tripod)!!
Good video, fine results.
Incredible video. Thank you both
Great video!
Thank you very much. Very interesting.
What a brainiac! Thank you!
That's too good sir
dropping the water drops may have a few wows too
Good presented......thanks.
HI, this is fantastic and I can't wait to try it. I researched for the Platypod and I know where to get it, but, could you please let me now how did you attach the LED flashlight to the Platypod gooseneck?
Beautiful video, thanks for posting it, lots of information, also I have another comment/observation, something that I saw, that I personally loved, is a small dust particle flying from left to right at the mark 5.55
my hero thank you
Great video
Give a lot of input and motivation about the photography of Trimakasikasi
Awesome video. Thanks guys, your advice is really appreciated ;).
Thanks for a GREAT video... I'll be checking out more... Keep doing you!!!
Thankyou for this very much informative presentation..loved it..
Wow he is great
Great content. Now that I am stuck indoors I will do soma macro photography as well. Blessings
I use Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or cellulose gum, its actually for cooking... Making your water thicker so the dew will have a perfect round shape
A good source of high power LED lights are bicycle lights, rechargeable or battery, come with a mount, most have multiple power settings. You can make a stand using the correct diameter of PVC pipe and fittings, or many other options for stands
Thank You very much for this beatiful explanation!
Wow cool
More videos please
Pretty cool.
Wow what a great video, thanks!
Any chance you can list the materials with brands and where to purchase? Exactly what I've been looking for....thanks!
Hi, very easy to watch the video, and nicely done!
I have one little question, can I have the same results using a Tokina 100mm macro?
It looks like you are so near to the object, and with my Tokina I believe I need to step back!
And when I take the photo, do I need to crop?
I hope it was clear!
Regards.
Thank you.
Art isnt abt expensive device, art is creation.
Well said!
beautiful, I like macro photography
With the syringes and needles you use, do you use the sharp tip or blunt tip needles. Where do you source them from?
Thank you, this helps to look closer.
More info on the torch clamp would be helpful
Definitely worth a try! Thanks! Evelyn, you look so cute in this video!
Thanks ♡ Yes, it's a great technique to practice at home on a rainy day.
@5:56 a little space shuttle is landing on Planet 😊
Wow! That's inspired me...
Awesome! Thanks so much!
very nice
Great tips! Thanks!
Larger digital sensor offer shallow depth of field and that is wonderful in typical photography. However with macro photography in most cases we don't want very very shallow depth of field and that is solved with smaller digital image sensors and smaller apertures like f/16 and f/22. Smaller sensors with smaller apertures demand higher ISO which creates more image noise but in macro photography cameras are usually on tripods. So native ISO is selected with longer shutter speed.
Extension tubes make every common kit lens a macro lens with a minimal cost. In the case of dangerous insects or reptiles like scorpions and snakes, extension tubes permit medium telephoto lenses to be macro ones.
Macro photography is easy and affordable.
Of course dedicated macro lenses are always a better choice because they offer great sharpness from corner to corner with very small apertures like f/16 or f/22.
Also avoid close-up filters. It is an easy and affordable solution but usually destroy optical quality.
I find that this type of macro photography is easily done handheld, using higher ISO settings and still achieving great results. Part of the reasoning here is that the alignment of the camera, droplets, and background can be easily adjusted by rotating the camera with the center of rotation being the droplets - hard to do on a tripod. Also, these subjects are not as "static" as you might first think. The seeds begin to animate when wet, changing their shape and orientation. The picked flower petal begins to droop. Since this type of photography survives noise reduction very well, I'd rather have a perfectly-aligned noisy image than a misaligned (potentially) blurry image. But hey, I know a lot of people live and die by their tripods, and I use one when shooting in high-resolution mode too!
