Nature Photography How To

We all strive for precise focus, no matter what type of images we shoot. But critical sharpness is particularly important with macro photography, and it’s not always easy to achieve.

The challenge with capturing sharp macro photos has to do with close camera-to-subject distances, minimal depth of field, and the high magnifications required for this type of photography. In the video below from a macro specialist, you’ll learn four simple tips for getting the job done.

This tutorial isn’t about fixing soft images during the editing process; rather it discusses proper shooting techniques that will help you capture sharp images in the camera. According to Swedish pro Micael Widell, “There are four factors you need to know about and master to get the sharpest possible results.” And he demonstrates how in just 16 minutes.

Widell specializes in portrait, flower, and macro photography. The tips he unveils here involve focusing techniques, methods for minimizing movements between subject and camera, and how to maximize depth of field. He also explains how to use fast shutter speeds, and why minimizing diffraction caused by certain aperture settings is a must.

After a brief introduction to his style of macro photography, Widell move on to focusing techniques, and provides examples of the degree to which image stabilization can help in the regard. Then he discusses techniques for minimizing movement (either by the subject, the camera, or both), and reveals the exposure settings he relies upon for crisp images.

The video also includes helpful tips on depth-of-field and other matters important to close-up photography. Spring has finally spring, with a myriad of options for macro shooting, so watch the video and get busy.

You can find more great tips for shooting macro subjects on Widell’s YouTube channel; so don’t forget to take a look. You may also want to check out another tutorial we posted recently, with the best camera settings for sharp nature and landscape photography.