Do Hand Held Macro Photography

First of all, understand that, for the most part, you really need a tripod to get the best shots with macro photography. That being said, you can get some really good shots by hand holding your camera.

Steps

 * 1)  Be sure to position the flash as close as possible to the flash. More than likely, unless you are using a ring flash or a specifically built flash, it will need to be an off camera flash.[[Image:Do Hand Held Macro Photography Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2)  Be sure that you angle the flash appropriately. You may have to experiment, but don't do it too often. You will scare away the insect (if that is your subject).[[Image:Do Hand Held Macro Photography Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3)  Have a method to diffuse the light on your flash. This will prevent harsh shadows and glare and will also spread out your light onto the subject.[[Image:Do Hand Held Macro Photography Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 4)  Have your camera on manual. Experiment and learn what the correct exposure will be for a given situation. For the most part, the flash will help you with that.[[Image:Do Hand Held Macro Photography Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 5)  Be sure that the shutter speed of your flash is set  at 'flash sync speed' or slower.[[Image:Do Hand Held Macro Photography Step 5.jpg|center]]
 * 6)  Set your aperture at about F/16 to help with the depth of field.[[Image:Do Hand Held Macro Photography Step 6.jpg|center]]
 * 7) Set your ISO (along with the shutter speed) appropriately so that your background is not completely black. (Unless this is what you want).[[Image:Do Hand Held Macro Photography Step 7.jpg|center]]
 * 8)  Preset the focal distance on your lens so that it looks right and then move the lens back and forth until your focus is perfect.[[Image:Do Hand Held Macro Photography Step 8.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * Consider alternate tripod setups. Something like a beanbag tripod or the ground can work.

Related wikiHows

 * Create a Home Macro Photography Studio
 * Make a Flash Reflector for Macro Photography
 * Set Aperture With Macro Extension Tubes
 * Make a Paper Macro Studio
 * Document Your DIY Macro Magnification

Sources and Citations

 * NatureScapes.net