Review Digital Camera World 08-19-2013

Digital Camera World

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Camera lenses explained: how to get sharp photos using macro lenses Aug 18th 2013, 23:01, by jmeyer In the fifth and final part of our Shoot Like A Pro Series on how to get the sharpest photos possible with your camera’s lenses, we explain how to explore the close-up potential of macro lenses and discover a whole new world in almost any and every photo location. A macro lens enables you to enter a world that's invisible to the casual observer. Most photographers use them to fill the frame with tiny subjects, but they’re much more versatile than simply being a tool for shooting close-ups. Most macro lenses have a focal length between 35 to 200mm, as well as a reasonably fast maximum aperture, which is perfect when you want to really blur out the background. Used at normal distances, you can use a macro lens like you would a prime lens. Most offer a maximum aperture of around f/2.8, which will create a shallow depth of field. So for normal shooting you need to employ the same techniques as you would with prime lenses if you want to use the widest apertures. At close distances, where a macro lens really comes into its own, the depth of field can be just a few millimetres. For these subjects you should switch to manual focus, and carefully focus on the part of the subject you want to be sharp. If the subject is static, putting the camera on a tripod enables you to be even more precise with your focusing. If you find it difficult to focus accurately through the viewfinder, try using your camera's live view mode and zoom in to check the focus. When is macro not really macro? You'll find the word macro added to many zoom lenses, but this doesn't mean that they will give the same results as a 'true macro' lens. The term macro on most zoom lenses means that it may be able to focus a little closer than other similar lenses, not that it will be able to focus on small subjects. PAGE 1: Using macro lenses effectively PAGE 2: Best working distance when using a macro lens READ MORE Macro nature photography: tips for taking pin-sharp pictures of flowers and insects How to photograph anything: best camera settings for macro photography How to set your autofocus for macro photography 10 common exposure problems every photographer faces (and how to fix them) The Decisive Moment: how nature photographers can make the most of it Photo Anatomy: the secret behind Tim Flach's meticulous animal techniques Aug 18th 2013, 13:00, by crutter In our Photo Anatomy series on Digital Camera World we select pictures by famous photographers and explain point by point what makes them work. In our latest instalment, photographer Tim Flach reveals the ingenious, carefully planned technique that enabled him to create this perfect Afghan Hound shot! Flash and pan The dog was lit with a Broncolor flash and a key light. "I used a flash duration of 1/2000 sec," says Flach, "but to get it absolutely pin-sharp I also panned with the animal." Flach's approach "Afghan Hounds have a natural trot that's very distinctive," says Flach. "Their hair goes everywhere when they run, and I felt it was important to show that movement." Studio setting Flach photographed the dog in a 100-foot car studio so it had enough space to trot at sufficient pace. He used a black background to keep the emphasis on texture and form. Angle of view Flach used a Hasselblad H3DII-39 fitted with a Hasselblad HC 2.2/100 lens. He shot with the camera positioned near ground level to give the resulting image a graphic quality. Tunnel vision He built a tunnel from sheets of polystyrene, through which the dog was encouraged to run by its owner. Flach photographed the animal through a window cut in the side. We say "When photographing pets, it's important to try to capture the animal's personality. In this case, the dog's intent gaze and flowing hair make it look almost regal. Think about what makes your own pet unique or distinctive." Chris Rutter, technique editor READ MORE Famous Photographers: 100 things we wish we knew starting out How to see photos like famous photographers… every time you shoot Professional Photographer to the Rescue: animal photography tips for any species 30 celebrity photographers who are actually celebrities

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