User name: Dusted
Grow method: Traditional hydroponics
Camera: Canon 6Dii
Experience: Limited. I’ve only been taking pictures for a couple of years now. Mostly Cannabis but occasionally outdoor shots.
Style: My favorite shots are generally macro’s
Favorite lens: I have two favorite lenses. My general purpose lens is 24-105 f2.8. For close-ups I use a Sigma 150 f2.8 macro lens.
Tip: I’m sure someone has covered macro shots but I will add my two cents worth.
When taking macro shots you will need to close down the aperture as much as possible, or the depth of field will be limited, and only some of your shot will be in focus. I generally use f20 or f22. With this small an aperture there will be very little light getting to the sensor so your exposure time must go up, or light levels must increase, or both.
With increased exposure time comes the problem of camera shake which will give a fuzzy photo. A tripod is essential to reduce camera shake. Once you start getting into long exposure times even trying to push the shutter button can move the camera enough to fuzz the shot, so I use an iPad app to fire the camera remotely.
I also use supplemental lighting, even under a 1000 W MH lamp. I have a Speedlite flash on the camera and I also use a hand held LED light to get lots of light on the subject.
I don’t recommend using autofocus since the camera doesn’t do a very good job really close. Manually focus in and out until the shot looks good. I will try several different focal points for each shot, just to make sure at least one shot is in focus.
Even with all the preparation and planning when I look at my pictures I always find faults with them. Oh well, it’s not the destination, it’s the journey that is important.
