Macro photography i.e. the art of magnification of images, is a very interesting genre of photography. It is a great way to emphasize textures, patterns and details.
Based on the macro lens used (and there are a plethora of lens), you can achieve magnification anywhere from around half to four-five times life-size of the object being photographed. A while back I got a Canon extension tube EF12 II and frankly it has been gathering dust in my work space until this past weekend. I have used it a handful of times in the past but never really took the time to get to know this poor baby. This weekend an image of beautiful flowers inspired me to take it out for a spin and boy! am I glad I did!!! – I tried out the three most popular forms of macro photography – Flowers, Food and Wedding details and I am hooked :).
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My initial subjects were my houseplants :). This is the pullback on the scene. I was using my canon 50mm 1.2 at f2.0,ISO 100 and SS 640.
The top image is the exact same leaf with the macro adaptor. The settings are identical – what a world of difference!!
I was giddy with excitement and wanted to try this out on other objects. So I bought myself a bunch of pretty, brightly colored flowers 🙂 – they made great subjects and also brightened up the room :).
Next I wanted to dabble into macro food. Our family has just started loving homemade pizza so this was right at hand. These were shot wide open at f1.2. I am in love with my 50mm and with the macro attachments, it’s lens heaven!!
The final stages of macro experimentation came when I looked down at my wedding ring. After all, wedding photographers love ring shots! – it’s all about the details. Random things around the house quickly became props and I loved the results.
I now have a new love for this little baby – the Canon macro extension tube – for $$ spent, it’s a great addition to your lens bag. It gives quality results and I cannot wait to put this to use in the next wedding I shoot :). The one tip I would give is to get really close – I was very tempted to stand back and focus on the object but the closer you get the more powerful the effect.
Michelle S Hanks - Wow, what fun. I have always wondered a out those extension tubes. I might want to rent one.
Katie - I absolutely love these! Macro is some of my favorite shots to do!
Alaina Bos - I’ve never used an extension tube…Now I’m intrigued! Thanks for sharing!
Barrie Creative Photographer - Great now I’m hungry AND have to go buy a macro! Great post 🙂
Amanda - Great post!! Now I’m really wanting to buy a macro lens and do some experimenting! LOL
Rebecca Anne - Love macro!! So fun to play.
Julie Hill - Oh!!! LOVE the ring shots! Beautiful! 🙂
lin - Would love to own a macro lens when we can! The images are so beautiful!
Yasmin Sarai - Whoa! How cool!
Jenna Leigh - This is awesome! Now I am craving pizza and bright florals to stare at! This is great!
Amy - Such a great post. I have been considering extension tubes so its nice to see they work well.
Alisha Guild - LOVE the pop of colours at the top!! what a great way to start my morning 🙂
Cherish Bryck - Gorgeous macro shots! Makes me want to try a macro lens:)
Mark Martinez - These are fantastic! Love the colors on the flower close ups and the rings shots are just beautiful.
Anna Gordon - Love these macro shots…and I also love playing with my macro lens, it’s like opening up a whole new world! Thanks for sharing.
jenn of hello inspira - beautiful! and your food macro is amazing!!
Joy+Amber - We might have to try this!!!! LOVE.