LIGHTING IS CRUCIAL IN MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo credit: Ed James via Fine Art America

Many people like to shoot with natural light only, which is fine but not when it comes to macro photography. I don’t care what anyone says, taking macro and close up photos using only natural light is not the best way.

You can use natural light for macro and close up shots of flowers, jewelry and other still life subjects as it is possible to use slow shutter speeds and still get the shot, providing you are using a tripod or some other type of sturdy support. If you are taking handheld shots you may struggle to eliminate camera shake during the longer exposures.

You cannot use natural light when taking macro photos of living subjects that move because the slower shutter speeds (and longer exposure times) will result in blurry photos (because of subject movement) and missed shots.

If you want to take handheld macro shots of still life subjects or take macro/close up photos of living subjects it is advisable to add a burst of artificial light and use a flash. The flash will not only “freeze” the movement of living subjects but also lift the shadows and add more light where it is needed to get an even exposure.

You can use a standard speed light or flash for macro photography but you do need to use it correctly. Leaving the flash in the camera’s hot shoe is likely to cast the subject in the shadows (and one you can’t light) which isn’t going to result in a pleasing photo. If you want to use a speed light for macro photography you need to take it off camera via and off camera flash cord or flash triggers. Off camera flash is a great method but it is not always the best solution.

An alternative macro flash to the speed light is the macro ring flash, and this is what I use for all my macro photography. The ring flash is less powerful than a standard speed light but is still enough to illuminate the subject, is attaches to the end of the lens so there are no shadow issues, a ring flash provides nice soft lighting and you can also change the lighting ratios to add some depth to the photo. In my opinion the ring flash is the best flash for macro photography and it is well worth investing in one.

The ring flash I use is the Yongnuo YN14 and I have to say it is a great bit of macro photography kit. The YN14 is based on the Canon MR14 and it has the same features, works the same way, and is just as powerful but it is a fraction of the price. Check out “Review of the Yongnuo YN14” for an honest and unbiased review on this awesome macro lighting solution.