Macro Photography Tips?

[BridgetownTreasures]

OK. Quarantine boredom has me reorganizing and re-cataloguing my specimens. Looking for tips on close-up photos of fine detail in crystals, etc.

- Not in a position to spend more than $100 or so
- Would prefer to use my iPhone 11 Pro Max - possibly with an external macro lens?
- I use 2 diffused lights from above and to either side of most specimens - sometimes this works, sometimes I find myself shifting all over or holding in my hand to catch an angle with no glare.
- Perhaps a remote shutter? (I'm a little shaky)

Any criticisms, tips, tricks, recommended products would be appreciated.

Here are some of what I consider to be my better shots...all taken with my iPhone. (recommend opening pics to full view for actual resolution, etc.)

 

[islamoradamark]

Nice pictures, Im enjoying them

 

[fuss]

Are you more interested in getting higher magnification images of say tiny crystals?

 

[fuss]

I would suggest first purchase would be a light tent, they are relatively cheap and you will have a consistent look to your images (no more random backgrounds).

 

[Kray Gelder]

Those are all really nice specimens, and impressive for handholding an Iphone. I don't know what to recommend, if you're limited to a phone. Good luck!

 

[Steve1236]

Those are some very nice specimens and would be great for macro photography, I was looking into good microscopes that take digital pictures but I'm not looking to spend what they are asking for a good one, I know a cheap one online will just be a waste of money so I kind of lost interest, I did take some shots with my phone holding a 45×loupe but they don't come out to clear, heres one of them.

 

[Steve1236]

Oh and some tips if you want to use your phone and your shaky like me when trying to hold the camera still and you need really clear photos, I don't hold the specimen in my hand, I have it stationary, usually sitting on a nice marble table with extra decor for listings, also I dont hold the phone fully, I let the phone rest on a little fold up table close to the specimens barley holding the phone on a side cause I get shaky then just shoot the image when it looks clear, I'll also take dozens in some cases, then go through them looking for the perfect one. That's how I take photos for listings...

 

[605dano]

I had a cheap [<100$] usb microscope that was fun to play around with. It's limitations were very little depth of view, almost 2D. I did get some great photos of very small crystals that I would not have been able to get with my camera or phone. Unfortunately a Microsoft 10 update killed it. Now I'm using a Lumix point and shoot camera that has a macro option and a 16x zoom. I have a small tripod I believe that is called an octopus. It has short flexible legs that let you get close to your subject at any angle. Also a non reflective background helps. That's my current budget system. A couple of pics I've taken recently.

 

[BridgetownTreasures]

Sometimes I resort to holding the subject in my hand simply because it is easier to get any angle you want. Perhaps a small ring under fabric would give enough friction to hold small items at odd angles without tipping over. I'm going to invest in a low-end clip-on macro lens and a collapsible light box. Found both for under $50 on amazon. You get what you pay for, but the reviews seemed very happy for the price.

I also read about photographing THROUGH a loupe yesterday and initially I scoffed. But what do you know - you actually can get some decent detail. Great for photographing jewelry stamps and small print. Have not tried this with a crystal yet. It does require some very awkward hand positions to hold the loupe in place - but an interesting alternative for certain items - see photos.

Thanks again, all