Macro shots

[jgredline]

Hi folks...
I shot this pic of this spider appx 1/4 inch in size; with a 90mm macro lens....and comments would be appreciated as I am learning or trying to learn how to do these close up shots....

[Don Schaeffer]

Wow! These are knockouts.

[GB1]

Very good alright. I think you nailed these ones. You even got the spider weaving a web there. The background is blown out a bit but it appears that's just the color of the wall. The DOF on the bottom one could be a tad deeper. Depth of field is very shallow on macros so you really have to use a high f number.

Doesn't look like he minded being photographed btw

[MB1]

Great stuff indeed but I bet if used a polorized filter you could control the reflections off the leaf.

[jgredline]

Thanks folks for the comments,,
If I may ask..What exactly does a polarizer do? I don't have a filter on my 90mm macro lens, just a short hood...I also do use flash and perhaps I should not?

[PrevailingConditions]

I really like the clarity on the spider itself, but I'm a little put off by the shadows and the white area on the top right.

Without getting into the technical discussion, the polarizer cuts out stray light or reflections. The net effect is more vibrant colors and less shiny, glare areas.

PC

[jgredline]

Can anyone recommend a really good polarizer? I agree with the shadows, as they bother me also. I do not know if I could have avoided them, being that I use flash for close up macro shots...By the way, I really appreciate the very respectful replies of all the folks on this forum...I have read many of the threads here and am very impressed by the respect shown one another...I have been searching for a good photo forum to share and learn from...The staff here do a great job...

[GB1]

The Cokin filter system is pretty popular because it lets you swap filters with ease. They sell polarizers, circular and linear (and I wish I knew the difference ). Polarizers might also enrich colors, esp skies.

G

[zinbaad]

Love the shot!! Also admire the way you accept constructive criticism. Nice work

[jgredline]

Love the shot!! Also admire the way you accept constructive criticism. Nice work

Thank you very much

[paulcam]

Beautiful photos. The spider is so sharp. And you chose a fascinating, gorgeous, colorful spider as your subject. One other comment on polarizers: I believe that many or most autofocus systems require that you use a type of polarizer called a "circular polarizer." Apparently standard polarizers can confuse the autofocus systems.

[freygr]

The Cokin filter system is pretty popular because it lets you swap filters with ease. They sell polarizers, circular and linear (and I wish I knew the difference ). Polarizers might also enrich colors, esp skies.

G

You need to use circular polarizers on most digital cameras as some sensor also uses polarization filters in there some place. Film cameras don't care and the linear polarizer are less costly. You can see what happens if you put on a polarized sun glasses on and rotate a linear polarization filter in front of your sun glasses, you will not get any transmission of light when the polarization angle between the filters is 90 degree, but with a circular polarization filter this doesn't happen.

As far as choosing a polarization filter DO NOT purchase the cheapest you can find. I like the Cokin filter system but make sure you purchase the hood kit and make sure you purchase the correct size, as there are: System A, System P or XPro and now NEW - Z-PRO SERIES. See the link: http://www.geocities.com/COKINFILTERSYSTEM/

I use the P series as the A system is to small for some of my lenses, and I have purchased the cheap adapter rings for all my lens. For the adapter rings, filter holder and hoods you can find them very cheap on ebay. I have purchase all the Cokin filters I have off ebay but I have not purchased any of the third party filters that fit the Cokin filter holders.

[freygr]

Hi folks...
I shot this pic of this spider appx 1/4 inch in size; with a 90mm macro lens....and comments would be appreciated as I am learning or trying to learn how to do these close up shots....

Great photos with good DOF. I would like a little more DOF on the spiders lower legs but it also could be an optical allusion that there out of focus as the leaf looks in focus.

[jgredline]

Thanks folks for all the good advice..I really appreciate it...
There is a spider exhibit going on right now at the History Museum and I will see if I can make it there and apply some of the advice to my macro shots..It seems like cheating because there is nothing like the excitement of running into a shot and knowing there are no retakes most of the time...But then that is just me.