Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio

If you are shooting more than a couple of extreme macro photographs, then you really need to consider setting up an extreme macro studio. This will definitely improve the quality of your photographs.

Basic Requirements

 * 1) Have a decent size area to set up your studio in. About 3 - 4 square foot is a good starting point.[[Image:Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) * Take into consideration the lighting, tripod, camera, and the other supporting hardware you will need.
 * 3) Decide whether you want it to be permanent or not. If it's permanent, you have a lot more freedom with your design. You can do a lot more if you don't have to clean it up for dinner.[[Image:Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 4) Determine multiple areas that you will be putting your lighting at. You will need to try different angles for different subjects.[[Image:Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 5) Get various types of support. They are a focusing rail, beanbag tripod, a vise, etc. Whatever it takes.[[Image:Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 6) If you have a closed in space that you are using, like a small room, keep the humidity down to about 60%. That really applies to all types of studios.[[Image:Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio Step 5.jpg|center]]
 * 7) Channel your inner DIY guy. This is the opportunity to see what you can come up with. A little brainstorming, PVC, and a screwdriver and it's amazing what you can do.[[Image:Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio Step 6.jpg|center]]

Setting Up the Studio

 * 1) Set your subject on its platform. Make sure that whatever it is lying on doesn't conflict, colorwise.[[Image:Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio Step 7.jpg|center]]
 * 2) Set up the lighting. You are 'assembling' it from inside out. Subject, light, light modifiers, camera. Experiment with different angles and lights.[[Image:Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio Step 8.jpg|center]]
 * 3) Prefocus the camera. You will want to double check your shot before you take it, but this way your camera is approximately in the right position.[[Image:Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio Step 9.jpg|center]]
 * 4) Move things around, checking your shot until you got what you want.[[Image:Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio Step 10.jpg|center]]
 * 5) Consider having space for your laptop in the area at least, to tether your camera. If you have it going straight to your computer, you can see what the shot really looks like.[[Image:Create an Extreme Macro Photography Studio Step 11.jpg|center]]

Things You'll Need

 * Tripod
 * Light source
 * Beanbag tripod
 * Focusing rail
 * Light stand of some type
 * Appropriate items to use for a background
 * Batteries (for camera and flash)

Related wikiHows

 * Create a Home Macro Photography Studio
 * Create an Extreme Macro Lens Using Extension Tubes
 * Create a DIY Extreme Macro Tube
 * Use Your Laptop As an Emergency Photography Studio

Sources and Citations

 * http://extreme-macro.co.uk/extreme-macro-studio/ -- research source