Macro without tripod!? Possible?

[Kinetic]

Is it possible to shoot macro shots without a tripod?

My Sigma 105mm F2.8 NEEDS a tripod for sure when doing tank shots. But I want to visit the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco because they have a new Butterfly exhibit open now. They do allow cameras, but no tripods >=(

Is there anyway I can shoot these butterflies using my macro? I have a monopod now too, though haven't tried it out. Given there's a TON of sun and I use a fast shutterspeed, think it's possible still?

What options do I have?

Maybe I can ask them if I can use a monopod, then get those monopod legs?

 

[gregr]

I'd be surprised if they didn't allow a monopod. Do you have a good flash? That will allow you to shoot handheld and still get good depth of field.

 

[Kinetic]

my d70 has a flash, but I also have an external flash for my F2 film body (my f2 is in the shop getting fixed right now) that I could use, though not sure if it'll work for my d70.

also I don't think they allow flash photography either at the butterfly exhibit...

 

[gregr]

I went to a butterfly exhibit last year and they didn't allow tripods but flash was ok. I'm not sure if your old flash will work in the new camera either though. The built-in flash will help some but not like a good speedlight would. But even handheld without flash you could get some great shots.

 

[Kinetic]

i'll definately try it and report back to you guys. I'll bring my monopod to help me out a bit =)

 

[DebsSisterFlo]

practice! it's digital, you can delete! If you saw my feather duster mouth (a few posts up) that was freehand. It can be done.

 

[Kinetic]

thanks for the support. I'm just trying to be as prepared as possible. I hope I don't come back totally dissapointed with everything blurred like crazy =(

I'll try it. Maybe I'll persuade the people there to let me use my tripod =X

 

[louist]

Yes it's possible, I shoot fast moving insects without a tripod, but with tripod for everything else.

For shots without tripod, flash is essential, and even then the hit rate is much much lower. Plus, I am not Arnie, so my arms gets very tired.

 

[piberoptikz]

Hmm..I'm also planning to go to the conservatory and take macro shots but the thing is i have shaky hands and they may not allow tri-pods.

Well its a digital camera and I have 1GB so it's just a matter of hit or miss for me.

Koden, when are you planning to go?

 

[Kinetic]

The conservatory doesn't allow tripods, but they didn't mention anything about monopods =) I'm going to give the place a call to confirm monopods are ok. If so that will at least help me.

I'm very bad with the flash and making it look like natural light. Any tips? I only have my built in flash for my d70. I have an external for my F2 film body but not sure if that'll work.

I have 6gb of space

piber: no set date yet, wanna go together? I might scope it out when I take the significant other, and then we should have a real photo shoot plus it'd be cool meeting a reef / photo enthusiast locally too!

and how about louis fly out to San Francisco and come along?

 

[dantodd]

If you guys go during the week let me know when. I wasn't planning on it but only because I didn't know about it. It would be nice to meet some of you folks.

 

[louist]

For on-camera flash, try using a piece of plastic from milk cartons or a piece of white paper to diffuse the light.

Use reflectors to bounch sunlight back into places you need it.

These are the easiest ways.

 

[piberoptikz]

We had a little sunshine in the bayarea today but not convincing enough to pack my camera and head to the conservatory.

I'll let you guys ( KODEN ) know my availability and hopefully by next week we get a better weather.

 

[piberoptikz]

BTW, what type of camera are you guys using? ( KODEN / LOUIST )

How long have you been shooting photos?

 

[Kinetic]

nikon d70 body

I've been shooting with it for less than a year now. yourself?

 

[piberoptikz]

I've heard nice things about NIKON D70 but never had a chance to really use one. Koden, btw your photos are really great and crisp!

I'm currently using a Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS Rebel XT. I just recently sold my Canon 10D after a several years of usage. It was a fine camera but it was not really for me.

I also have a few lenses from Canon to Quantaray that I'm using in daily basis. It's been almost 3 yrs since I took my first shot and still learning.

I just love photography.

 

[louist]

John, I use a Canon 10D, been shooting for around 6 years, all self taught.

 

[piberoptikz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7141941#post7141941 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by louist
John, I use a Canon 10D, been shooting for around 6 years, all self taught.

That's one powerful tool! I've used that for quite sometime and finally let go of it recently.

 

[nanoDude]

Sure it's possible. The best advice I ever received for this type of shot is to take the picture like you are firing a gun. A couple of deep breaths, hold, and gently press the button. I took this one last year at the Toronto Zoo. The depth of field isn't great but it was handheld and no flash was used.