Macro-ish flowers

The constraint is razor-thin depth of field up close. At the Tamron’s near-macro distance, even f/8 leaves only millimetres sharp, so this is a game of precision. Use 70mm at its closest focus, stop down to f/8–11 to hold enough of the bloom (watching for diffraction past f/11), and keep ISO low in soft light. Steady the camera on a tripod or firm brace, magnify the view, and set focus by hand on the exact petal or stamen that must be sharp.

Watch out for wind and your own light. The smallest breeze swings a flower right out of the thin focus plane, so shoot in still moments or shield the bloom, and use a two-second timer so pressing the shutter does not add shake. Harsh midday sun blows out delicate petals — work in open shade or diffuse the light, and rock the whole camera a hair to place focus rather than refocusing each time.