Macro Shots w/Bokeh

The following shots were taken lastnight using a VERY simple set up with VERY simple supplies. Here's what I used:

• Camera (obviously)
• Remote shutter switch (not needed, but very helpful)
• Tripod
  
• Lens - 18-55mm
• Home Depot light w/CFL bulb (These are the cheap aluminum lights for like $8 and a 2 pack of CFL's (Compact Florescent) for like $5)
• A water spray bottle
• A Nasturtium leaf (They are my favorite since they repel water so well...and can be found everywhere)
• reflector type bag (Hologram bag...excellent for bokeh)
  

And here's a snapshot of the setup from lastnight.



Just a quick run down of what I did and how I used the supplies listed. (I'm considering making a short video, but we'll see how this takes).

I have all my stuff in my homemade lightbox, which really was not needed here, but did help keep things placed right. I used a remote shutter release (click the link to see it on amazon...let me tell you, this is one on my favorite tools. I use it anytime I use my tripod and macro photography...it's only $5...off brand but who cares) Basically all it does is reduce camera shake, plus I used it here so I could hold my home depot light to angle and get the right light then trigger the release. But there is a small trick here for focusing...sometimes you can get away being in auto focus with your lens, but I usually flick that little switch that's on the side of my lens to manual. Just set your focal point where you want in manual and then click away. Sometimes if you leave it in auto, the camera gets all crazing trying to focus and it get's me all crazy inside...so go manual. This way, I can focus at the center of my subject while throwing everything out of focus, or into bokeh :)

One think to keep in mind is your distance from the subject and focal length. For the shots above, I was as close as I could get with my camera that would allow me to get my focal length at it's max while allowing me to focus and get lots of bokeh.

I placed my nasturtium leaf in a water bottle to keep it fresh (by the way, it still looks good tonight...more photo's :) Then I used a simple little sprayer and sprayed water on the leaf. The nasturtium leaf is one of the most water repellent leafs ever and the water beads beautifully.

Another thing to keep in mind is that with the low light conditions (home depot light will not do for it all) you'll have to set the shutter speed pretty low (I was at 1/20 sec) and also at f 5.6 (allowing more light in). With the 1/20 sec, you'll need the tripod...this should be used anyway.

Sorry I did not include the home depot light in the picture, but I'll track a picture of it down later and post it. Since you're here, PLEASE feed my fish on the right side of this page...just click your mouse in their pond and distribute some food...watch them eat :)