Need input - macro

[Texas_Flower]

Not sure if this is the correct spot for this post...

I am trying my hand at macro...this is a shriveled pea

Here are the specs

Canon T2i
Tamron 90 mm 1:1 macro
Manual Mode
f 5.6
1/200
90 mm

I manually focused, because the auto never seems to want to focus.

I used a cheap ring light and a headlamp to light the pea. I used a tripod tilted forward to get as close as I could. I took a lot of shots, but they all came out soft.

Any and all input is welcome.

Thank you ahead of time.

[DigitalScape]

You are off to a good start, Tracye. The DOF for macro images is very shallow, so you most likely be shooting in the f/8 and higher range. This image the focus is a little soft and the DOF is too shallow. Shooting on a tripod will help with the slower shutter speeds; otherwise you'll need lights and diffusers.

When focusing manually and are getting soft images, check to make sure that you have not accidentally moved/changed the diopter setting on the view finder. Also, make sure that you are not trying to focus at a distance less than the minimum focusing distance of the lens (I think that distance is ~11.4").

[Texas_Flower]

Thank you...I will try the smaller aperture.

I do need to check my diopter, but not sure what to set it for...I wear contacts to see far, but have to wear readers to see close when wearing them, and just the opposite if my contacts are not in...so makes for a tough time trying to figure out "my" eyes and focus. :-)

[DigitalScape]

One other item, Tracye. If you are shooting longish exposures on a tripod, then I would suggest using either a cable shutter release or use the camera's timer to avoid moving the camera as you trigger the shutter.

[Texas_Flower]

I did not use the remote for the pea...but did later on taking photos of whatever I could find that looked interesting...orange peel, strawberry, caper ... I have not pulled those off my camera yet though.

And someone threw my pea away!! Now I am going to have to wait for my grandson to have peas again and throw them on the floor :-)