Macro Photography Photo Workshop

Chapter 3. LIGHTING IN MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

Why Do You Need Good Lighting?

Making The Most of Natural Light

Minimizing Vibrations

Artificial Lighting

Using Light to Set the Mood

White Balance

In many ways, macro photography is like a carefully crafted film noir spy thriller. You are the lonely detective looking for answers, and absolutely everything is against you. In your struggle to find a solution to the mystery, you have to overcome several obstacles, but eventually, with a bit of help, you solve the case and get the girl (or boy). Who is your nemesis, your archenemy, and the worst troublemaker on the block? You guessed it: The Evil Archduke Light — or the fact that he is nowhere to be found.

In this chapter, I guide you through all aspects of lighting macro photography. I can't guarantee you'll get the girl (or boy) after you've solved the whodunit, but trust me on this one: After you know how to use available and artificial lighting to your best advantage, nothing can stop you from taking the best macro photographs on the block. Case closed.

WHY DO YOU NEED GOOD SIGHTING

The easiest way to light a subject is to realize that it is already lit. Look around you: If there were no light, you wouldn't be able to see your subject. In theory, if you can see it, you should be able to photograph it.

The truth is slightly different: The human eye is more forgiving to low-light conditions than photographic equipment. This is doubly true for digital photography: Taking photos in low light usually requires ...