exploring with my boys and my macro

I took my two little guys exploring this weekend and I took my camera along. But I took a different lens than I normally would. Usually I’d take my 50mm or my 85mm. But this time I took only my 100mm macro lens. (note: my macro lens is my lens that is usually only used for the baby toes, eyelashes, fingers, and the occasional wedding ring.) I wanted to challenge myself to try something new. So, while they were playing with their sticks and rocks and each other I snapped a few here and there.

Here are my settings and a few comments/tips:

Settings for image below:
ISO – 100 (bright sunny afternoon, even though it’s january)
aperture – 3.2
shutter – 1/250
lens – 100mm macro 2.8L
camera – canon 5D mark II

Settings for image below:
ISO – 100
aperture – 2.8
shutter – 1/500
lens – 100mm macro 2.8L

I do love how the macro lens narrows your focus to your subject and that alone. :)

But look at the out of focus image below. One of the tricky things about using a macro lens on wiggly little people. It’s easy to miss focus and ruin the whole image.

Settings for image below (more distance between me and my subjects):
ISO – 100
aperture – 2.8
shutter – 1/1000 (more in the sun)
lens – 100mm macro 2.8L

Settings for image below:
ISO – 100
aperture – 2.8
shutter – 1/400
lens – 100mm macro 2.8L

Again when I’m somewhat close to my subject all else completely falls out of focus. It’s all about him. Love that.

Settings for image below:
ISO – 100
aperture – 4
shutter – 1/320
lens – 100mm macro 2.8L

Settings for image below:
ISO – 100
aperture – 4
shutter – 1/320
lens – 100mm macro 2.8L

Super fun playing around with my macro lens in a new way. I just may have to take it on some shoots with children soon. :)