Chapter 7 Close-up Photography and · PDF fileChapter 7 Close-up Photography and...

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125 Chapter 7 Close-up Photography and Photomacrography Objectives Information in this chapter will enable you to: Discuss the differences between close- up photography, photomacrography, and photomicrography. Discuss the reason why the terms above are vastly different from macrophotography and microphotography. List and describe six different systems of close-up photography and photomacrography. Technical Terms bellows close-up lenses close-up photography extension tube macrophotography microphotography photomacrography photomicrography ring flash There are situations where an image is made of a very small object, insect, or flower for the purpose of enlarging the image. You may need to illustrate the raised lettering of a coin or show the beautiful colors of the inside of a flower or capture the texture of the eyes of an insect. See Figure 7-1. All of these tasks depend on your ability to photograph the subject in such a way that, when the image is enlarged, all of the important details are clear. This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

Transcript of Chapter 7 Close-up Photography and · PDF fileChapter 7 Close-up Photography and...

125

Chapter 7Close-up Photography and Photomacrography

ObjectivesInformation in this chapter will enable you to:• Discuss the differences between close-

up photography, photomacrography, and photomicrography.

• Discuss the reason why the terms above are vastly different from macrophotography and microphotography.

• List and describe six different systems of close-up photography and photomacrography.

Technical Termsbellowsclose-up lensesclose-up photographyextension tubemacrophotographymicrophotographyphotomacrographyphotomicrographyring fl ash

There are situations where an image is made of a very small object, insect, or fl ower for the purpose of enlarging the image. You may need to illustrate the raised lettering of a coin or show the beautiful colors of the inside of a fl ower or capture the texture of the eyes of an insect. See Figure 7-1. All of these tasks depend on your ability to photograph the subject in such a way that, when the image is enlarged, all of the important details are clear.

This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

126 Exploring Photography

Imagine a full-frame sensor in a cam-era. It is about 1″ (25 mm) high. An object 3″(75 mm) high fi lling this frame is reproduced as 1/3 life size. This example has an image to subject ratio of 1:3. See Figure 7-2. A 1″ (25 mm) high object fi lling the sensor has a 1:1 ratio that is life-size. See Figure 7-3. A 1/2″ (13 mm) high subject fi lling the sensor must be enlarged. It has a ratio of 2:1 or a magnifi -cation of 2X. The symbol “X” indicates mag-nifi cation or times. See Figure 7-4.

Magnification TermsThe term close-up photography is gen-

erally understood to cover the range of 1:10 through 1:1 (1/10 size to life-size). Photo-graphing objects larger than life-size through 25:1 (25X) is called photomacrography. The terms macrophotography and macrography

Figure 7-1. These examples of close-up and photomacrography photos are images that you can create.

Figure 7-2. A 3″ (75 mm) subject that fi lls a 35 mm sensor vertically has an image to subject ratio of 1:3.

127Chapter 7 Close-up Photography and Photomacrography

are often used incorrectly in place of photo-macrography. Macrophotography is the pro-cess of creating a photograph that is larger than typical, such as photomurals and bill-boards. See Figure 7-5.

The technique of mounting a camera on a microscope to increase magnifi cation is called photomicrography. See Figure 7-6. Magnifi -cations of 40X with a standard microscope to 500,000X and higher with a scanning electron microscope is possible. See Figure 7-7. The coverage of photomicrography will be mini-mal due to the limited access most schools have to this type of equipment. The terms microphotography and micrography are often used incorrectly in place of photomicrography.

Figure 7-3. A 1″ (25 mm) subject that fi lls a 35 mm sensor vertically has an image to subject ratio of 1:1.

Figure 7-4. A 1/2″ (13 mm) subject that fi lls a 35 mm sensor vertically has an image to subject ratio of 2:1 (2X).

Figure 7-5. This photomural is an example of macrophotography.

Figure 7-6. Photomicrography, mounting a camera to a microscope, provides the opportunity to photograph the smallest of subjects.

This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

128 Exploring Photography

Microphotography is the process of creating a photograph that is small enough to require a magnifying lens to view the image. Micro-photography was used in devices called stan-hopes from the 1860s to today. See the History Brief for more information.

The terms in the previous paragraphs are very similar with very different meanings. To avoid using these terms incorrectly, study the chart in Figure 7-8.

Equipment and MethodsEach stage of magnifi cation requires spe-

cifi c cameras, lenses, and accessories to pro-duce a usable image. While studying this

section, research the various ways to gain access to the equipment. Your lenses may be applicable as designed, or you may be able to use these lenses in a nonstandard way to get the intended image. Check the equip-ment in your school, including the science department—you may be able to use one of the microscopes. Consider renting lenses for a project. This is a great way to get experience with expensive equipment that you will not use that often.

