lovelifey: December 2023

Dec 31, 2023

[Photography] 14 Macro Photography Ideas to Get You Inspired

The post 14 Macro Photography Ideas to Get You Inspired appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

This article was updated in December 2023 with contributions from Jaymes Dempsey, Darren Rowse, Bruce Lovelace, and Darlene Hildebrandt.

Are you struggling to come up with amazing macro photography ideas? Do you need a bit of a creativity jumpstart? You’ve come to the right place. As a seasoned macro photographer, I’ve captured hundreds – maybe even thousands – of macro subjects, and I’ve come across plenty of great ideas along the way.

Below, I share my 14 favorite ideas for stunning macro shots, including ideas for photographing both outside and at home. And I’ve made sure to include options featuring a variety of subjects: flowers, insects, water droplets, household objects, and more.

Are you ready to start capturing some breathtaking macro images? Then let’s dive right in with my first idea:

1. Try water-droplet refraction photography

Water-droplet refraction photography is a macro classic that you can experiment with both indoors and outdoors. The concept is simple yet produces stunning results. Start by finding a slender object, like a blade of grass or a flower stem. Then, using a spray bottle, gently add water droplets until they hang precariously at the edge.

The magic happens when you place a colorful object a few inches behind the droplets, such as a vibrant flower or rainbow-colored paper. This background subject will be beautifully refracted through the water droplets, creating a miniature, upside-down image within each drop. When you get close – I recommend using a macro lens! – and focus on the droplets, the background will blur, drawing the viewer’s attention to the tiny, encapsulated scenes.

Achieving sharpness in the droplet while maintaining a blurred background requires a steady hand and a bit of patience. A tripod can be invaluable in these situations, helping to stabilize your camera for the perfect shot. But the result is always worth it: a mesmerizing, almost surreal photograph that shows a subject within a subject!

2. Photograph eyes

Photographing eyes up close is an enthralling experience, and it’s a great macro photography idea to try if you’re stuck inside. To start, find a willing subject (this could be anyone from a family member to a pet!). Make sure they’re comfortable with the process, as the technique requires them to be still for a bit.

With your macro lens, get close to the subject’s eye, then pay careful attention to what you see. Each eye is a world of its own, with distinct textures and hues. Experiment with different angles and lighting. Side lighting can accentuate the eye’s texture, while frontal lighting can highlight tiny details. Remember, the key is patience and experimentation.

Take plenty of shots. Macro eye photography is a game of precision and luck. Just be mindful of your subject’s comfort, and don’t overdo it. If all goes well, you’ll end up with a stunning close-up of an eye that reveals the amazing universe within!

3. Photograph feathers

When I first got started with macro photography, I had a blast photographing feathers – and I think you will, too! With their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, feathers make for fascinating macro subjects, and they’re very accessible; I recommend buying a few peacock feathers from your local grocery store, though you can always photograph the feathers you find while out walking! (Just make sure to clean them well and wash your hands – as with all things, you’re better safe than sorry!)

Anyway, whether you gather them during a walk or buy them, the key is to select more colorful feathers that catch your eye. I’d also recommend choosing larger feathers, especially if you don’t own a dedicated macro lens.

Shooting feathers from different angles offers diverse perspectives. A top-down view allows you to capture the entire feather in sharp focus, highlighting its symmetrical beauty and detailed structure. Alternatively, photographing a feather from a lower angle with a shallow depth of field will create an artistic blur with only a sliver of the feather sharply in focus. This technique plays with the viewer’s perception, turning a simple feather into an abstract macro shot that emphasizes form and texture.

Remember, lighting plays a crucial role in macro feather photography. Soft, diffused light can reveal delicate details, while more dramatic, directional lighting can enhance textures and create intriguing shadows. So make sure you try all sorts of different approaches until you get a result that you like.

4. Come up with a theme

Here’s an idea: Rather than limit yourself to a single subject, take a theme approach. What if you picked texture as a theme to develop? Take a second right now to jot down anything you can think of that has texture. Take a deep breath, relax, close your eyes, and let your mind go.

