5 Tips to Combine The Concepts of Close-up and Macro Photography

Photograph by Prashanth Photography

Many people ignore the rich close-up world of macro photography that offers myriad opportunities for interesting images. Macro photography refers to close-up photography, typically of small subjects. For those who wish to be technical, you are doing macro photography when you capture an image in which the subject is recorded at life size or larger, at least a one-to-one ratio.


Serious macro photographers who own a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) utilize a specialized macro lens for macro and close-up photography. However, wonderful macro/close-up images can be produced with a basic digital point-and-shoot camera. Here are some recommendations for doing macro photography that may be helpful:

Select the macro mode on your camera

Most modern digital cameras permit the user to select a semiautomatic mode that improves their images in specific photographic situations. Macro mode is usually identified by a flower symbol.

When you select macro mode, the camera adjusts to taking a picture of subjects closer to the lens than normal. Your camera manual should tell you how close to an object your camera will focus. Macro mode will also frequently select a larger camera aperture to provide more limited depth of field to keep your background out of focus and less distracting.

If possible Use a Tripod
If possible, use a tripod even if you are taking pictures with a compact camera. Stabilizing your camera reduces your camera shake, helps you to structure your composition and can help you focus.

Take control of your focusing
I have found the most challenging aspect of macro photography is getting the most important part of my up-close subject in the proper focus due to the shallow depth of field present in many macro shots. If your camera will allow you to manually focus, then this is a useful way to get the precise focus you desire. I frequently turn off my auto focus, manually focus in as close as I can get to my subject, and then move the camera itself back and forth to gain the precise focus I want. Do not forget, you can check the sharpness of your focus on your image by zooming in to magnify it on the camera’s LCD screen.

Focus
If you choose not to use macro mode, you can change the size of your aperture to control the depth of field in your image. Focus on the most important part of your subject and determine if you need to expand or contract your depth of field by adjusting your aperture. A smaller aperture (larger f/stop number) will produce a greater depth of field where a larger amount of the picture will be in focus. A larger aperture (small f/stop number) will produce a more shallow depth of field where a smaller amount of the picture will be in focus. Typically, when your camera lens is very close to a subject, you will have a very narrow depth of field to work with. So when doing macro photography, I usually shut my aperture down to a high f/stop to get an expanded depth of field and have more of my subject in focus.

Consider manipulating the light striking your subject

An object close to your camera lens does not always handle flash lighting very well, and direct sunlight may produce sharp shadows that are distracting. I favor using a reflector to bounce natural light on to my macro subjects. I use what is called a five-in-one reflector set with different surfaces that I carry folded up in a case. But any reflective surface can provide additional useful light.


Macro photography is really fun photography and you do not have to travel any distance to get interesting pictures. If you have not had the opportunity to explore the rewarding world of macro photography I would encourage you to give it a try. I believe you will find it well worth your time as a photographer.