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A Guide to Extreme Macro Photography
Kamera Express
Extreme macro photography
Extreme macro photography involves zooming in on a subject even more than regular macro photography. The word 'extreme' is pronounced in its English form here. In extreme macro photography, the image ratio is 1:1. This form of photography is mainly used for capturing insects. It requires a great deal of patience, precision and care to photograph these tiny creatures. You often spend hours creating a portrait of such an insect. It is purely about capturing the details. Marco Jongsma tells you all about extreme macro photography in this interview.
Who is Marco Jongsma?
Marco Jongsma lives in Lemmer, Friesland. In daily life he is a laboratory technician. In his free time he loves fitness. He often goes out with his camera to capture the beauty of nature. And more importantly: to enjoy it. "Every day is different and that's what makes it so beautiful!"
In 2017, Marco starts photography with food photography, initially taking photos of his sports meals and sharing them on social media. He gets more and more pleasure from photographing and wonders what else he can photograph.
His search begins on Instagram, going from hashtag to hashtag. One day he comes across extreme macro photography and is amazed. "I want to do this too! I think this is beautiful!" He is inspired by extreme macro photography from Indonesia. "The macro images they create there are truly amazing!"
Marco does not hesitate for a moment and sends messages to various photographers, including some from the United States. They point him to the Canon MP-E 65mm — a lens perfect for extreme macro photography thanks to its magnification factor of 1-5x. "From the moment I had this lens, it all started." Since then he has met a number of macro photographers on social media with whom he is now friends. "We exchange ideas and challenge each other. A kind of photography battle with a wink."
Want to know more about Marco? Check out his Instagram!
Interview with Marco Jongsma
Details are very important in Marco's style. "I want to show the viewer as many details as possible — details they have never seen before." Even more: Marco shows details that people cannot see with the naked eye! His goal is to make the viewer forget the world around them and think: "Wow! Insects really are beautiful creatures!"
When we ask Marco what is essential for a good photo, he answers: "What is a good photo? What is good for one person might be nothing for another." His advice is to take photos the way the photographer has them in mind. Marco recommends that beginning macro photographers challenge themselves with every photo. "That way the photos keep getting better. Photographers progress step by step!"
The photo with the most beautiful story is De Huisspin (The House Spider). One morning Marco sees a post from someone with a spider infestation at home. Marco sends a message asking if he can save one of the house spiders. The man is terrified of spiders but decides to save one. When picking it up, he mentions his fear has decreased. Marco is very happy. "It is my favourite photo!"
Marco would very much like to become a Canon Ambassador for extreme macro photography. Last year he gave lectures and workshops at the Canon Experience Days. He enjoyed it so much that he hopes to do it more often. Marco also dreams of a photo in National Geographic Magazine and an exhibition of his work as an extreme macro photographer.
Working method
Marco often gets the insects he photographs from an insect collector — they are no longer alive. Before Marco can get started, he cleans and dusts the insects using a magnifying glass, various brushes and air. This process can sometimes take up to an hour. "It is not the most enjoyable work, but I want the subject to look as beautiful as possible."
Once the subject is clean, it goes into the macro setup — a diffuser tube made from a white polypropylene sheet or plastic bottle, illuminated by three Canon Speedlites. To get his minuscule subjects completely sharp throughout, Marco takes multiple photos using an automatic macro rail that slides a small amount and takes a photo each time, until all parts of the subject have been photographed.
Finally, Marco combines the photos in post-processing — a process called Focus Stacking, using Zerene Stacker. "Photoshop often fails because the program cannot process the number of images." Such a series consists of approximately 80 to 150 images. After merging, the subject is sharp. The photo is imported into Lightroom and then Photoshop, where Marco removes dust particles and replaces the background. "I look very critically at my own work. If I can't get it right, the photo is discarded and I start again."
Extreme macro photography requires a lot of time and patience. "Don't be shocked — I spend an average of 5 to 7 hours on a photo. I really spend a long time on it, but it's worth it. When it works out, I jump for joy!"
Tips from Marco
Do you also want to try extreme macro photography? Then Marco has some tips for you!
- Try it first with the equipment you have, for example with your kit lens. If you want to get closer to your subject, try an extension tube or close-up lens.
- Use a macro lens if you want to get more from your macro photography. You will not regret it!
- Set your focus manually. That way you know for sure that the focus is exactly where you want it.
Marco's equipment
As you have already read, Marco photographs with Canon. But which body does he use? Which lenses does he work with? And which lights does he use? See below!
The camera
Marco uses the Canon EOS 6D Mark II for his extreme macro photography. The most important thing for him is the quality of the 26.2 megapixel full frame sensor — he can use higher ISO without noise. He also finds the Live View mode indispensable, especially when going out into the field. "You immediately see what to expect before taking the photo."
The lenses
In combination with the EOS 6D Mark II, Marco uses the Canon MP-E 65mm F/2.8 Super Macro 1-5x (magnification 1:1 to 5:1) and the Canon EF 100mm F/2.8 L USM iS Macro with built-in image stabilisation — dust and splash-water resistant, so he can go out in the rain without worry.
The lights
Marco owns three Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT flashes. Despite the compact format they are very powerful, with a very short recharge time. He uses the three flashes to illuminate his macro setups in self-made diffuser tubes from white plastic bottles or polypropylene sheets.
The wish list
At the top of his wish list is the Canon EOS R. This mirrorless camera offers precise focusing in very low light. Thanks to the 31.7 Megapixel Full Frame Sensor no details are lost. Moreover, the EOS R has an electronic shutter producing fewer vibrations — ideal for Marco's work as an extreme macro photographer.