Use a mind map like the one pictured below. This is just a brainstorming method to generate creative possibilities. Here are just four random examples. These can lead to other tangent ideas, so write down all of your thoughts and edit your lists later!

5. Find lights in the background for amazing bokeh

One of the best ways to do creative macro photography is to capture gorgeous bokeh. That is, a beautiful, smooth, creamy background, like the wash of blur featured in this next image:

And here’s how you do it:

First, find a subject that you really like. A flower, an insect, or some plant life will all work well. Choose a wide aperture (one in the f/2.8 to f/5.6 range). Then zoom in until you’ve isolated just your subject.

Here comes the important part:

Slowly move around your subject, while looking through your camera’s viewfinder. The key is to find a “bokeh-generating” background.

Now, bokeh-generating backgrounds involve light. The best bokeh often comes from bright lights and colors in the background. More specifically, look for pinpricks of light and colorful reflections.

For instance, sun coming through trees creates amazing bokeh – because the trees break up the light.

Leaves in golden-hour light also create gorgeous bokeh. The golden light on the leaves reflects and makes a creamy, colorful backdrop.

Most scenes have at least a few bokeh options – so don’t settle for a subpar choice.

Instead, use the bokeh to create a masterpiece!

6. Shoot into the sun for gorgeous backlit macro photography

Nature photographers often shoot using frontlight – where the light comes from over the photographer’s shoulder, and lands on the subject.

This often works well. But it can get boring after a while.

If you want to get creative, try using backlight.

Backlight comes from behind your subject. It’s great for creating silhouettes – and it’s also great for producing creative lighting effects.

The light can pass through part of your subject, making it turn translucent.

And backlight can also create bright flares of light. When done right, this creates some stunning effects.

However, you should position the sun carefully.

If you get the naked sun in your frame, the whole shot will be ruined because the sun is simply too bright to be rendered by your camera.

Instead, put your macro photography subject in front of the sun. That way, the sun is blocked from view. But you still get some gorgeous effects.

In fact, I recommend experimenting with this. Try changing your angle slightly, so that the sun is placed behind different parts of your subject.

You’ll manage to capture some stunning shots – shots that you probably wouldn’t have initially imagined!

7. Photograph utensils

Have you ever considered the artistic potential of your utensil drawer? Surprisingly, the silverware you find there can become star macro photo subjects!

You can use a few different approaches. For instance, by focusing on these everyday objects and shooting from above, you can craft stunning close-up flat-lay shots. A simple white or black background will accentuate their shapes and lines, transforming ordinary forks and spoons into intriguing subjects.

However, I’m more partial to a different approach, where you zoom in on a single part of the utensil and have fun capturing different abstract-style shots. Find a compelling point of focus – such as the tip of a fork prong – and let the rest of the utensil blur, creating a captivating play of focus and abstraction.

The beauty of this macro idea lies in its simplicity and the readily available nature of the subjects!

8. Shoot against a white sky for a gorgeous high-key look

Here’s a favorite macro photography idea of mine.

I use it all the time when I’m in a pinch!

Fortunately, it’s really simple:

Shoot against a white sky.

Let me explain:

One of the most important parts of a macro photo is the background. And without a beautiful background, your macro photos will often fall flat.

Now, the best backgrounds are simple and uniform.

And one of the great ways to create a uniform background?

Rely on the sky!

This works especially well on cloudy days. All you have to do is find a subject – then get down low. In fact, you often have to get lower than your subject.

Make sure that the background is completely covered by clouds.

Then photograph your subject and watch as it stands out against a gorgeous white backdrop!

(If the shot is slightly too dark, don’t worry. You can always lift the whites in post-processing.)

9. Capture dandelion seed heads

Dandelion seed heads are a treasure trove for macro photographers. These common garden plants transform into fascinating subjects under a macro lens. Start by choosing a large seed head (the bigger, the better; a larger subject allows for a closer, more detailed view of each delicate seed).

Zoom in as far as your macro lens allows. The goal here is to utilize the natural design of the seed head. Its flowing lines and repetitive patterns can create a visually pleasing composition. Try to arrange the seeds in a way that guides the viewer’s eye through the image.

