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| Small Flower Photography with Canon EOS 6D / 100mm Macro Lens |
In preparation for a Macro / Close-Up Photography Training in Milnerton and Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town, I've captured a few small flowers with the Canon EOS 70D / 100mm Macro lens and Canon Speedlite 430EX II flash.
The last image was done with Canon EOS 6D / 100mm Macro lens and Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT flash.
Note: Photos are on tripod in Av mode with a Canon Speedlite 430EX I / 430EX III-RT flash with diffuser. Slight processing Photoshop Lightroom 6 / 7.
Shooting Location
Arnhem Milnerton, Cape Town
Canon DSLR / Flash / Tripod
- Canon EOS 70D DSLR camera body
- Canon EOS 6D DSLR camera body
- Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens
- Canon Speedlite 430EX II flash
- Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT flash
- Manfrotto Tripod
Av Mode - Aperture Priority Settings
- Aperture f/8 - f/22
- ISO 400 - 800
- Manual Focus / Lens Autofocus off
- Shutter speed: various (auto in Av mode)
"Flower photography with a macro lens can be incredibly rewarding, as it allows you to capture the intricate details and beauty of flowers up close. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Use a Tripod: A tripod helps stabilize your camera, allowing for precise focusing and composition. This is especially important when working with a shallow depth of field.
Lighting: Bright, overcast days provide diffused light, which is ideal for flower photography. If you're shooting on a sunny day, use a reflector to reduce harsh shadows.
Manual Focus: When shooting close-ups, the depth of field is very shallow. Using manual focus allows you to control which part of the flower is in sharp focus.
Aperture Settings: Experiment with different aperture settings to achieve the desired depth of field. A wider aperture (e.g., f/2.8) will create a soft, blurred background, while a narrower aperture (e.g., f/16) will keep more of the flower in focus.
Composition: Pay attention to the composition of your shots. Try different angles and perspectives to highlight the unique features of each flower. Creative cropping can also add interest to your photos.
Background: Increase the distance between your subject and the background to create a beautifully blurred background that makes the flower stand out.
Post-Processing: Use software like Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to enhance your images. Adjust colors, reduce noise, and fine-tune the details to make your photos pop." (Source: Microsoft Copilot 2025)
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| Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ISO 800 f/11 |
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| Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ISO 400 f/11 |
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| Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ISO 800 f/11 |
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