Macro Photography

The Revealing World of Macro Photography

Macro photography is what is otherwise known as close-up photography or the art of taking photos of objects that appear in a larger than life manner. It used to be that macro photography was about shooting an object that same size as it is in real life. But these days, close-up photography usually means pictures of anything close up, usually images bigger than the objects in real life. Some lenses are specifically manufactured these days to deal with this type of macro photography.

Macro Photography - Equipment Used

There are various kinds of equipment used to achieve the desired looks of macro photography. There's the macro lens which is basically a long barrel for close focus shots. Then there are things known as extension tubes. They are basically empty tubes placed between the camera and the lens; the farther the lens, the greater the magnification. A bellows attachment is similar to an extension tube except that it is adjustable.

There are a few other camera peripherals that can be used to induce macro photography and each one varies in style and cost. The point is, macro photography is readily attainable, the equipment highly advanced for your needs.

Macro Photography - The Art of the Close Up

There's an undeniable romance when working with the intriguing world of macro photography. Images that are larger than life, that leap out from a book or magazine page, possess the ability to make us stop and wonder about the "little" universe around us. From scientific close ups of houseflies to artsy shots of a leaves trickling mildew, it's the tiny stuff that can be as powerful in scale as a picture of a skyscraper or the looming sun. Macro photography is a refined art, one that requires an exceptional eye and certain technical prowess for it to work.

Macro Photography - What Makes a Good Picture?

It really depends. Any small object can be a great macro picture; it's all in how you capture it. You may be photographing the bottom of a burned stove kettle but if your settings are perfect and the lighting just right, who knows how the blackened kettle's underside will look, especially if the brand name can still be partially seen etched in the dirty silver?

Let your imagination run wild. Even the most mundane objects take up a life of their own when photographed through a macro lens. Here are some ideas:

Nature. Leaves, stalks, pieces of grain, tree bark, pebbles - these and many more all make for interesting pictures.
Wildlife. Close ups of insects are always revealing. Artistic close ups of animal eyes or other interesting body parts will also make good shots.
Inanimate objects. A macro shot of a pinhead is sure to be intriguing as well as a piece of thread going through a needle's eye. There's plenty more - all you have to do is look.

If you're considering macro photography, you've chosen a spell-binding artistic venture. Once you get the hang of things, you'll find yourself entranced by the pictures and possibilities. And it’s very likely others will be entranced too.