Also, a complementary background is crucial, and for a bit of extra flair, lightly spray the seed head with water. This simple trick will add delicate droplets that enhance the overall effect!

10. Freelens for stunning selective focus

Here’s another great macro photography idea for when you’re in a rut:

Freelens!

I’m a huge fan of this technique – because it gets striking, unique images.

Here’s how it works:

Turn on your camera, and make sure that your lens is focused to infinity.

Then turn your camera off, and detach the lens.

(I suggest you use a backup camera and backup lens for this because there is a risk of damaging your equipment.)

Now, the best lenses for macro freelensing are in the 50mm range. I’ve found that 50mm creates a nice balance of background blur and sharp focus.

Once you’ve detached the lens, turn your camera back on.

Then…

Experiment!

Note: With freelensing, you don’t focus by turning a focus ring. Instead, you focus by changing the position of the lens relative to the camera.

So keep the lens detached, and move it around at different angles.

Look for macro subjects, and see what happens when you shoot them with a freelensing setup. Also, notice how pulling the lens away from the camera increases the magnification of the lens. It also allows in more light – creating artistic light leaks!

Freelensing is a bit addictive. Once you’ve started, you’ll struggle to stop – because there are so many opportunities for gorgeous macro photos!

11. Shoot through a second subject for an incredible foreground

If you want an idea for especially creative macro photography…

…why not try ‘shooting through,’ or ‘cramming’?

First, find a macro subject. Flowers work especially well for this because they’re so colorful.

Get in close, and focus your lens on that subject. Choose a wide aperture, in the f/2.8 to f/5.6 range.

Then find a second subject. Place it in front of your lens. The second subject should be colorful – and ideally, similar to the first subject.

And…shoot!

The second subject (which remains out of focus) will create a beautiful foreground wash. One that looks great in macro photography.

Now, you don’t want to completely cover your lens with the foreground subject. Instead, place it partially into the scene. That way, it will create a nice wash, without dominating the shot.

This may take a bit of experimentation. But if you’re patient, you’ll capture some gorgeous macro photos.

And your creative muscles will feel so energized!

12. Photograph stringed instruments

Do you have a stringed instrument at home? It might just be your next great macro subject. Instruments like guitars, violins, or banjos offer unique geometric patterns, which become strikingly apparent when viewed through a macro lens.

One captivating approach is to photograph the strings from a lower angle. That way, you can highlight a small section of the strings while allowing the rest to blur into the background. The result? A mesmerizing play of focus and blur.

To enhance your shots, pay attention to lighting. Natural light works wonders, especially when it accentuates the instrument’s contours. I’d recommend starting with window light, but you can always play around with speedlights or strobes if you have them. And remember: each lighting setup can dramatically change the mood and feel of your photographs!

13. Try photographing ants

Ants, though often overlooked, make for fascinating macro photography subjects. These tiny creatures are full of character and are surprisingly photogenic.

Your backyard or a local park are ideal locations for this; start by getting down on the ground and looking for ants crawling on leaves or grass blades. The larger the ant, the better for your macro shots.

Once you find a subject or two, get out your camera and focus in close. Switch to manual focus, then rock your camera back and forth to maintain focus as you follow your subject.

Keep in mind that photographing ants requires patience. Ants can move surprisingly fast at high magnifications, so be prepared to take many shots. It’s partially just a game of numbers: the more photos you take, the higher your chances of capturing a few exceptional ones.

And try to isolate the ant in your frame. A single ant against a simple background can create strong visual impact!

14. Capture paint

Macro photography can transform everyday items into abstract art, and painting is a perfect example. For this macro idea, any paint will get the job done, but I’d recommend starting with vibrant, thick paint for more texture and color contrast.

Start by swirling your paint on paper. The goal is to create an interesting mix of colors without overblending. Thick, bold strokes are ideal when trying this idea for the first time. You want to maintain distinct areas of color that have interesting swirls and overlaps.

