First essential item, I tripod, don't even think about shooting without one.

Next don't use too long a shutter speed as it can blur/soften the image out.

If you want to illumanate your flowers rather set up your tripod and use a flash light to illuminate sections of the flower/plant.

And definetly use timer mode if you can't get a shutter cord as to illiminate hand shake motion.

If you would like to ask more specific questions I'm sure many of us can answer and help.

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