Here is a quick down and dirty set up for photographing cool macro images that are unique and easy!
Things I used.
- I used a black round swatch of fabric for my bottom layer. (I really didn’t intend to have this show in my photos but sometimes I shoot against dark to bring the light out)
- an angled widget to keep the CD on an angle ( I used hand cream bottle )
- Blank CD, tilt it on an angle and you will see the rainbow.
- Feathers, they can hold a drop of water and look soft and fun.
- Sequins, cheap and offer great bokehs in different colors.
- Tripod set about 6 inches away. (THIS IS A MUST)
- Cheap wireless shutter release (not a must but worth the $9.00 I paid on Amazon)
- Spray bottle. (cold water is good. **Side Note** Try filling with some very hot water on a cold day for steam)
- Cheap desk lamp.
My sandbox setup
Some tips
- Set your lens to manual focus not auto.
Most lens will waste a lot of time trying to help you focus. Most of the times they take forever and never want to focus on the dot I want. - Use a tripod and wireless release.
Because any movement will ruin your shot why take the chance and hand hold? I know some people use their flash to freeze the shot but that’s never been my style. You can use a wired shutter release but I won’t for 2 simple reasons. 1. It moves the camera. 2. I had the tip of one break off in my camera and it sucked! - My camera settings
My camera is set to Manual Mode, ISO 100, F4.5, exp 0.60/sec
I used my 100mm lens to take the pic but in the above pic I have on a different lens. Why? I shot last night and forgot to replace it. sorry : ) - Light source
I used the desk lamp only.
My results : )
If you give this a try, let me know! I would love to see your results : )
very cool … a perfect way to spend some time on this stormy day in NY.
Your photos always intrigue and amaze!
Ahhh shucks! Thank ya ma’am
These are so cool!
Thanks :$
Great tutorial (and results) – thanks.
beautiful! it’s kinda funny to see the setting for such gorgeous photos!! ;0)
I love macro, but rarely set things up … this looks so cool I’m going to have to give it a try. Will need to go shopping for feathers and sequins – fun!
Thanks. But you can use anything laying around your house. Buttons, dental floss, shoelaces… Mix sparkles with oatmeal and photograph it
who knew those things could look so cool, nice pictures
Wow, what a creative idea! Those photos came out great.
Thanks
give it a try
These photos are amazing. Thanks for sharing your process.
I’d like to give it a try, sometimes soon, thanks for sharing
very impressive photography!!
Great post! Love photography, and love macros. I just went out to a friends farm to take some pics. Unfortunately, my camera is pretty old (Sony DSC-H1), but I do the best I can. I’d love a second opinion on ways I can improve: https://picasaweb.google.com/111170812939379870531/2012Photography
Lovely photographs!
Very cool photos. My daughter is just getting interested in photography and I can’t wait to show her your stuff.
That’s so cool tell her to try the macro tip
Very cool! And timely, as I need to work on some macro photography.
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Cool shots! I need a better macro lense…
I love my 100mm
And it also takes awesome portraits too
Good to know. Thanks!
Thank you for this tutorial! I’m trying this weekend!
very cool! I simply must invest in a tripod. But the wireless shutter release? Why not set camera to timed release, like for taking group pictures with you in them? Doesn’t that accomplish the same goal in a static setup?
Hi Rangewriter, Thank you for the compliment. Yes you could set your camera on a timer. I do this as well but here are some of the issues I have at times. First, the camera on the tripod has some slight movement. This movement gets exaggerated when I press the shutter button and depending on how zoomed in I am on the subject the more exaggerated it gets. My camera has 2 and 10 second timers. The 2 second timer doesn’t allow the shaking to stop in time. 10 seconds doesn’t sound bad unless your like my and will shoot 200 or so macro shots that’s about 30 minutes of wasted time. Besides macro images I use my remote for self portraits. I find it easier to let the remote to auto focus on me (esp. if I am using a shallow DOF).
I think I paid $10.00 for mine and it has been a great tool. I just read a blog on a photographer who shot part of a wedding by setting the camera up in a place where he would not of been able to be during the ceremony and he shot it remotely while using other cameras for different angles : )
Wow, sorry for the long reply : ) In short yea you can. you don’t even need a tripod for that matter.
Thanks for a great explanation. Makes great sense. I’ve been trying to go w/o tripod, but as you know, hand-held images are limiting. And even setting up the camera on a stack of books or a bean bag is time consuming, frustrating, and often simply doesn’t work. Tripod will be on my letter to Santa this year!
Ask santa for a carbon fiber tripod with a ball type replaceable head
Ohhh and a cheap monopod with a swivel ball head. ( most museums don’t allow tripods but they do allow monopods 
this all help you shoot slower since you can’t use flash. I use my monopod a lot when I photograph people. It’s almost a must if you drag your shutter 
These photos are incredible!
Thanks
You are so creative! The photos are beautiful.
Wow! That is sooooo cool! I had no idea. I have always wanted to “play” at different macro things, but knew there were such cool tricks to it. Love this!
I tried this. But with a much simper setup, no feather, no tripod, no cool lighting… just simply taking macro pictures of a CD with water on it. In some I tried to add some accessories, but not even close to be as good as feathers. Some ended up nice, though. Thanks for the idea.
you should put up a link I would love to see
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An they look awesome!
Thanks! A For the compliment and the inspiration!
Done. You can find them here: http://wp.me/pxKCz-bK
Whoa. Crazy-good! 💋
Hmmm…. I ´ve never tried this
thanks a lot for tutorial (and liking my blog too!)
I like your blog a lot, so you might see me more often here