Top Ten must have accessories for your Wildflower Macro Toolkit.
1. A True Macro Lens.
If you are serious about macro photography, I recommend a true macro lens. While your camera lens may have macro written on it, that doesn't mean it is a true macro. Manufacturers often add the word macro to their lenses because they are able to focus closer than an ordinary lens. However, don't expect them to get as close as a true macro. A true macro lens has the capability of achieving at least a 1:1 magnification, meaning the subject appears as life size on the sensor.
2. Extension Tubes.
Extension tubes provide an inexpensive way to get even closer to your subject. They are designed to enable a lens to focus closer than its normal minimum focusing distance. The extension tube is mounted between the lens and the camera in order to create more distance between the lens and sensor. Doing this forces the lens to focus much closer than normal.
3. A Sturdy Tripod and a Remote Shutter Release.
For truly tack sharp macro photos, don't try to hand hold your camera. Camera shake is the most common cause of soft photos. When you're shooting macro even the slightest movement can ruin a photo. Invest in a good sturdy tripod, and a remote shutter release. Also learn how to use your camera's Mirror Lockup feature, this will help eliminate the shake that occurs as a consequence of mirror flipping up to expose the sensor.
4. Thin Guage Bendable Wire and a Tent stake.
There have been times when I've found objects getting in the way of my photos… usually limbs, or stems from near by plants. Other than uprooting or destroying another plant, simply drive a tent stake and use a piece of thin guage wire to gently hold it out of your way.
5. Photoflex LiteRoom
If you are shooting macro you will quickly learn that all it takes is the slightest breeze to ruin your chances for a sharp photo. Your tripod and remote shutter become useless if your subject keeps moving on you.
Last year I purchased the Photoflex LiteRoom. It was a bit pricey (around $75), but a must have accessory in my opinion. Not only does this product block out the wind, its translucent material makes for a wonderful diffuser. I'm able to shoot in bright harsh lighting conditions and walk away with wonderful photos. Take along a small black cloth to use as a backdrop and blacken out the background. This will add a unique effect, and allows your subject to stand out.
A photo of me using my Photoflex LiteRoom
7. Small Umbrella / Reflector.
There are times when you will find you have way too much light or simply not enough. Overcome this by packing a small umbrella and a reflector. I love the little chair umbrellas with clamps. You're able to clamp them to your tripod and place the shade where ever you want it. A 2 foot collapsable reflector folds down small enough to fit in your pocket. These are Inexpensive must haves in my opinion.
8. Spray Water Bottle
There is nothing more beautiful than morning dew on a wildflower; the reflections mirror the surroundings and make for an amazing subject. If mother nature doesn't provide you any, a spray bottle filled with distilled water will work just as well. It's often a simple element like a drop of dew that takes a photo from blah to bling!!
9. A Mat, or Small Blanket.
Let's face it, if you're going to get the "good" shots you're going to have to get down on the ground with your subjects. You're often dealing with plants a mere half inch in height or smaller. Don't be afraid to get dirty, but also protect yourself from the sharp rocks and foliage. A mat or small blanket often comes in handy when kneeling or laying on rocky or otherwise undesirable terrain.
10. A Good Field Guide.
For wildflower identification, I find myself using a combination of my field guide book, my fellow photographers, and a slew of online resources. However, a good comprehensive book is a must have, and it should serve not only as a guide, but a goal. How many can you find, identify, photograph?
What's in your bag?