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Flash Tips For Macro Photography

Macro Photography Tip Using Flash or Speedlite.

You can make photography journey much easier by following this one simple macro photography tip. Use your cameras’ flash function or better still a speed light, ring flash or twin light setup, to obtain a fast shutter speed.

Those who use a dedicated macro lens for macro photography will understand how hard it is to raise the aperture f/number for a large depth of field, yet keep the shutter speed fast enough to capture an insect on the move. This is especially true when it comes to shooting macros in a shady part of your garden. Listed below is my go to technique for macro photography using a speedlite.

Macro photography with speedlight

  • Place your speedlite onboard your camera and turn both the speedlite and camera on.
  • Open the camera menu and look for an item called ‘Flash Control’ or something similar. If you have an option for E-TTL Flash Mode make sure it’s enabled.
  • Set the E-TTL meter to evaluative. While you are there, also change the ‘Flash sync. speed’ in AV mode from Auto to the highest fixed speed available. Normally 1/250 sec. (fixed) or similar. The flash sync speed will then be fixed at 1/250 second, preventing subject blur and camera shake.
  • There are two ways to go about the remainder of the settings. You could set Shutter Speed Priority using 1/250 second and let the camera choose the aperture. Or alternatively, you could set Aperture Priority using f/11-f/13. This will ensure a larger area of the bug is in focus and not just the eye.
  • The flash setting you made earlier will ensure the speed is kept at 1/250 seconds.
  • Now take a couple of test shots. If you find the background is black, increase the ISO to 400 and try again.

The use of flash for macro photography, whether you use a speedlight, twin lights or ring light, is the best way to ensure you achieve sharp quality images. That’s all there is to it. Simple right?

Macro photography shot of a blue banded bee

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