For a photographer, macro photography might be the perfect “rainy day” activity. Once you discover close-up photos of things, you realize that everything can be turned into a photograph, especially on the macro level.
All Images © Todd Vorenkamp
So, with so many “everythings” out there to shoot, what should you train your macro lens on?
I decided to challenge myself by taking photographs of the contents of my camera bag. The end pocket of my Domke J-2 Journalist shoulder bag is filled with things that I need out in the field (and one good-luck charm). None of the contents are especially photogenic on their own, but I wanted to see if I could make them beautiful through the use of a macro lens.
To create the images, I used a Nikon AF Micro-NIKKOR 200mm f/4 IF-ED lens, a Nikon Micro-NIKKOR 55mm f/2.8 lens, a PK-13 27.5mm AI extension tube, and the Nikon PB-4 bellows (unfortunately, these are no longer made). For support, I used a Vanguard 254CT carbon fiber tripod and a Manfrotto 468MGRC2 hydrostatic ball head.
So, the next time the weather isn’t cooperating and you want to still make some great photos, stay inside, grab some snacks, break out your macro lens, empty your camera bag, and take photos of what is inside!
Anything can be a macro subject!
Ball Chain Study #4: This is the ball chain that connects my dog tags.
Dog Tag Study #1: I keep my military dog tags in my camera bag so that they are always with me when I fly. It is superstition. I have never been in an airplane or helicopter crash when wearing my dog tags.
Dog Tag Study #6
Connecticut Quarter Study #3: I wasn’t born in Connecticut, but I consider it my home state. I have a Connecticut quarter in my camera bag for tightening and loosening tripod plates.
Fisher Space Pen Study #1: The business end of my chrome Fisher Space Pen. It writes in zero gravity!
Fisher Space Pen Study #4: The grip of the Fisher Space Pen. It writes upside down!
NITECORE SRT5 Study #2: The LED emitter of a NITECORE SRT5 Detective Tactical Multi-Color flashlight
NITECORE SRT5 Study #6: The NITECORE SRT5 Detective Tactical Multi-Color flashlight with the blue LED engaged
Kodak Lens Paper Study #3: As homage to Eastman Kodak, I keep a pack of Kodak lens-cleaning tissue in the bag.
Tamrac Filter Pouch Study #5: My old Tamrac filter pouch has a nice Cordura texture.
Fisher Space Pen Study #7: The ball point of the Fisher Space Pen. It writes underwater!
Giottos Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool Study #3: My Giottos Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool is patented.
Fujifilm NP-W126 Li-Ion Battery Study #4: The terminals of the Fujifilm NP-W126 Li-Ion Battery show some subtle textures.
Business Card Holder Study #8: I got this cool business card holder in Port Townsend, Washington, many years ago.
Princeton Tec Apex Pro Headlamp Study #2: The quad Ultrabright LEDs on my Princeton Tec Apex Extreme Headlamp
2 Comments
Todd -
Fun project. You've got me interested in macro.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1202570-REG/fotodiox_11bllwceos_m…
Is that system plug-and-play or do I need other parts?
Hey lance,
Plug-and-play. Kind of. You'll definitely want to mount that on a tripod and, of course, a camera goes on one end and a lens (preferably a macro lens) goes on the other.
Thanks for reading and good luck with your bellows!