"OF" - Organic Forms | Macro Photography Session - Technical Description

Hello everyone :)

Macro photography is a technique that transports us to worlds invisible to the naked eye, revealing textures and shapes that would otherwise go unnoticed. In this session, the central subject was an oyster shell, collected on a beach, whose fragmented appearance bears the marks of time and marine erosion.
Using an inverting ring, which allows the lens to be inverted and transformed into an accessible macro tool, it was possible to capture the complexity of the shell's surface in close proximity. The restricted focus zones, characteristic of this type of technique, create an intentional contrast with the out-of-focus areas, which serve as a natural frame and guide the eye to the most important details.

The images reveal a soft color palette, dominated by ochre, white, and orange tones, highlighted by the shadows that run through the grooves and cavities. The abstract forms that emerge resemble miniature architectural structures—arches, galleries, and columns—sculpted by the action of the sea. From certain angles, elongated cavities suggest corridors or open windows, while rounded reliefs evoke landscapes eroded by wind and water.

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Among the numerous techniques available for macro photography, this method is arguably the most cost-effective and efficient for individuals possessing a camera with a removable lens. By simply detaching the lens and reversing its direction, and employing an inversion ring, the process becomes more manageable and streamlined.

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Technical Description of Macro Photography Session

Camera Settings

Focus Mode: Manual focus to ensure precision in specific details of the structure.
Aperture: Variable aperture between f/3 and f/5 for adequate depth of field, ensuring all important details are in focus.
ISO: Low ISO setting (400) to minimize noise in images.
Shutter Speed: Adjust shutter speed as needed to avoid underexposure, while maintaining a value that allows you to capture sharp details.

Let's now move onto the result:

_{F-stop: F/3 | Exposure time: 1/300 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/5 | Exposure time: 1/350 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/3 | Exposure time: 1/300 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/4 | Exposure time: 1/250 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/5 | Exposure time: 1/350 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/3 | Exposure time: 1/300 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/5 | Exposure time: 1/350 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/4 | Exposure time: 1/250 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/3 | Exposure time: 1/300 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/5 | Exposure time: 1/350 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/4 | Exposure time: 1/250 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/3 | Exposure time: 1/300 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

_{F-stop: F/5 | Exposure time: 1/350 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 400}

Used equipments

Camera: Canon EOS 600D Digital SLR with CMOS sensor
Lens: EFS 18-55mm with f/5 maximum aperture, allowing shallow depth of field and capturing fine details.
Used inverter ring
Tripod: not used
Lighting: Adjustable LED lights to provide soft, even lighting, avoiding harsh shadows and highlighting the details of structures.

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Procedures

• Environment Preparation:
  Assembling the macro photography set in a controlled environment, minimizing the presence of dust and ensuring a clean and white surface for positioning the shell.
• Section Positioning:
  Placing the subject in position that highlight the unique characteristics, using appropriate supports to keep the example stable.
• Lighting Adjustment:
  Setting the LED lights to provide uniform illumination, adjusting the intensity and angle of the lights to eliminate unwanted shadows.
• Image Capture:
  Taking multiple shots with variations in aperture settings, shutter speed and capture angle, exploring different perspectives and compositions.
• Image Review:
  Immediate analysis of images captured on the camera's viewfinder to ensure that all desired details were captured sharply and clearly.
• Post-Production Editing:
  Importing images into editing software (Adobe Photoshop CS) to adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness and remove any imperfections.

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To finish, i leave you with some considerations regarding these photo sessions:

Examining miniature subjects through macro photography reveals a compelling domain where minute details assume significant importance. Immersing oneself in the intricacies of these diminutive objects allows for the recognition of the often-overlooked beauty within this microenvironment. Each image captures a fleeting moment, showcasing the complexity hidden within the small-scale elements of nature. The essence of macro photography lies in its ability to elevate ordinary subjects to extraordinary levels, offering an intimate and captivating perspective.

The session is closed for today.
Hope you like it :)

These photos weren't taken with a tripod

Photo by @aleister
Camera - Canon EOS 600D
Lens - EFS 18-55mm
Location - Portugal

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