| Learning to use your camera's macro feature, on | | | | piece of tracing paper and tape it over the flash |
| camera or lens, will open up a whole new world in | | | | to diffuse the harsh strobe light. |
| your photography and may just get you into | | | | 4. Focusing |
| trouble. Why? Because it can become an addiction | | | | The ability to focus manually is a big bonus when |
| and lead to more expensive equipment. Above all | | | | shooting macro. Because you are working with |
| it is fun and easy to do. | | | | such limited depth of focus you need to be able |
| I entered the world of macro many, many years | | | | to determine what you want in focus. Allowing |
| ago while still shooting film. It was simple screw on | | | | the camera to choose by auto focusing will |
| close-up filters and not a macro lens but still great | | | | interfere with where you want to focus. So set it |
| fun. Macro photography is really the use of a | | | | manual focus and focus on the part of the |
| dedicated macro lens giving a 1:1 view but we use | | | | subject you want in sharp focus. |
| it to generically describe all forms of close-up | | | | 5. Aperture |
| photography. | | | | The ability to set your aperture manually is a big |
| Compact cameras can shoot remarkably good | | | | advantage as this allows you to control the depth |
| close-up photos depending on the quality of the | | | | of focus mentioned in point four. The technical |
| camera. But, there are several factors you need | | | | term for this is depth of field and it determines |
| to be aware in order to do this. | | | | how much of your image is in focus in front of |
| 1. Switch on macro mode | | | | the subject. Some cameras won't allow changing |
| This may seem a no-brainer but many a beginner | | | | the aperture once the setting has been changed |
| has been frustrated by the salesman's claims | | | | to macro mode. If you can change the aperture |
| about macro just because they don't read the | | | | you'll probably use a large aperture in order to blur |
| manual. This is usually represented by a small | | | | out the background which is very effective for |
| flower on the settings dial, but make sure you | | | | close-ups. |
| know where it is on your individual camera. This | | | | 6. Composition |
| setting allows you to bring the camera lens closer | | | | Don't forget the rules of good composition like |
| to the subject. | | | | the rule of thirds. Placing your subject and making |
| 2. Use a tripod | | | | it the focal point are essential to good macro |
| Although some say a tripod can useful, I think | | | | photos. Often when people shoot close-up |
| that it is essential for any form of close-up or | | | | composition goes out the window because they |
| macro photography. It will help limit any form of | | | | are so focused on the detail. |
| user induced vibration which will give a sharper | | | | 7. Self-timer |
| image. Camera shake is more noticeable the | | | | The use of your camera's self-timer is essential in |
| closer you get to the subject. Getting the best | | | | limiting camera shake and vibration when pressing |
| should be your priority so a good tripod is key. | | | | the shutter button. This is basically a delayed |
| 3. Use flash | | | | shutter release allowing vibrations to subside |
| It's not always necessary to use flash but often it | | | | before the photo is taken. Check out your manual |
| is essential as shadows are a macro | | | | to see how it works on your particular brand of |
| photographers enemy. Try shooting where | | | | camera. |
| possible in bright available light and if necessary | | | | Macro photography is fun and it opens up worlds |
| use some form of reflector, to fill the shadow. | | | | within worlds. But as I said in the introduction it |
| This can be the white back cover of your | | | | can become addictive and expensive. It's always a |
| camera manual or a proper reflector from a | | | | good idea to try it out with your compact before |
| photo shop. It would be ideal if your camera gave | | | | spending money on more expensive digital SLR |
| you control of the flash but if it doesn't use a | | | | camera systems. |