Part 8 Lesson 4: Light & composition for macro
In this lesson you will learn how to carefully check everything in the frame before you press the shutter. This lesson corresponds to Chapter 21 in Book 2. The book also covers the phenomenon of light fall-off that occurs with macro lenses, which I don't have space to discuss here.
Shadows and highlights
Look very, very carefully at your macro images on a big screen, once you've taken them. Try and be objective about looking beyond the subject, and seeing exactly how the shadows and highlights have fallen across the frame.
There is no right or wrong way to light a macro subject, but be very aware that harsh, direct shadows may create blocky, awkward out-of-focus areas that your naked eye doesn't immediately pick up on. And equally, highlighted areas that in a normal image might provide a pleasing counterpoint, with a macro image may blend into a blatant distraction:
This image, shot in direct sunlight, would be improved by being more softly lit. The distracting shadows and highlights (indicated) are not easily seen by the naked eye, but when magnified, take on a bigger role in the frame.
General composition
Don't forget everything you've learnt about having a single focal point, and using design principles like the rule of thirds, leading lines and repetition. You need to get used to how the out of focus areas will look when magnified - backgrounds and foregrounds especially can blur into a muddy expanse that adds nothing.
Lastly - tiny insects and pollen can spoil an image that is otherwise spot-on:
Those spots of pollen on the left are virtually invisible to the naked eye but distract from otherwise clean image.
THIS WEEK'S PROJECT
Take lots of macro images of the same subject from many different angles. Try direct light and indirect light. Try filling the frame, or including a bit of background. Pay careful attention to the foreground and make sure it is not taking over.
Review images on a big screen and be very critical about details that you missed first time round. The more you review your images, the more you will be able to prevent distractions happening in the future.
Don’t forget there’s an A Year With My Camera app where you can meet other people doing the course. Search on your Apple or Android app store, or click here for more details.
There is a special interest group dedicated to Macro photography.