MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY TOOLS OF THE TRADE Lenses can cost upwards of a few hundred dollars and can cost more than $5,000, essentially a very big investment for any photographer. If you’re really getting interested in using Macro Photography, there’s ways to get around purchasing an expensive lens specifically for Macro Photography. Here are some of the tools you can use to avoid purchasing expensive lenses, and tools that can be used to help increase the quality of your photos - for any purpose. TRIPOD $15-$45: Use it to stabilize your image, reach areas you can’t, and keep your camera mounted while you’re working with models or animals. A tripod is a must have for all photographers.
JOBY GORILLA TRIPOD $15-$25: These amazing tools can cling to objects and surroundings like white on rice. They’re small, so they can be used for close to the ground photos, and durable, so you can really use them anywhere, in any climate.
Note: Make sure you’re buying for your camera and model and lens type. Each item listed (excluding tripods and light reflectors) are made to fit specific types of equipment. Double check the manufacturer notes and review prior to purchasing. MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY \\ TOOLS OF THE TRADE
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5-IN-1 LIGHT REFLECTOR $15-$30: Compact, light, versatile, and necessary, these small 60cm light reflectors are good for everything from macro photography, portraits, city walking, and sometimes landscapes. They’re extremely inexpensive to purchase and sometimes come paired with a flash unit if you purchase them online. When we’re doing portraiture, you’ll wish you had one.
CLOSE-UP LENS FILTERS $10-$25: These are specific for macro photography and just fit right over top of your current standard lens. They essentially enhance the visual proximity of your subject, making macro photography easier. Are they effective? Sometimes, but they’re not for every occasion. A lens tube extension of reverse ring might work better in some instances.
Note: Make sure you’re buying for your camera and model and lens type. Each item listed (excluding tripods and light reflectors) are made to fit specific types of equipment. Double check the manufacturer notes and review prior to purchasing.
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LENS TUBE EXTENSIONS $20-$350: You can stack them, or use them one at a time to extend the view range of your lens. Used mostly for macro photography, they act as an extra step for taking close-up photos. They are created to fit specific lenses, so make sure you’re buying the right type. Do they work? Yes, they work very well and can be used in multiple situations. The price ranges though. Less expensive models don’t necessary come with a focus ring, but the more expensive types can be focused separately from your standard lens. This can be used to really emphasis your subject.
REVERSE LENS RING $10-$25: LENS CAPS $5-10: Sometimes, the best way to enhance your photography is to use what you already have. Reverse lens rings essentially screw onto the outer side of your lens so that you can mount your lens backwards. Crazy, but it works, really well. Keep your lens clean by buying a cheap lens cap from Walmart or Best Buy. The caveat for this is that you can no longer communicate with your lens. You’re focus MUST be manual since the metal prongs are no longer touching the lens sensor in your camera. Does it work? Yes, this works extraordinarily well, however it takes time to master.
Note: Make sure you’re buying for your camera and model and lens type. Each item listed (excluding tripods and light reflectors) are made to fit specific types of equipment. Double check the manufacturer notes and review prior to purchasing.
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GOING ALL OUT DOES NOT MEAN BETTER PHOTOS: You can stack, clip, extend, reverse, tug, pull, click, and more, but adding more and more to your camera doesn’t mean you’re going to be shooting better photos. Technique and composition create a better photo much more than technology.
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EXTERNAL FLASH $10-$200: LIGHTBOX USUALLY INCLUDED Your mounted flash on your camera stinks, let it be known that you can do better. Mounted flashes are typically too bright and bathe the subject in blowouts and highlights, creating horrible, scary images of zombies. Investing in a mounted external flash will improve your photos immensely, shedding more light on your subject and creating more ambient light for your camera and lens to register. The lightbox diffuses the light so it’s not as bright. What else can you use?
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