Understanding macro photography
Before we get to the tips sections, I thought I’d explain a little bit about what macro photography is. Macro photography is defined as the photography of extreme close-ups, usually of very small objects, in which the ratio of the subject on the sensor to the actual size of the subject is greater than 1:1 – or in other words, the subject in the photograph is greater than life-size. Macro photography is a great way to showcase everyday objects in fun and interesting ways.
There are macro-specific settings, lenses, and other accessories that are used to achieve macro photographs, with a Point and Shoot camera or a DSLR.
Most point and shoot cameras require a minimum focusing distance of 1 foot (30 cm). With the Macro Mode setting, P&S cameras can focus to within about an inch away from an object. The Macro Mode is denoted by a flower icon and is selected on the Mode Dial. Please refer to your camera’s manual for more information on setting the Macro Mode on your camera model.
Some DSLR cameras have a Mode Dial with a Macro Mode, which can be used with any lens attached, however, most require a dedicated macro lens, or additional accessories to achieve a macro photo. Macro lenses allow a short focusing distance and can capture an object on the camera’s sensor at the same size as the actual object. The 1:1 reproduction ratio.
The reason DSLRs need a dedicated “macro” lens is that a regular “non-macro” lens cannot focus at such a short distance. A filter, close-up lens, or extension tube can be added to non-macro lenses to capture macro photos. Macro filters and close-up lenses attach to the front of your lens allows a shorter focusing distance to your subject. Extension Tubes attach between the camera and lens and helps increase the magnification of the object.
Did you know you can attach a macro lens to your cell phone camera? PhotoJoJo and Ollioclip have attachable lenses for cell phones. I have the ones from PhotoJoJo for my iPhone and they are a fun addition to my instagram addiction. In fact, the photo of my daughter’s eye below was taken with my iPhone and macro attached lens.
Tips for taking macro photos
1- Manual focus– YIKES! I always think putting my camera in manual focus is a little scary; I never know if I trust myself. However, manually focus can help immensely when trying to focus on a tiny object. When you move in super close to a subject, often times, the camera will “hunt” to find out what it should focus on. Manually focusing can ensure that the focus falls where you want it and saves time.
2- Use a tripod– Moving in close, not only magnifies the object, but also any camera shake you might have by hand-holding. Using a tripod is a great way to eliminate camera shake. A tripod will also help keep the camera steady while set to manual focus.
3- Consider your depth of field– The closer you are to your subject, the shorter your depth of field will be, so try starting at f/8 or higher for the best results. Use wider apertures to isolate and highlight selective areas of your object, but be careful not to lose too much of the overall image.
4- HAVE fun! Experiment and before you know it, you’ll be looking at the world in a whole new way. You’ll want to photograph everything up close and personal and from ten different angles. Enjoy!
Join us for the October photo challenge in the forum at The-Lilypad and show us your macro shots! Add some macro shots to your scrapbook pages and show them off! We’d love to see your examples.
Meg says
These shots are amazing! Thanks for sharing!
terrivb says
that flower photo is absolutely stunning!!