Macro help

D

d4a2n0k

New member
Hi all,

I just got a Rebel XTi and borrowed a Canon 100mm Macro lens but cant seem to get great shots. Things seem washed out and are not anything close to true color. Anybody have any ideas on what I can change?

Should be bright red
IMG_0319.jpg


Washed out
IMG_0307.jpg


IMG_0327.jpg


IMG_0303.jpg


Im using a tripod and the above are on the cameras "TV" mode. I try different shutter speeds from 1/60 to 1/125 and different ISO's but nothing comes out just right. Do these need further adjusting in Photoshop or should I be getting better shots through the camera?

Thanks for any help.
 
Most digital images need post-processing, especially taken by comercial grade cameras.

If you prefer your images to be less "pale", you might want to try to lower your WB or at least play with it until you get a preferable result.

Taking your pictures in RAW format is also recommended.
 
I would meter off of the brightest spot in your shot and shoot in the Av mode (Aperture Priority). I set the aperture between 8-14. What ISO are you shooting at? I usually use 200-400 depending on the coral.
 
Thanks for the replies. I tried different white balance settings but none of them did anything postive for me. There are a few different preset WB settings then you can use an existing picture but I dont understand how that works....it lets you choose a picture on the memory card but Im a total newbie. :)

So I should shoot in Raw mode and do some editing in Photoshop? I have Photoshop CS2 and dont have any idea of what Im doing. I wish there were some articles on reef lighting and how it messes with shots. I can take macro shots of flowers outside and they look awesome but it seems our lighting really messes things up.

I tried different ISO's from 100-800 and again, nothing satisfactory. :(

Maybe I should see if anybody offers Photoshop classes around me because I open up that program and just stare because I dont even know where to begin.
 
A must if you want to get better: www.aquatic-photography.com

One easy white balance adjustment can be made if you shoot in RAW, open the file in CS2 ( Camera Raw will open automatically) and the very first correction is for white balance. Play with the sliders-- you want to go to the right which will move away from blue and add more yellow and into magenta.

Once you openthe file in Photopshop (out of Camera Raw), you can choose Image>Adjustments>Match Color. When the Match Color dialog opens, check the "Neutralize" box and will remove the color cast.

For good color and macro shooting, you are going to want to learn how to use a flash also-- one that can be fired off camera, but one step at a time. APF will help you with all of this.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the links and help guys, its really appreciated. They are some really informative links and I have a lot of reading to do. :)

I borrowed the macro lens from my brother in law who is a dentist. He has two different flashes. One is a ring that clips to the end of the macro lens, good for getting into people mouths I guess. I assume I would get a bad reflection off the glass if I use that flash on my tank? He also has another flash that I think is hand held, dont know the brand/model though. Ill worry about that later.

As you said jsenke, one step at a time.

I am someone who is very into computers and home theatre and have a very good understanding of MOST electronics. This camera stuff gave me a good kick in the pants because I thought Id be able to pick it up and just figure it out myself. Boy was I wrong! I cant remember the last electronic item I bought that I actually read the instructions. I did with my new camera after realizing I have a lot of learning to do.

Thanks again, and Ill post some more shots as I go along.
 
One thing that is often missed. Is your monitor calibrated? The picture may actually be bright red.

One way to check, print the picture and compare. The inks in printers are usually correctly set by the manufacturer.

Mike
 
My monitors are not calibrated, is it something I can do myself or do I have to call in one of those ISF calibration guys?

I ended up buying the Canon 100mm macro lens. I took a bunch of shots and still cant get this anything close to what Ive seen here. I took a picture of my clam, which came out ok I guess. Its still a little noisy for my liking and cant figure it out. Any tips for getting more of the clam in focus in the first picture?

Full shot
IMG_0426.jpg


Crop from the same picture
IMG_0426-crop.jpg
 
It does not look bad at all. I have the same lense. You need to put the camera under the Av setting, then adjust. start with 2.8 then work your way up from there. the Higher you raise the Fstop it will increase the depth of field. You will want the camera on a tripod and the power heads to be off. Hope this helps.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10328892#post10328892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by d4a2n0k
My monitors are not calibrated, is it something I can do myself or do I have to call in one of those ISF calibration guys?

I ended up buying the Canon 100mm macro lens. I took a bunch of shots and still cant get this anything close to what Ive seen here. I took a picture of my clam, which came out ok I guess. Its still a little noisy for my liking and cant figure it out. Any tips for getting more of the clam in focus in the first picture?
Click to expand...

You can do a search on Google on much more in depth monitor calibration techniques. It's actually pretty easy and in most cases free (at least to a point where your colors are not 'totally' off).

As for your photos, to put it simply, you need more light. Buy a flash if you don't already have one, a hot-shoe extension cable and a Sto-Fen diffuser and you'll be fine. You just open up the hood and shoot from above or the side using the flash. I guarantee you'll have better results. Shooting at 1/25 at ISO 200 is really slow and will never stop fish and will likely lead to noise, contrast and color issues.

What you are looking for for post processing is more 'vibrancy' and 'saturation' along with some sharpening.

(Note: Canon's extension cable is very cheap and gets really poor reviews. You are much better off with a “house” brand from either Adorama or B&H Photo.)
 
I finally got a chance to snap some more pics today. Ive been shooting in RAW mode and messing around with CS2 which is definitely a sweet program. I also realized I have redbugs as you will see below.... :(

IMG_0462-2.jpg


IMG_0490.jpg


IMG_0482.jpg


IMG_0481.jpg


IMG_0480.jpg


IMG_0476.jpg


I think they are a little better but I'm not there yet. Any comments welcome.
 
Thanks. I still need a lot more practice with this macro lens. I know I'm limiting its capabilities as seen by others with the same setup on here.
 
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