New to Macro

[lilfaces]

I just discovered that my camera has Macro capabilities and I am trying to learn how to use them.

Here are a few samples that do not look nearly as colorful as the others I've seen.

Since there is obviously sooooo much to learn can someone tell me the best place to start if you know nothing?

http://www.tcmas.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1656&stc=1&d=1221970398

http://www.tcmas.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1657&stc=1&d=1221970398

http://www.tcmas.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1658&stc=1&d=1221970398

http://www.tcmas.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1659&stc=1&d=1221970398

http://www.tcmas.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1660&stc=1&d=1221970398

[MAXreefer]

What camera are you using?
Canon and Nikon have quite some good forums where you can learn a lot or ask for advice.

[hypertech]

That's a great start.

Here is what I learned at the clinic that helped a lot.

1. You need a tripod and you need the camera pointed directly at the glass. Adjust your tripod if you need to be higher, lower, etc.

2. Focus is the #1 issue. Don't be so close your camera can't focus. You can always crop it down later to make it look closer.

3. Use the self timer. This makes sure the camera isn't moving when it takes the shot. If you have a DSLR, you could also look at locking the mirror up to avoid vibration from mirror slap.

4. Make your subject still. Shut off all your pumps and wait a while till everything stops moving.

5. Make sure your glass is clean. You can't take a nice picture through a film of algae. Either you have some white balance issues or you have crud on the glass you need to clean up.

With these tips, you will soon be turning out Zibba like pics.

[oltemative]

A little bit of photo-editing couldn't hurt either.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/oltemative/junk/somebodysblenny020.jpg

[lilfaces]

What camera are you using?
Canon and Nikon have quite some good forums where you can learn a lot or ask for advice.

I have an Olympus. It is older and was the top of the line when I bought it, nothing near professional quality though.

I've always liked the quality, so I hope I can learn how to use the settings.

[MAXreefer]

I have an Olympus. It is older and was the top of the line when I bought it, nothing near professional quality though.

I've always liked the quality, so I hope I can learn how to use the settings.

Here are a few forums. Some with an Olympus section:
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/
http://photo.net/community/
http://www.phototakers.com/forum/