Macro photography is a popular technique among photographers who want to capture the intricate details of small subjects. One area that is particularly interesting to explore is the forest, where many small creatures and plants can be found.
To take quality macro photographs, you’ll need the right equipment. For larger subjects such as insects and spiders, a standard 1:1 macro lens like the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 is usually sufficient. However, for tiny subjects, a magnifying lens like the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5:1 is necessary to capture them in full detail.
The size of the camera’s sensor also plays a role in macro photography, as it determines the width of the image. A full-frame camera with a 1:1 macro lens displays an image width of 36 millimeters, while an APS-C camera’s width is only 22mm. Micro-Four-Thirds sensors can capture images with a width of only 17mm.
In addition to the technical challenges of macro photography, there are also many creative opportunities to be found in the forest. Trunks, branches, and roots make for interesting backgrounds, and small animals like insects and spiders can be beautifully staged using the magic glow effect.
Once you’ve captured your macro photographs, the real work begins with editing. Editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop can help bring out the details in your images and create a polished final product.
If you’re interested in learning more about macro photography, you can read the full article in c’t Fotografie 2/2023. With the right equipment, some technical knowledge, and a creative eye, there are countless possibilities for capturing the beauty of small forest dwellers.
