Free Time Guidance

Close-up photography is also known as macro photography. If you subject is small, you are able to photograph the small details by getting closer. Macro lenses are 1:1 (”life size”). This means that the image of your subject is the same size in real life. Listed below are macro photography tips to help you get started.

1. The first thing you will want to do is research the type of equipment you want. Experiment using the following: a macro filter, close-up lens, a telephoto extender, or a bellows attachment. For those of you just beginning, you may just want to invest in a macro filter.

2. It is important to know that the depth of field is different in macro photography. You will want to use a small aperture (large number: F16 or F22). Note that a large majority of your background will not be in focus.

3. When you are focusing in on your subject, be very careful, because many times the part you want in focus will end up being blurry. Unless you are shooting under bright lighting conditions, you will end up using a slow shutter speed.

4. It is critical to properly light your subject. You lens will be very close to your subject, so it’s important to have light in between your camera and the subject. Many photographers will use a ring flash.

5. You will be using slow shutter speeds, but film speed can play a factor in shutter speed. Generally you want to stay at ISO200 or lower.

6. Experiment with a number of different subjects. Play with shape and texture. Do not forget about composition, and color in your background. Additional things you may want to try: experiment with light balance, use a tripod, or use a diffuser. Take your time with macro photography and always have fun. Great subjects are flowers and bugs.

You can experiment with light balance, use a diffuser, or use a tripod. Take your time with macro photography, and always have fun. Flowers and bugs are great subjects.