Beginner Macro

[shibby]

Hi Guys,


I have not had a camera in about 10 years, and decided to get a new one last weekend. I didn't want to spend thousands on a camera, but wanted to ensure that it can take entry-level macro shots.

PLEASE BE KIND! This is my first attempt at macro photography with a Canon Powershot SX20 IS...

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/6309/img0071gq.jpg

Advice is always welcome. I have no idea how to get those incredibly vivid colours that I see on most macro shots.

Thanks!

[yelvertoft]

Hmm, you've set yourself a very difficult challenge here. Your subject is a very small fly, and in order to get a shot with any real impact, you will have to get very close. This will be difficult with a P&S compact such as the one you are using.

The skill is going to be primarily in fieldcraft, the ability to get really close to your subject, more than your photographic skill. You really do need to get in more to fill the frame with the subject. Keep trying.

[shibby]

I'm so glad to see you say "very small fly". This was indeed the infant of flyhood. I'll hunt for bigger insects. That should prove easier. Actually, I should shoot something stationary first until I get the hang of the aperture/shutter settings!

[surfg1mp]

maybe try going to a park where there are tame squirrels and ducks. you will be able to get them really close tempting them with food. using a p & s you will be able to get super close.

[shibby]

Hmmm... Yea I live in South Africa. There is nothing tame in our parks, except maybe the humans, and even they can become wild when photographed...

Nah I'm going to a nearby wildlife reserve next weekend, I'll get some shots there. Hopefully catch a rhino that actually still has its horn with all this recent poaching going on!

[surfg1mp]

Originally Posted by shibby

Hmmm... Yea I live in South Africa. There is nothing tame in our parks, except maybe the humans, and even they can become wild when photographed...

Nah I'm going to a nearby wildlife reserve next weekend, I'll get some shots there. Hopefully catch a rhino that actually still has its horn with all this recent poaching going on!

ha ha....good point. maybe try to find some beatles that are slower moving than flies.

[shibby]

That's exactly what I'm going for ;-) Lots of those around, and big ones too!

[surfg1mp]

I bet....do you have dung beatles there? They would make for a great macro shot.

[shibby]

We do indeed... And rhinoceros beetles that easily grow up to about 60mm. And they're quite docile so I should be able to get nice up close & personal.