[CH] Close up photography

Byron Bromley (Byron.Bromley@gsd-co.com)
Tue, 26 Jan 1999 10:02:00 -0500

If you are planning to do close-up photography. The easiest
piece of equipent to use is a Nikon with a Micro-Nikkor lens
(Equivalents avaiable in other brands, just don't remember
the names off top of my head) This lens will focus from infinity
down to a 2 in (50mm) dia circle, without extension tubes or
bellows. The lens also includes an extenstion ring that will
allow you to go from a 2 in to a 1 in diameter circle, that is 2:1
to 1:1, If you want to go even deeper, you can also get a Ring Light
flash that fits on the front of the lens. 
   If you are only going to do a few shots or rolls, and can get your 
stuff together, You can rent these at a Pro Shop. The Deposit is
heavy, but returnable, when you bring the unit back in working
condition.
  For backgounds. If the color is critical, use a grey background.
If any light is reflected from the background, it will not cause a color
shift. A matte finish background will also reduce unwanted color
reflections.
 RE: "Modern Photography for Police and Firemen" by Sam Sansone  

If you have never done it before, suggest getting copy of Kodak's
"Close up Photography", read and understand before starting. 
It will save a lot of grief, wasted time and film and reduce your mistakes.

For you experimenters, Take a white flower like a shasta daisy.
Use a medium to dark green background, take a shot. replace with
grey, take another. When prints are back, note slight greenish cast
in white petals from green background.

Byron