my trick?

i think Tuesday sounds like a mighty fine day to share with you folks my little macro trick, don't you agree?

so, as always, let us start with the story. Dara (remember her?) had called me a few nights ago, and we were talking over some important stuff (details to come later). then we were talking about wedding ring photos and macro lenses, etc. when she mentioned that the 50mm lens (the lens that i have. my nifty fifty.) could be used as a macro. my mind was baffled! i couldn't believe it. so then after we were done talking on the phone, i jumped on google and googled it. and you know what? sure enough. there was a way. a very easy way, at that.

how you're able to do this is so simple.

things you'll need:
-a DSLR camera
-your nifty fifty (50mm lens)

STEP ONE:   detach your 50mm lens from your camera body.

STEP TWO:   flip lens around so the part of your lens that attaches to your camera is facing outwards.
**note: your lens will NOT attach into your camera when you flip it. you must manually hold the lens.

STEP THREE:   find your subject. you'll probably want to find something small. (i chose a ring! i want to try flowers, though. and eyelashes too!)

STEP FOUR:   hold your flipped lens in front of your camera body and look through the viewfinder. you will find that the image you see in the viewfinder is very blurry.
**note: some people hold the lens a little away from the body. i prefer to hold it against the body while shooting.

STEP FIVE: get close to your subject! in order to get the macro shots, you've gotta be right up in it's face. seriously get up close and personal.

STEP SIX: shoot!

some things to know as you shoot these macro photos:
-by removing your lens you are exposing your internal camera to the outside world (dust, moisture, etc.). just something to keep in mind!
-you will notice the shake of your hands much more, obviously! because you are on a much closer and more personal level with your subject. therefore, it's important to be as steady as possible. in the photo i shared on facebook, i was resting my hands/camera on a flat surface for extra stability. in the photo above, i was not, which resulted in a not-as-sharp photo.

this technique is also called free lensing.

i hope this was of some help to you! i thought this was really neat. and decided it's too cool to keep to myself. besides, how can others learn if tips and tricks aren't shared? a lot of stuff i know today i wouldn't know without other photographers sharing their tips.

so it only makes sense that i share as well, right?

and the best part of this? you get a macro lens for $0! GAH! love that fact.

well i really hope that this has helped and i also hope that you venture out and try this. because it's nothing short of amazing.

and if you try it out, i would greatly appreciate it if you'd share with me your macro photos. that would mean a lot!

xoxo.bree

PS.. i also found another 'free lensing' trick that i'm still messing around with. once i master it, i'll share that, as well! stay tuned.