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Getting Up Close with Digital
Cameras: A Brief Guide for the Novice
by
Christine Peppler
For the
average person, digital cameras are the tool
of choice to snap pictures of family and
friends, to record special events, and to
capture images of inspiring landscapes seen
on vacations. However, for some, a love of
nature, simple curiosity, or an interest in
photography as a hobby guides them toward
the world of close-up, or macro,
photography. Close-up photography is simply
a matter of taking pictures of small objects
by getting very close and obtaining a
magnified view. For anyone serious about
macro photography an SLR camera is needed
but for those interested in dabbling with
their basic digital camera, a little
experimentation can produce interesting
close-up photographs.
Special
"macro" lenses are recommended for the
enthusiast but most digital cameras can
accept small screw on "close-up" lenses
which provide additional magnification. The
digital cameras most consumers purchase are
auto focus and merely require the push of a
button to enter close or "macro" mode but
the owner's manual should be reviewed to
discover the minimum focusing distance of
the camera. When shooting at a distance of
only inches there are a number of
precautions to take to assure a high quality
image.
1.)
Focus: When photographing at close
range/high magnification, images can be
blurred by the slightest movements.
* If the
digital camera has a feature for mirror
lock-up, it should be activated as the mere
movement of the mirror can blur the image
taken.
* Use a
tripod
* Because
slight breezes can cause movement, it is
easiest to shoot subjects indoors when
possible to gain control over the
environment. In addition, shooting inanimate
objects can also be a good starting point
for a novice as the subject of the picture
will not be moving.
* Because
of the close range, blurriness in all but a
very small area of the picture frequently
occurs. To get more area in focus, reduce
the aperture and increase lighting. In some
instances, increasing distance from the
subject may be necessary.
* Be sure
the subject is parallel to the lens as items
which are perpendicular have portions which
are further away and therefore tend to blur.
2.)
Getting the view you want: What is seen
through the viewfinder of the digital camera
is different than what the lens sees. This
is particularly evident when photographing
at close range.
* Use the
LCD instead of the viewfinder to see what is
being photographed.
* Or, use
the correction marks (lines) that can be
seen through the viewfinder which
approximate the border of the image being
taken to visualize what the lens is truly
seeing. Then adjust the shot as necessary.
3.)
Lighting: True macro photography commonly
makes use of specialized flash units but
care should be taken when using the flash
unit with a digital camera to avoid over
exposure and to obtain a natural looking
background. Beginners can try a couple of
things to obtain the best outcome.
* Diffuse
the light by using very thin tissue in front
of the flash.
* Place
plain poster board (beige or gray is often
used) behind the subject if the background
is blackened. This will lighten the
background and if placed far enough away,
blur to look more natural.
* Use
natural diffuse light when possible. As in
most photography, avoid direct, overhead
sunlight.
Although
basic digital cameras have limitations
related to macro photography, beginners can
certainly obtain images with a level of
detail and beauty seldom seen with the naked
eye when giving necessary attention to the
special needs of close up photography.
About the Author
Christine
Peppler shares information on home
entertainment and home electronics products,
including digital cameras, on her website
at:
http://www.homemedias.info.
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