Getting in Close - Macro Photography

By Ian Wedgewood & Michael Brydon posted 18/01/08

Macro photography is all about photographing small things and seeing the detail right up close. It opens up a colourful and detailed world for the photographer. We've used decay as the content here but macro techniques can be used across a broad range of subjects.

So let's get down to business, the first thing is to get your camera steady so if you have a tripod then use it, if you don't a bean bag or anything to stop movement will work. If you keep your camera steady you're more likely to get the crisp images which is that we're after. Camera shake can ruin a good macro shot so you may want to consider putting the camera onto timer mode to reduce this.

Choose a narrow depth of field, the widest apperture possible will give you loads of detail but over a very short depth (the lower the f stop number the wider the aperture). So if you're working on a SLR and the light isn't good you'll need to make the shutter speed quite slow or bump up the ISO (so the camera has more light sensitivity). If you do have an SLR check out 'Mirror Lock Up' in your instruction manual to reduce shake even further. Those of you with a compact can simply switch you camera to Macro mode (usually a picture of a flower). You have less control but it gets great results.

Flowers and household stuff make great subjects and with the advent of cheap photo canvas printing you can put beautiful works of art on you walls. And you can say "I did that!"

The first example shows how quickly the image goes out of focus. So make sure you choose exactly where you will be focussing. But above all experiement.

Looking for inspiration? Try photographing cutlery, food, pens and pencils, plants, insects and bodies.

Thanks to MindStudio for this technique

  • Words by Ian Wedgewood

  • Photos by Michael Brydon

Comments

Get Involved to Comment

Please leave a helpful comment here. When you give feedback make sure you let people know exactly what is great about their photo as well what does not work for you, always include useful suggestions on how the photo could be improved.

  • 22616789@N08

    J de B said...

    The second image is superior to the first. The edges which are the far side of the seed pod in the first are blurred. I thought that with the camera in macro mode you more likely to get the even crisp detailed finish acheived in the second image of the dry leaf (is it a leaf?). Still the information given is very helpful.

    Posted on 22/01/2008 18:54

    To Reply to comments: Get Involved

    To rate comments:

    Get Involved

  • 22616789@N08

    J de B said...

    Next time I will read everything before I comment:)

    Posted on 22/01/2008 18:58

    To Reply to comments: Get Involved

    To rate comments:

    Get Involved

  • 9487749@N05

    paul henderson smith said...

    Macro is very challenging. Thats why I enjoy it so much, you feel great when you achieve a good shot. Superb pictures by the way, thanks for sharing. Paul

    Posted on 03/02/2008 14:20

    To Reply to comments: Get Involved

    To rate comments:

    Get Involved

Return to top