Close-up LensesClose-up lenses are an inexpensive way

to get started in close-up photography. These lenses can be added to almost any camera.

Figure 7-7. This photomicrograph of pollen grains was taken on a scanning electron microscope.

Type of photography

Image to subject ratio

Subject size Image size Typical subjects

Close-upphotography

1:1 to 1:10 1″ to 5″ Any Flowers

Photomacrography 40:1 to 1:1 .025″ to 1″ Any Insects, coins

Photomicrography Less than 40:1 Less than .025″ Any Skin cells

Microphotography Any Very small Any

Macrophotography Any Very large Any

Figure 7-8. Study this chart of the terms used referring to the various levels of magnifi cation in photography so you do not use them incorrectly.

History BriefStanhope Photos

Stanhopes are small cylindrical lenses with a microphotograph attached. The microphotograph is

typically 2 × 2 mm. These lenses were mounted in knives, jewelry, pens, and tobacco pipes. The following describes the time, people, and events related to this curious novelty.• 1780s Charles Stanhope invents

cylindrical lens.• 1851 John Benjamin Dancer invents

microphotographs.• 1857 René Prudent Patrice Dagron

combines the lens and the microphotograph to produce novelties called stanhopes.

129Chapter 7 Close-up Photography and Photomacrography

Close-up lenses are positive supplementary lenses that shorten the focal length. A supple-mentary lens is an extra or add-on lens. See Chapter 3 for the defi nition of a positive lens. They are available in different powers. Each is good for a different limited range of close-up distances.

The lenses usually come in a set of three, +1, +2, and +4. See Figure 7-9. The higher the number, the greater the magnifying power. They may be stacked to increase magnifi ca-tion. A +1 lens and a +2 lens equals a magnifi -cation power of a +3 lens. You should always attach the highest number to the lens fi rst. Stacking reduces sharpness.

Close-up lenses are easy to attach. Like fi lters, they are threaded to fi t the front of the regular lens. See Figure 7-10. Close-up lenses are simple, convenient, inexpensive, and do not require exposure compensation.

Reversing RingA reversing ring, Figure 7-11, is an adapter

that permits the lens to be reversed on a cam-era. It is the least expensive way to practice photomacrography. The reversed lens will give a magnifi cation ratio of 1:1 or life-size with a 50 mm or “normal lens.” However, the automatic features of the lens are lost.

Lens Extension TubesCloser focusing of a lens is possible by

using an extension tube, a device for moving the lens farther from the fi lm plane. Exten-sion tubes, Figure 7-12, are used to extend the lens. This technique has limitations. As the lens extension length grows, the expo-sure time increases and image sharpness decreases.

Figure 7-9. Close-up lenses are positive supplementary lenses that shorten the focal length of the regular lens.

Figure 7-10. Close-up lenses are threaded to attach to the front of the regular lens.

The way a lens is normallymounted to camera body

Reversalring

Part of lens that isnormally locked to

camera body

Figure 7-11. A reversing ring is an adapter that permits the lens to be reversed on the camera for very close focusing.

This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

130 Exploring Photography

BellowsA bellows is not a variation of an exten-

sion tube. A bellows is a folding cloth sleeve device that provides a lighttight adjust-able tube between the lens and camera. See Figure 7-13. A bellows has a different range of magnifi cation. A bellows is best used when the subject is smaller than 1″. They are rather bulky for portable operations and are expensive.

Usually, bellows have a scale showing the magnifi cation ratio. As with extension tubes, additional exposure time is required with bellows.

Macro and Close-Focus LensesMacro lenses will focus much closer than

regular lenses. In a true sense, a macro lens is capable of providing a 1:1 magnifi cation ratio (life-size image). The term is sometimes incorrectly used to describe a close focus lens. Magnifi cation ratios are usually engraved on the macro lens barrel. See Figure 7-14. Many will focus to 1/2X or a 1:2 ratio, but may be fi tted with an extension ring to allow focus-ing down to life-size. Still, others will focus to a 1:1 ratio or life-size without any additional accessories. Macro lenses can also be used at normal subject distances.

There are some things to remember when using extension tubes:• Longer focal length lenses will give a

greater working distance.• Wide-angle lenses do not give a greater

depth of fi eld than normal lenses when used with extension tubes. A wide angle lens with extension tubes will give a greater magnifi cation of the subject at the cost of more distortion.

• Magnifi cation ratios must be determined from data charts furnished with the extension tubes.

