Macro Photography

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Macro photography is a great way to show your creative eye and to see things up close and personal.  "Macro" by definition means large scale, and in photography when employing "Macro" photography we are often photographing small subjects (bugs, small portions of flowers or leaves).  We are then showing the images at 5 times their actual size to emphasize the texture, color and overall detail of our subject.

There are specialized lenses for this type of photography, however even compact digital cameras can render outstanding results by using the cameras built in "Macro" mode.  When you look at lenses, often they will claim to be "Macro" lenses. But true "Macro" lenses give a 1 to 1 ratio and are often used to photograph stamps, coins and bugs.  These lenses are always prime lenses.  Although many zooms will claim to be "Macro" lenses they do not give the 1 to 1 ratio that a prime macro lens will.  What they will do is allow you to focus at a closer distance then a standard lens will.  As an example the closest a lens will auto focus may be 3 feet.  A "Macro" lens will allow auto focusing as close as 6 to 8 inches and almost always, at least the very least 1 foot.

Now lets talk about taking a "Macro" photograph.  You should always pay close attention to your background.  Try to ensure that there is nothing distracting in the background.  Be sure you are not casting a shadow on your subject, and set your camera flash to "Fill" which will help show your subject in greater detail and eliminate any shadows being cast by elements around your subject that cannot be avoided.  If you do not want to use flash you may have to employ a tripod for longer shutter speeds to eliminate camera shake.  Also when shooting a subject like a flower, shoot it at different angles and positions.  Be sure to crop in the camera rather then in the post process. This will allow you to print larger and with more detail which will otherwise be lost if you crop deeply into the photo after.

Now that you are armed with the information you need go out and shoot.  One of the best things about this type of photography is that you don't have to go far.  Your backyard, the fruit bowl on your counter top, or the flower arrangement in your living room, are all possible subjects for your "Macro" photography.  Good luck and happy shooting.

The above photos were taken with a non macro 28mm 2.8 lens. 

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