When it comes to capturing the intricate details of the world around us, macro photography opens up a whole new dimension of creativity. But getting those crisp, close-up shots isn't always as easy as it looks.
To help demystify the process, we asked Courtney Victoria, a seasoned macro photography enthusiast known for turning the tiniest subjects into works of art. In this interview-style feature, we dig into their top tips, favourite gear, and creative techniques to help you get sharper, more striking macro images — whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your close-up game.
Q: What brought you to Macro Photography and what is your favourite subject?
C: My photography is heavily focused on woodlands, and as I learned more about the places I captured, I noticed the tiny ecosystems and micro landscapes beneath my feet, hidden stories and perspectives that often go unnoticed. Exploring macro photography revealed a whole new layer of the landscape, where woodlands are more than just trees; they’re intricate networks of fungi, unique textures, and strange, fascinating subjects. Fungi, in particular, have become a favourite subject of mine. Each one I encounter is a one-of-a-kind moment shaped by its environment, ranging in colour and form
Q: What features do you look for in a tripod for macro photography?
C: Stability is essential for sharp images, and multi-angle legs with adjustable sections allow me to find balance, especially on uneven terrain, ensuring my camera stays steady. Being able to get low to the ground is equally important, as many subjects are found at ground level. Shooting from their perspective offers a unique viewpoint. A multi-angle column gives me full control over composition, allowing me to tilt the column at various angles without having to move the entire tripod. This flexibility is especially useful when photographing from specific angles or in tight, awkward spaces.
Q: What’s your go-to setup for macro photography?
C: I use a Nikon D850 paired with either a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 lens or a manual focus Laowa 100mm 2x Macro APO lens, along with a Vanguard VEO 3T+ tripod. My camera bag also typically includes accessories like a macro rail and LED lighting to assist with lighting and stability during shoots.
Q: How do you deal with depth of field challenges in macro shots?
C: Photographing at high magnifications significantly reduces your depth of field, sometimes making it razor-thin. To ensure the entire subject is in focus from front to back, I use focus bracketing (capturing multiple images at different focal points and stacking them together to create one image with a greater depth of field). However, single-shot images with a shallow depth of field can produce beautiful, abstract results as well. Regardless of the approach, stability is crucial, which is why I always use a tripod. During focus bracketing, any movement can cause issues when stacking the images in post-processing. Similarly, when shooting handheld, it’s easy to unintentionally shift focus and focus on the wrong point in the scene.
Q: Any tricks for lighting macro subjects?
C: External lighting can highlight intricate details and help achieve proper exposure in low light. I prefer using small panel LED lights to illuminate my scenes, though some photographers opt to stick with natural light whenever possible. In such cases, a reflector (you can even use silver cutlery or kitchen foil as an alternative) can bounce natural light onto the subject to fill in shadows. A diffuser is also helpful on sunny days, softening the light and preventing harsh highlights.
Q: What’s your favourite tip for getting sharp macro shots?
C: Set your camera to manual focus, unless you're using an automated focus stacking feature. Autofocus can sometimes "hunt," and with a shallow depth of field, the camera may struggle to find the right focal point. Manual focus gives you more precision and control. Additionally, use your camera's timer function or a remote shutter release cable to eliminate any vibrations or movement while capturing your images.
Q: Have you found any creative ways to position your tripod for tricky shots?
C: I once discovered an Amanita fungus growing at the edge of a moss-covered channel, which made it awkward to position my tripod. Since I was manually focus bracketing, the tripod was essential, but I couldn’t get close enough or low enough to the subject without using the multi-angle legs. One leg ended up being positioned vertically against the mossy bank and then the multi-angle column came in handy to achieve the framing I needed, as I couldn’t move the tripod any further without compromising balance. It took a few minutes to set up, but the effort paid off.
Q: Any final words of advice for macro photography enthusiasts?
C: Macro photography requires time, precision, and practice. Setting up a tripod, manually focusing, and using timers to ensure stability may feel time-consuming, but it’s all worth it in the end. Take your time, enjoy the process, and appreciate the beauty of nature in its tiniest forms!
You can follow Courtney on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube for more of her stunning photography and tips.