Macro Lighting

Lighting...I'll be honest, this is probably the thing I dread the most and have the hardest time with. But it is also one of the most important things in photography. So I have been reading some books from the library on lighting.

When in macro mode it is best to use longer shutter speeds in order to have enough light to properly expose your picture. But with a longer shutter speed it becomes more difficult to have a picture that that is not blurred-this is where a tripod comes in. For close-ups of flowers, rocks, insects, and other low-lying subjects a shorter tripod works best. I just got one yesterday and am anxious to try it out. :)

"Soft lighting from an overcast sky (or open shade) is nice because it reduces shadows and works well for intricate subjects." --The Joy of Photography

Photography requires patience if anything, as all photographers must find out sooner or later. When working with lighting for macro (or anything else for that matter) you often have to be patient and wait for the right time of day, or perhaps wait for several days before you can get a properly lit photograph. Perhaps this is why I dislike lighting so much, because I want be able to take the picture now, instead of waiting for another day. But like anything photography requires patience, and if you wait you will be rewarded in the end with a well lit picture.

But sometimes we don't have another day, maybe you are on vacation somewhere and it's either" now or never" "take it or leave it". Is there other ways to light your subject?

A tripod and longer shutter speed is one, holding a small piece of white paper under the subject to reflect light from the sun onto your subject is another. Also, sometimes you only have to wait a few minutes-or seconds for the lighting to change. The weather is constantly changing and varying and you can wait for the sun to come out, or go behind a cloud depending upon whether you need more or less light. But this also means that when you get suitable lighting don't wait! You may loose your opportunity!

Don't get discouraged, even professional photographers often find themselves at the mercy of the weather!

The key to photography is Patience, Patience, Patience.

Once you learn that, regardless of what others say, you are well on your way to mastering the art of photography.