Wildlife and nature photographer Javier Milla discusses macro photography equipment and techniques
“Macro photography is one of the most rewarding specialisms, as it can be done almost anywhere and of almost anything,” begins Javier Milla, a photographer based in Spain.
An open-ended option for photographing a rich variety of subjects, but also a way of seeing the world through a completely different lens, Javier’s macro photography lets him and his audience take an impossibly close look at the natural world that surrounds us.
“It allows us to capture details of objects and animals that we couldn’t usually see with the naked eye,” he enthuses.
Endless opportunities
Macro photography is a broad genre, referring to the way you present your subject rather than the subject itself. For Javier, a nature photographer, macro opens up endless opportunities for exploring both flora and fauna.
“The great advantage of macro photography in nature is that, compared to other types of photography, you are not as dependent on uncontrollable factors,” he explains. “Wind can be a problem, although it is controllable. But you can modify ambient light with reflectors, flashes and LED lights.
“Therefore, in the countryside, within just a few square metres, you can enjoy macro photography at any time of day and in many different natural environments.”
In that way, macro images are an intriguing first foray for those looking to give nature photography a go – with far fewer outside factors to worry about and a wealth of subjects available even within your garden or local park.
“Photographing insects is where almost all beginner macro photographers start, given their abundance, uniqueness and beauty,” notes Javier. “Capturing them perched is usually not a problem – especially in the early morning hours, due to the low temperatures. You just have to approach without making sudden movements and, ideally, look through the camera’s viewfinder while doing so. For them, two eyes staring at you so close often means a predator.
“Insects in flight are somewhat more difficult to capture, but it’s a matter of patience, perseverance and using equipment with good autofocus.”
Macro photography equipment
“For my macro photos, I use the FUJIFILM X-H2S in combination with the FUJINON XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro and, depending on the subject, one or two extension tubes,” describes Javier. “With the camera’s subject detection set to bird mode, it perfectly detects insects – even locking onto their eyes – greatly simplifying the process of getting well-focused images. However, with static subjects, I normally use manual focus.
“Usually in macro photography, we look for the greatest possible depth-of-field, but by taking advantage of the F2.8 aperture of the XF80mmF2.8 Macro lens, you can take photographs focusing only on the specific point of the photographed subject you want to highlight,” he adds.
For many subjects, all you need to make stunning close-up impressions is a correctly set up camera and appropriate lens. But to access more advanced techniques, Javier brings a few additional tools of the trade with him.
“Lighting is important for this type of photography,” he points out. “From what I’ve been able to test, the best option is a continuous LED ring light. If more is needed, this can be combined with a flash and diffuser to avoid reflections, fired in manual mode at very low power so that it freezes the movement without the flash being too obvious on the subject.”
Focus stacking
For those instances where Javier wishes to maximise his depth-of-field, focus stacking ensures that all aspects of his subject remain in focus.
“There are several techniques for performing this, but with the bracketing function (BKT Focus) of the FUJIFILM X-H2S, no external accessories are necessary,” Javier explains.
“We can programme the number of photos and the interval, so the camera takes 60, 120 or more photographs, focusing from the minimum focusing point to infinity as it goes. These are then merged, or stacked, into a single image using post-processing software.
“In these photographs, lighting is crucial. Spotlights and flashes, or a combination of both, highlight textures and the most significant areas of the subject. For example, to emphasise its underside, the following photograph was taken with the beetle on a transparent acrylic sheet with a flash positioned below.
Hidden details
For those who want to avoid looking too closely at their nearest creepy crawlies, Javier points out that enterprising photographers can find an abundance of subjects in the plant kingdom as well.
“Depending on the time of year, plants and flowers offer an excellent and almost limitless subject for macro photography,” he describes. “Wild orchids bloom at the end of winter. These are one of my favourite species to photograph because of their variety, beauty and unique shapes, both individually and as a whole.
“However, they only grow in very specific locations, and sometimes you need to travel long distances to find the particular species you’re looking for.”
If you want to try macro photography without travelling such a long way, there’s no need to be so discerning about your choice of subject. In fact, as Javier reveals, the beauty of macro photography often lies in noticing the overlooked details in everyday surroundings.
“Aside from orchids and other flowering plants, almost any plant – no matter how small or common – can provide interesting images. Most of the time, though, you need to be prepared to get your hands dirty and spend time at ground level.”
