Super close macro shot of ants?

7 years 7 months ago #493960 by Nancy Hait
I've been trying to get super close up shots of ants.  I've noticed with this set up, I have a super narrow depth of field.  This is making it very difficult to photograph ants while they are moving. 

What's the trick for making this possible?  


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7 years 7 months ago #493967 by Shadowfixer1
What f-stop, shutter speed and ISO are you using? Also what lens?
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7 years 7 months ago #494084 by Screamin Scott
What Randy asked +1

Shadowfixer1 wrote: What f-stop, shutter speed and ISO are you using? Also what lens?


Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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7 years 7 months ago #494251 by effron

Why so serious?
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7 years 7 months ago #494252 by Screamin Scott
I'd have to disagree with a tripod for mobile subjects. The only time I use a tripod shooting macro is when my subject is stationary or when I'm stacking (which is rare). With mobile subjects, by the time you set up a tripod, your subject has moved n. Not to say you can't get images of mobile subjects using a tripod, it's just that your keeper rate decreases immensely if the subject (ants in this case) is mobile. Better to shoot hand held with additional ,diffused, lighting. Using additional lighting will allow you to stop down the lens for more DOF & the short flash duration will stop movement, be it yours or your subjects.

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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7 years 7 months ago #494277 by Shadowfixer1

Screamin Scott wrote: I'd have to disagree with a tripod for mobile subjects. The only time I use a tripod shooting macro is when my subject is stationary or when I'm stacking (which is rare). With mobile subjects, by the time you set up a tripod, your subject has moved n. Not to say you can't get images of mobile subjects using a tripod, it's just that your keeper rate decreases immensely if the subject (ants in this case) is mobile. Better to shoot hand held with additional ,diffused, lighting. Using additional lighting will allow you to stop down the lens for more DOF & the short flash duration will stop movement, be it yours or your subjects.

Tripod is an anchor when shooting macro in nature of bees, butterflies, etc. Handheld is the only way to go there. Static subjects are great for tripods but moving stuff, no way. 
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7 years 7 months ago - 7 years 7 months ago #494292 by effron
Actually, I use a loosened ballhead on a tripod often for non static subjects, I let those critters decide for me as to use the tripod or no....
I don't think ANY single technique is always the way to go.

Why so serious?
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