| Exploring the world of miniature objects with a | | | | insects. For the more creative photographer, |
| macro lens is a special and exciting area of | | | | macro photography is used in abstract imagery. |
| photography, and once you start, you will quickly | | | | With many forms of macro photography, |
| become addicted. The world of macro | | | | especially with insects, a lens with a long focal lens |
| photography holds many delights and is an area | | | | - minimum 200 mm is required for some nature |
| that cannot be appreciated with the human eye. | | | | subjects. You need to keep a working distance |
| Macro photography is the name given to close-up | | | | from the subject to get a successful image - you |
| photography, and is best explained as images that | | | | don't want to frighten your subject away. |
| are taken at reproduction ratios of life-size and | | | | When shooting close-ups you are limited with |
| above. Ratios of between 1:7 and 1:1 fall into the | | | | depth-of-field - to get an attractive image you |
| macro photography category. | | | | must focus on the most important part of the |
| Understanding Ratios: This is a term used to | | | | subject. This will be achieved easier if you place |
| express the magnification of a macro lens or | | | | your camera on a tripod or monopod. |
| other macro equipment that relates the real | | | | By using your tripod you will reduce the risk of |
| life-size object to the reproduction size on a slide | | | | camera shake. Subject movement is also an |
| or negative. If you shoot an object that is 3cm in | | | | important factor to consider. Macro photography |
| length and it measures 1.5cm on a 35mm slide or | | | | magnifies the subject, leaving more room for blur. |
| negative - the ratio is 1:2. When both are equal | | | | A strobe unit can be used to freeze movement - |
| length the ratio is 1:1 | | | | even on the brightest of days you should |
| Choosing the right lens is the most important | | | | consider using your strobe unit. Try bouncing light |
| factor with macro photography. While a telephoto | | | | from your strobe unit off a reflector. This will give |
| lens may be acceptable with some types of | | | | your image a softer illumination. |
| close-up photography, the macro lens is invaluable | | | | Many amateur photographers stay away from |
| to get really close and really accurate focusing. | | | | macro photography because they feel that their |
| There is an endless range of subjects that fall | | | | technical ability is too inept - your personal ability |
| under the range of macro photography. The most | | | | should not turn you away from this exciting part |
| common subject for macro photography is the | | | | of photography - macro photography is like all |
| natural world - all types of flowers, plants, and | | | | types of photography - practice makes perfect. |