We were illustrating how the simplest of gear can get you into the macro realm - a single extension tube on a cheap kit lens. Obviously a dedicated macro lens would be more flexible, but be aware that with any lens - especially at higher magnifications - it might be wise to avoid F/22 and beyond due to diffraction. With higher resolution sensors becoming the norm, you'd be sacrificing critical sharpness for an almost intangible increase in depth of field. For water droplet refraction photography I usually recommend staying between F/8 and F/11. Not only because of diffraction, but also because the flower in the background should stay soft, which makes for a stronger compliment of snapping into focus inside of the water droplets. :)
just tried this.....you guys make it look so easy......it is NOT easy!!
Hah, thanks! There is definitely a lot of moving parts here and we illustrated what happens when they are all working together. If one thing is off, you'll have issues - but the point is to try different things and experiment, growing your own skills in this area from your experience practicing. I've spend countless hours tinkering away in my studio - originally my kitchen table - to end up making it look easy. :)
Nice work. Are you adding something to the water to make it denser? As for the insects, are you ordering them from a particular source? Best William
We used plain and simple tap water, as I do for all of my water droplet images. As for insects, look up any natural insect pest control company near you. One local to me sells ladybugs by the hundreds or thousands, as well as Praying Mantis oothecas and more. A quick online search will find someone close to you! Support local businesses right now. :)
Don Komarechka Thanku
Hi I could not find the light with goose neck. could you please send me the link for Amazon or eBay. Many thanks
Which lens is best for macro photography?with nikon camera.
Thank you so much! Just a (naive) question: why not using a focusing rail? Thanks.
A focusing rail can work! However, I almost always shoot such images handheld as it allows you to move the camera around the droplet as the center of rotation rather than the center of rotation being wherever the tripod mount is. This can be critical to getting proper alignment with the background. Yes, you can move both the droplets and the background to get this alignment as well, but then you'll find yourself going back to adjust focus on the rail, all the while your droplets are evaporating or maybe simply just flattening out (as they tend to do when placed on a flower petal).
The idea is to work quickly with transient subjects, and a focusing rail will slow you down. If you can do it without it, it also makes the technique more approachable from a gear perspective. I use a focusing rail for very small but very stable subjects - grains of pollen with a microscope objective is something that comes to mind!
@@DonKomarechka Thank you for your comprehensive explanation. Now, I get it!
@@JulesMoyaert_photo happy to help! I take the same approach with subjects like snowflakes and freezing soap bubbles when timing is far more critical than carefully calculated movements. You get used to it. :)
I Like It
Can you please suggest an extension tube for Nikon 50mm 1.8G Lens
?
Hi, wonderful vidéo. What kind of lense you've used ? Thks ...xoxo
The lens used was as inexpensive as you can get: Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. - coupled with a set of extension tubes from Kenko, you've got a macro lens! My current favourite macro lens on the MFT platform is the Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. Lens, but the point of the video was to showcase that you can be creative in this area with a minimal investment.
Hi, brilliant video, I have one of those clamps now I know what to use it for.
I've been told that you can use some glycerine to thicken the water so that it stays in place better, do you know if Don uses glycerine in the mix or is it just pure water? Thank you. :)
Was just pure water, which is what I use in all my setups like this! When glycerine water dries it tends to resemble snail slime, which ruins the second purpose of purchasing flowers: a gift for my wife. While the change in viscosity might be beneficial in some scenarios, the proof is in the pudding - it's not needed.
Fantastic tips thank you.
To Evelyn and Don, at the :56 second mark, Don is putting a flower in a clamp but he had a small piece of cardboard wrapped around the stem. Could someone explain the significance of doing this? My *guess* is that it is to protect the stem from collapsing and therefore preventing it from drooping?
Thanks in advance. I REALLY enjoyed this video.
Those clamps have sharp metal edges and enough "clamping force" to cut through the stem of the flower if you're not careful. This is just a measure to stop the flower from losing its stem, which makes the setup a little more frustrating. :)
I'd like to take a course on macro photography with him. I've been looking for a long time people who works in this area and it's a bit disappointing. This does seem more difficult than I expected.
I may be out in Calgary again at some point, but I offer a variety of workshops that you can find here: www.donkom.ca/workshops/