first attempt

This is my first attempt at crowns. Looking for tips on how to focus my macro to get the crown in focus when its only there for a split second. Am I using the wrong lens? I actually am happy with this first attempt just curious how others get the crystal clear focus.

[Helen Jane]

I think it looks great - but I cant give you any advice as I have never attempted anything so technical. There is definitely a crown and the green ring is fascinating.

[Beth Sheppard]

I just switch to manual focus, try to make the drops fall in the spot I intend, and take a gadzillion photos, hoping for a clear one... Looking forward to hearing tips from others :-)

[Diane]

@bsheppard That's what I did tried to use live view, etc took probably 70 maybe I needed more. Just wondering if there's a better way?

[Diane]

Ok, just did some research (I should probably have done this first). Found this website http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/macro-photography-shooting-water-drops-and-crowns-tutorial/
I think a flash would have helped with a clearer shot? Anyone to confirm?

[Milanie]

I haven't even come close yet! Keep working and I, too , will be watching for comments.

[Bigmamma]

Oh yeah,..... this is cool!

[Kahsia]

Sorry, wish I could help, but I don't have that kind of camera. I think it looks like a good first attempt.

[David]

I believe the reason for the flash is to allow you use a smaller aperture, I noticed your setting is f/4.5. If you can flood the water with light, try a smaller aperture, which will increase your depth of field.

[sally agnew]

Very cool shot :)

[Disha Parekh]

This is a great first attempt. I didn't use a flash but I found through a lot of failed attempts that it is really important to have the source of the drops tied firmly so that the drop falls in approximately the same place every time. I also used manual focus to focus on a match stick exactly where the drops were falling and then didn't move my camera. If the natural light isn't enough, use a flashlight to flood the surface with a lot of light so that you can lower your aperture and increase the shutter speed. All these helped me with getting a clear focused shot.

[Diane]

@helenhall @milaniet @bigmammakk @moonmtn @hermann Thank you! Next one will be better

[Diane]

@davejf @dishaparekh176 Thank you so much for your suggestions! I will use them to tweak my approach. These were raindrops falling on my covered porch railing. I'm not ambitious enough to set up such an elaborate set up with a dropper etc. I can see how that would help. I will try a smaller aperture with a flash or external light next time and see what I get! The raindrops do fallen approximately the same spot as it is a runoff spot. :)