Mid shots

Shooting in Late Winter

Mid Shots

For mid shots, I like to come off the tripod and utilise the auto-function setting on my camera.

In this lesson you'll learn to:

• compose a mid shot with natural backlight
• change your composition as you go
• adapt to changing light conditions
• work with a 105mm macro lens

Recommended previous lessons:

• The exposure triangle
• Understanding cameras and lenses

In my kit:

• Camera
• 105mm macro lens
• Kneeling pad
• Lens hood
• Tripod
• Plamp
• White card

Finding Your Angle

Allow yourself to be guided by the best light, and find an area of planting that's beautifully backlit.

Use a kneeling pad to get low to the ground, and adopt a brace position with your elbows to help keep the camera still.

Consider the background, as this will have a huge impact on how the foreground will read. You might prefer a lighter background if the subject is dark, and vice versa.

Take as many shots as possible, adjusting your angle slightly each time to make sure you've captured lots of options.

Using a Wimberley Plamp

If you find the light levels are dropping, you can use a white card to bounce some additional light into your shot. I recommend attaching a plamp to your tripod and then using the plamp to clip the white card and manoeuvre it into the perfect position.