Macro Photography Lighting Tutorial




EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW about LIGHT in macro photography! It’s a complete tutorial — natural light, ring lights, flash, dual flash, and diffusers.

I’ve been a macro photographer for 7 or 8 years now, and lighting is still what I think about the most. Good lighting will make or break any photo, but especially a macro photo, since it’s so easy to capture harsh light with the wrong setup (or just not enough light in the first place).

If you have any questions or comments, let me know below and I’ll be sure to answer!

All photos and videos in this tutorial are my own, Copyright © Spencer Cox.

~Spencer
https://instagram.com/spencercoxphoto/

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43 responses to “Macro Photography Lighting Tutorial”

  1. Spencer I watched two videos and because of the clarity and quality. I immediately posted your YouTube information to the Louisiana Photographic Society Facebook page. Thanks for creating such high quality instruction.

  2. Another option is a clip on adjustable kelvin light source…
    You can always use a diffuser on those too.
    Flashes are not always ideal. Some people like me have an M6 MkII. The hot shoe is needed for the EVF, ergo, we can't use a flash and the viewfinder at the same time. The main solution for me was to buy an inexpensive rechargeable adjustable continuous light source. You have to play with it more, but it beats the other flash solutions for my camera.

  3. Thanks for the video. I have been hesitant about using a ring light for underwater macro.Your points are well taken, and I think that I will photograph the nudibranchs using my strobes (with diffusers) or my video lights.

  4. I hope you are working towards a PhD in Photography and teach photography at a top-tier school. Yes, you are that good. Regards, Prof. Andrew Lamberson (Marketing) w 38 years of Marketing Management experience and 10 years as a Professor. Go for it!

  5. Fantastic video! I'm a total beginner with macro photography, but I'm having a blast – your tips (especially about using/making a diffuser) are going to be very helpful. Thanks again – I'm a new subscriber now 🙂

  6. Hi Spencer, thanks for sharing your knowledge on macro photography. Can you pls throw some light on newborn and wedding macro photography and the settings you use on the camera and lens( af vs mf, focus distance etc).

  7. An actual flash tube ring light puts out a lot more light than the LEDs with "flash" mode. This used to be the only kind of ring light, but there are few available these days. Great for photogrammetry, where you want flat light.

  8. Hmmm, since i don't have any lightning for my new Sony A7iii yet, what would be recommendable? Just a Flash, so i can use it for everything. Normal usage and macro. Or just the twin flash for macro? or both? i don't want to spend a fortune 😀

  9. First, you have a great teaching style – easy to follow, hits all the points in an organized way. This lighting video is just what I needed. I've been trying out macro shooting with new equipment (extension tubes) and they really cut down on available light. The ring light just doesn't compensate enough and the bright lights are too bright. Guess I'll be busy building myself a diffuser! I'll be coming back to this video frequently as I try new shots. Thank you!

  10. Thans you for your video. I have a question about macro photography. I am a not professional in photography but i would like to take good mouth photos for my profession( working in dentistry) Do you have any lighting tips for getting good colors and accents for front teeth? I have a Canon EOS 100 D with lens EF-S 60 mm, Canon macro ring lite MR 14 EX II 📸😊
    Greetings Angelique

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