How to Capture Stunning Macro Shots With a Simple Setup

Macro photography lets you dive deep into nature’s hidden details, capturing the beauty in things most people miss. Whether it's the delicate textures of mushrooms or the subtle play of light, getting the techniques right can make all the difference.

Coming to you from Andrew Lanxon Photography, this insightful video focuses on using macro lenses to capture forest details. Lanxon shares his approach to lighting, lens choice, and handheld focus stacking to create striking images of mushrooms and fungi. He begins by using a 35mm macro lens but later experiments with a 28mm pancake lens to widen his view. This change allows him to add cinematic depth, turning small mushrooms into towering figures within the frame. The video emphasizes the importance of using light to make subjects pop, and Lanxon demonstrates how a simple LED panel can significantly improve a dim scene.

Lanxon doesn't stop at just one lens. He continuously experiments, switching between different lenses and using an extension tube to get closer to his subjects. He explains his decision-making process, such as when and why to focus stack, providing insight into the creative freedom that comes with handheld focus stacking. The video showcases Lanxon’s method for managing exposure and focus settings, illustrating the flexibility needed in constantly changing natural environments.

What makes this video particularly valuable is Lanxon’s attention to composition. He explores different angles and perspectives, experimenting with light to create mood and depth in his images. He also discusses the importance of shadows in building drama within a photograph, something that’s often overlooked in the rush to fully light a scene. As the video progresses, you see Lanxon adjusting his lighting to retain shadows that add character and texture to the final image. He highlights how over-lighting a scene can remove this essential element, leading to flatter, less dynamic photos.

Lanxon also touches on the more relaxed side of macro photography. He mentions the joy of simply being in nature and finding subjects to photograph. Even when he doesn’t find exactly what he’s looking for, he still values the experience of exploring the forest, connecting with the environment, and discovering scenes worth capturing. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Lanxon.

If you would like to continue learning about macro photography, be sure to check out "Mastering Macro Photography: The Complete Shooting and Editing Tutorial With Andres Moline!"