Then, once you’re happy with your creation, set it up in good light (ideally near a window for natural illumination). Finally, with your macro lens, explore the colorful landscape you’ve created. Focus on areas where colors flow together or where the paint forms interesting patterns.

Remember that each shot can become a unique abstract composition, full of color and texture. The macro lens will capture details you can’t see with the naked eye, transforming your paint swirls into a mesmerizing macro world!

Macro photography ideas: next steps

Hopefully, you’re now feeling excited to capture some macro photos of your own. After all, you have lots of ideas for original, creative shots!

The key is to start putting them into practice. So grab that close-focusing lens, pick a subject or technique idea from this list, and have fun!

Now over to you:

Have any more macro photography ideas? Share them in the comments below!

Macro Photography

The post 14 Macro Photography Ideas to Get You Inspired appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

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[Photography] Clamshell Lighting: An Amazing Two-Light Setup, Explained

The post Clamshell Lighting: An Amazing Two-Light Setup, Explained appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by John McIntire.

clamshell lighting: a comprehensive guide

This article was updated in December 2023 with contributions from John McIntire and Russell Masters.

Lighting can make or break a portrait. In my experience, it’s often what turns an ordinary snapshot into a professional-looking image. Clamshell lighting is a technique that’s simple yet powerful, and it can take your photography to the next level.

But what is clamshell lighting? And how can you master clamshell lighting setups for stunning results?

In this article, I explain the ins and outs of this simple – yet incredibly powerful – two-light portrait setup. From experimenting with different modifiers to playing with light positions and beyond, I’ll explore all the details to help you master this wonderful lighting technique. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll know how to create clamshell-lit portraits like a pro (no matter your lighting gear!).

So if you’re ready to become a clamshell portrait master, then let’s dive right in, starting with the basics:

What is clamshell lighting?

Clamshell lighting is a simple, two-light configuration: You place both lights facing your subject at a 45-degree angle, one angled up, one angled down. Note that your key light (i.e., your primary, brighter light) should point 45 degrees downward, while your fill light should point 45 degrees upward. Your camera should sit between the two lights, facing your subject.

When viewed from the side, the two lights resemble an open clamshell (imagination may be required!):

clamshell guide and tips lighting diagram

A clamshell setup provides beautiful, soft light with faint shadows and glorious catchlights. Clamshell lighting works well on pretty much everyone; I’d say that it’s flattering for men and women of all ages, so it’s a great setup to have in your back pocket.

Note that clamshell lighting is just like butterfly lighting, except that you add the fill light below the subject (which eliminates any heavy shadows caused by the key light). So if you’re already doing a butterfly setup, you can always add in a clamshell look at the end for some variation!

How to create a clamshell lighting setup: step-by-step process

Creating a clamshell lighting setup is simple, and as long as you have two working lights, you’re practically guaranteed to pull it off. Here’s what you do:

Step 1: Select your lights and modifiers

Clamshell lighting requires two light sources, and these can be studio strobes or speedlights, modified or unmodified.

Personally, I’d recommend you use studio strobes. Although speedlights are also fine, they take slightly longer to recycle between shots, so you won’t be able to do rapid-fire portrait photography. (Another benefit to strobes is that they generally include modeling lights, which are low-powered continuous lights that illuminate your subject while you get set up and can help you identify the perfect lighting angles.)

I’d also recommend you use modifiers – these will help soften the light for a more flattering effect – and grabbing a pair of similarly sized softboxes is a great starting point. (If you don’t have softboxes, you could try using an umbrella for the main light, instead.)

That said, if you don’t have any modifiers or you prefer a harder look, then work with an unmodified light! If you really embrace the effect and sculpt it as needed, you may get a great result. Plus, it’s your photoshoot!

Step 2: Position your key light

Grab your key light (i.e., your main light source). The goal is to place it in front of your subject and slightly above; angle it down so it points directly at the subject’s nose.

If you want a softer effect that features fast light falloff, bring the light in close to the subject’s face. If you want a harder effect that lights the subject more broadly, move the light farther away.

