Project Six: The big project: The ultra-macro bug

James Paterson demonstrates how to shoot detailed insect photos using extension tubes and focus stacking

- James Paterson

The Mission – Shoot macro marvels

Time – Two hours

Skill level – Advanced

Kit needed – Macro lens – Extension tubes – Focus rail – Tripod – Home studio lighting kit – Coloured paper – Insects – Photoshop CC – Helicon Focus

There are all kinds of objects and details that look incredible in close-up, but insects are perhaps the most beguiling. Ultra-macro photography allows us to blow their tiny features up to a tremendous scale, revealing alien-like features, vibrant colours and incredible details.

But how do we get close enough to see these details? You can easily spend a lot of money on macro photography. From specialist objective lenses to bellows and motorized focus rails, close-up photography can get expensive very quickly. But for those looking to dip their toes in the world of ultra macro photography, there is a cheaper option – extension tubes. These let you convert any lens for macro use by allowing for closer minimum focusing distances, and if you already own a macro lens then extension tubes can take you beyond a life-size 1:1 view of your tiny subjects.