Advanced Photography: Macro | Composition and Sharpness

In this final video of the series, Ross picks up where he left off in the previous episode, photographing the butterfly he spotted. As he sets up this shot and more, Ross discusses composition and sharpness, covering background choice, depth of field and a number of other factors that will take your close-up to the next level. He also offers a couple of invaluable tips that will make a big difference when you're working in the field.

Join award-winning macro and wildlife photographer Ross Hoddinott for a three-part guide to improving your close-up photography skills. Ross offers a comprehensive introduction to macro photography, including top tips for working in the field, kit recommendations, composition guidance and camera settings. Featuring multiple examples of Ross's incredible shots, this series provides the inspiration and advice you'll need to take your macro shooting to the next level.

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[DWEflyer]

Excellent series. Ross has a very relaxed style and gets the main points across in a very clear way. Good to see a master at work!
David E (UK)

[DavidTothill]

I have really enjoyed this series. Ross Hoddinott, apart from being an expert in his field has excellent delivery making the experience a pleasure. I hope you can persuade him to do more.

[harrygilliland]

An excellent set of videos on macro photography the best I have seen so far straight to the point.

[francisschweitzer]

Hello from the States. I just purchased a Nikon P900. I know it is a point n shoot but it has many options with just one lens which is what I want/ need. This is more of a hobby for me as I have always enjoyed creative photography as a viewer so now I want to try my hand ... eye in it.

So.... I was bumping around here on the “Tube” and found you so I subscribed.... you have a great taste in composition.... it is what I like to see and your presentation is so smooth

I’ll be watching this channel for sure .... so Good on Ya and thank you

[henrygarciga]

Choosing a time slot when some insects are at rest is key. Most spiders are active at night so I have to be inspired at 3 or 5 am. Good point to bring up.

[pauld]

great macro shooting tips.I''m going out in the field today and I'll be using this valuable information to create some memorable images.

[janm]

Excellent, Ross. Thank you from Canada.

[razaksyed]

Great tutorial and master of macro photography, thank you so much

[sidneyoneill]

Hi Ross am from Glasgow and your videos are really amazing thank you mate thanks.

[timpriestley]

Fantastic information, thank you very much for the series

[scottabergermd]

Absolutely terrific video!! You make me want to get up early and go shoot insects!! Can I ask if you would do a video on your macro lens? It appears to be a Nikon 200mm f/4? I am considering getting one, and would love to see your thoughts on it. Thanks and keep making these...they are excellent!

[lclaudio]

Excuse me, are that's butterflies trained before you take the picture? I never see another insect so patient..

[cillyede]

A very nice and interesting video again! Thanks.
Hello from Germany - Hubert

[tigersunruss]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much, I'm new and this was awesome information!

[TomGrubbe]

Great advice and your photography is excellent!

[Michael-fwef]

This is the best macro tutorial I have ever watched.
Bravo!!

[pastore]

I have never seen a butterfly sit so still for any length of time!

[koolkutz]

Nice macro work Ross. I will get out with my tripod and go for it, thanks for the tips :-)

[adamaj]

I find a tripod too clunky and slow for insect macro photography, usually. I set my lens to closest focus, turn it to manual, and focus by moving the camera back and forth. Takes some practice, but once you master it you get great results. It's also possible to focus stack images using this method along with continuous, fast frame rate by taking a burst of shots while moving forward. The first image below was taken using this method and is a focus stack of five images, shot handheld. That spider is tiny, about the size of my fingernail. I also use a custom bracket/flash setup. Sometimes I use two flashes, one to light the background, or I take separate exposures, one for the insect and another for the background. I'm happy with my results:

[online-tabletop]

Good stuff. Most video's give the same basic information. But this was really usefull.