Next, meter for your desired aperture (we’ll use a hypothetical f/11) and take a test shot.

If everything is set up correctly, you should produce a decently lit image with deep shadows under your subject’s nose and chin. (If the image is too dim, feel free to brighten your light, and if the image is overexposed, do the reverse.)

Step 3: Add your fill light

Now it’s time to add in the second light; take your fill light and place it directly underneath your key light, pointed upward toward your subject at 45 degrees.

clamshell lighting guide and tips behind the scenes

Adjust the light’s brightness until it sits two stops below the key light. (If you wanted to shoot at f/11, you could meter your fill light for an f/5.6 result.) Then take a second test shot.

If the effect is too strong and your fill light is obliterating the shadows, turn down the light power. If the light isn’t doing enough, turn it up. The main thing to look out for is the fill light overpowering the key light, as that would result in a very unflattering image that’s lit from below.

Step 4: Capture your clamshell image!

At this point, you should have two lights sharing the same vertical space, and the light on top should be roughly two stops brighter than the light on the bottom.

Stand behind the lights and shoot through the gap. Note: If there isn’t much of a gap to work with, raise and/or lower both of your lights until you have enough room to shoot in the middle. To be safe, you may want to take another meter reading.

Of course, once you’ve grabbed a shot or two, check your camera’s LCD for exposure issues and other concerns. And if you have the capability, I recommend tethering your camera to your laptop; that way, you can review your images instantly on the big screen.

And that’s all there is to it! Clamshell lighting is really easy to do, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to get the two-light setup running in a couple of minutes.

Clamshell vs butterfly lighting

Butterfly lighting and clamshell lighting are often discussed together, but they’re two very distinct lighting patterns.

A basic butterfly lighting setup uses just one light, positioned above and angled down toward the subject. Since there’s no fill light, the shadows on the nose and chin remain heavy, giving more dramatic and intense results. It’s an effect that can be particularly well-suited for fashion photography.

Clamshell lighting photography — Notice the strong shadows under the subject’s nose; that’s a result of butterfly lighting.

Now, let’s compare this to clamshell lighting. Clamshell lighting involves placing a second light below the subject, softening the shadows. This produces a gentler, more soothing effect, so it’s often seen in conventional headshot photography or applications with far less drama.

Pro tip: If you’re uncertain about the final look you want, you can always start with butterfly lighting. Experiment with the shadows and angles, then simply add a fill light to achieve the clamshell look if you desire something softer. This way, you can play around with two different lighting styles with very little effort. It’s a convenient and creative approach to portrait lighting.

Clamshell vs Rembrandt lighting

Another classic lighting technique to consider? Rembrandt lighting. The Rembrandt pattern involves placing a light off to the side of the subject – often around 45 degrees – to create a clear triangle of light on the subject’s cheek.

Because it covers so much of the face in shadows, Rembrandt lighting is known for its dark and moody qualities. It’s a favorite among those seeking a dramatic, theatrical style in their images.

So how does clamshell lighting stack up against Rembrandt? Clamshell lighting is the better choice if you want a more cheerful, detailed shot. By positioning lights both above and below your subject, you can illuminate the face more evenly and reduce harsh shadows. This brings out more of the facial details and gives the image a livelier, more approachable feeling.

In short, if drama and moodiness are your goals, Rembrandt lighting may be the way to go. But for a more uplifting and detailed portrait, clamshell lighting fits the bill. Understanding the nuances of these lighting techniques will allow you to choose the right style for each unique portrait session. Experiment with both, and see what you think!

Clamshell photography setup: a few quick tips

You know how to capture a basic clamshell image. But how can you take your shots even further? Here are a few of my top tips to help you out:

1. Experiment with different modifiers

When you’re first starting with clamshell lighting, softboxes can be your best friends. They provide a gentle touch that’s perfect for beginners. But as you get more comfortable, you might find yourself wanting to explore other options. This is an excellent idea.

Have a pair of strip boxes you want to use? Go for it. Want to use a beauty dish as your key light and an umbrella as fill? Sure. How about a snoot and a small softbox? Absolutely. Use what you have at hand. Pretty soon, you’ll be able to improvise like a pro.