• If your camera does not have through-the-lens metering, exposure compensation must be calculated. Again, refer to the data charts furnished with the extension tubes. In general, as the lens is moved farther from the fi lm, more light is needed to make the exposure. This requires a larger lens opening or slower shutter speed. Bracketing shots is recommended.

• Extension tubes give best results when the subject is larger than 1″.

Figure 7-12. Extension tubes are fi tted between the lens and camera body. These tubes can be used individually or in combination. The longer the tube, the closer the lens can be focused on the subject.

Figure 7-13. Although more costly and cumbersome, a bellows is more fl exible to use than a close-up lens or an extension tube. (Pentax Corp.)

131Chapter 7 Close-up Photography and Photomacrography

Macro lenses should not be confused with macro zoom lenses. The latter are really close-focus lenses. They do not focus as close as macro lenses and are not optically cor-rected for fl atness. They are fi ne for taking close-ups of fl owers, insects, and the like, but should not be used for fl at subjects.

Focusing and FramingWith a single lens refl ex camera, close-up

focusing is no different than regular subject focusing. Rangefi nder and twin lens refl ex cameras present a slight problem. At close dis-tances, the viewfi nder does not show exactly what will be photographed. You know this as parallax.

Parallax occurs because the viewfi nder and taking lens are separated. It can be cor-rected by slightly tipping the lens toward the viewfi nder just before the picture is taken.

Many close-up photos are taken outdoors. In such cases, it may be necessary to supple-ment or modify available light. Using a white cardboard refl ector or light tent can eliminate shadows. See Figure 7-15.

A special electronic fl ash called a ring fl ash fi ts on the end of a lens and puts even light all around the subject. See Figure 7-16. A fl ash allows the use of a higher shutter speed and smaller aperture. This will provide for a greater depth of fi eld. A distracting background will be very dark. See Figure 7-17. It may be necessary to experiment to get the best exposure.

There are three basic requirements for taking good close-up and macro pictures.• If your camera does not have through-

the-lens metering, it will be necessary to compensate for the reduced light reaching the sensor.

• Keep the camera steady. Use a tripod.• Use a small aperture setting for maximum

depth of fi eld.Figure 7-14. A modern macro lens can be switched between auto focus and manual focus. This lens has a maximum magnifi cation ratio of 1:1. This means a 1 inch high object will appear life-size on 35 mm fi lm which has a frame height of 24 mm or 1 inch. (Tamron)

White reflector fills in shadows

Figure 7-15. Lighting can be a problem when doing close-up photography. Shadows can often be eliminated by using white cardboard refl ectors or special light tents.

This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

132 Exploring Photography

Figure 7-16. A ring fl ash fi ts on the end of a macro lens to provide light close to the subject. (Sigma)

Figure 7-17. A fl ash allows the use of a high shutter speed and small aperture. This combination provides a greater depth of fi eld and usually darkens a distracting background.

Without flash

With flash

133Chapter 7 Close-up Photography and Photomacrography

Test Your KnowledgeWrite your answers on a separate sheet of paper. Please do not write in this book. 1. A 3″ (75 mm) high subject that fi lls a full-frame sensor has an image to subject ratio

of _____. 2. A subject having an image to subject ratio of 5:1 has a magnifi cation of _____.

A. 1/5X B. .2X C. 5X D. All of the above. E. None of the above.

3. How does photomicrography differ from photomacrography? 4. The optical device that permits close-up photography by shortening the lens’ focal length

is called a _____. 5. A reversing ring offers the following advantage when making close-up photographs:

_____. 6. The reversing ring, however, has the following disadvantage when making close-up

photographs: _____. 7. A lens _____ _____ is used to extend the lens for closer focusing. 8. Bellows are considered _____.

A. a very complicated way to make close-up photos B. a variable length extension tube C. useless if the subject is less than 1″ high D. All of the above. E. None of the above.

9. What problem can be caused by parallax when making close-up photographs? 10. The following are necessary for good close-up and macro photographs: _____.

A. exposure compensation for reduced light if the camera does not have through-the-lens metering

B. a lens free of fi ngerprints C. a steady camera D. use of a small aperture for maximum depth of fi eld E. All of the above. F. None of the above.

This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

134 Exploring Photography

Things to Do 1. Prepare a paper on the industrial or medical uses of photomacrography. 2. Secure samples of photomicrography used in industrial or medical research. 3. Take a series of close-up photos. Submit the photos to your instructor with an evaluation

of your work. 4. Demonstrate how close-up lenses are used. Illustrate the demonstration with photos or

slides you have taken using the technique. 5. Demonstrate how lens extension tubes are used. Illustrate the problems and limitations

of the technique with photos or slides you have taken. 6. Demonstrate how bellows are used. Illustrate the demonstration with photos or slides

you have taken using the technique.

This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.