Beauty dishes, for instance, create a harder look that can add drama to a portrait. Their focused light can accentuate textures and details. On the other hand, umbrellas can really soften up the shadows. By throwing around a lot of light, they make everything feel more diffused and ethereal.

By testing out different modifiers, you’ll learn how they affect your images. So don’t be afraid to try something new. Just remember to keep the essence of clamshell lighting in mind: that beautiful, flattering glow that makes portraits shine.

2. Try repositioning your lights

Light position matters in clamshell lighting, and even an adjustment of a few inches can dramatically change the final image.

Move the lights closer to your subject, and the shadows will soften and become more gradated for a gentle and delicate look.

Move the lights farther from your subject, and the shadows will harden and become sharper. This can add a sense of depth and drama to the image.

But it’s not just about distance. You can move your key light higher to create longer shadows or lower to create shorter shadows. You can do the same with the fill light.

Just be cautious not to go overboard. The 45-degree positions that I discussed in my initial step-by-step section are designed to look flattering. Playing with the positioning is great, but don’t lose sight of your original goals!

3. Add more lights

Once you’ve set up your clamshell lighting just right, you might think you’re done. But there’s more you can do to enhance the scene and create striking images.

For instance, you can add rim lights behind your subject, either on one side or both, to create a delicate sliver of light around the head. This effect will help your subject pop off the background and make the image more dynamic.

A hair light can add depth to your photograph. Positioned above and behind the subject, it shines subtly on the hair to separate it from the background.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with background lights, as well. Placing a light behind the subject (that’s pointed at the backdrop) can create a beautiful cone of light that adds extra depth. It’s how many photographers combine a well-lit subject with a well-lit background!

Bottom line: By adding these additional lights, you give yourself more creative freedom and open up a world of possibilities in your clamshell lighting setups.

4. Convert to black and white

Clamshell lighting produces wonderful images that can look stunning in both color and black and white. Converting your shot to black and white will emphasize the interplay of shadows and highlights while potentially adding a layer of three-dimensionality to the photo.

If you shoot in RAW, and I highly recommend you do, you have the flexibility to photograph using your camera’s Monochrome mode and still convert back to color if needed. Or you can start in color and convert to black and white later on.

The black-and-white conversion can make the features of the face stand out in a unique way. It might bring out textures, emphasize contrasts, or even create a mood that color doesn’t capture. Experimenting with this conversion allows you to explore a range of visual expressions within a single lighting setup, which is always a good idea!

5. Watch the catchlights

Catchlight is that magical spot of light in the subject’s eyes, one that’s created by a reflection from the light source. It brings life to the eyes; without a catchlight, the eyes – and the entire portrait – can appear flat and lifeless.

Therefore, it’s important that you always make sure your clamshell photos include catchlights! If a catchlight isn’t present, you may need to ask your subject to angle their head, or you may need to make slight adjustments to your lights. Make sure to review each test shot on your camera’s LCD to ensure that the catchlight is just as you want it.

Note that with clamshell lighting, since it involves two lights rather than one, you might notice a double catchlight. This is a feature some photographers love, while others are less enthusiastic.

If you’re not a fan of the bottom catchlight, don’t fret! It can always be cloned out during post-processing.

Clamshell lighting examples

Now let’s take a look at some clamshell examples. You can use them as inspiration, though don’t limit yourself – these are just a handful of the many clamshell setups you can create!

First, we have a nice black and white portrait. Notice the soft shadows on my subject’s cheeks:

Next, we have a brighter, more upbeat clamshell image with a well-lit background:

Then another black and white with a slightly darker background:

To pull this final shot off, I added a third light, pointed toward the background. Note that you can experiment with different head turns:

Clamshell lighting: final words

If you’ve made it this far, you should understand the power of a basic clamshell lighting setup.

Of course, you can always take your clamshell setups to the next level with additional lights and modifiers, but even the basics are guaranteed to get good results.

So head into your studio and try some clamshell lighting out for yourself!