This post may contain affiliate links which may give us a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Macro photography is capturing a crisp image of a tiny subject. In simple terms, it is a magnification of the subject. Often times, the subject is smaller than perceivable to the naked eye. Today it refers to capturing tiny objects and making them appear larger than the physical object actually is.
To help you get started doing this fun photography technique, we have macro photography tips and some suggestions for photography tools and equipment you may want to try.
Getting Started With Macro Photography
Any camera can do macro photography. If you love old-school film cameras then give it a try. For most of us, digital is the way to go. Most point-and-shoot digital cameras have a macro mode. It is usually marked by a small symbol that looks like a flower. This will definitely take good macro images. Even many cell phone cameras have a macro setting. When you activate the macro setting, you will be able to get very close to your subject.
DSLR Macro Photography Tools
If you can afford or already own a DSLR camera you have several options for macro photography.
The most expensive is a macro lens (Nikon calls these Micro-Nikkor lenses). The macro lens is designed to capture the image with the proper distance from the camera sensor.
If you can’t afford a macro lens for your DSLR, there are less expensive options. First, are extension tubes which extend the lens away from the camera body. They come in a set of 3. Some have electronics that allow the camera to adjust the lens. The only con to extension tubes is they move the lens away from the sensor. This causes a reduction in light getting to the sensor. You can also try using a reverse ring to reverse your lens. Reversing the lens will magnify an object. Think of it like looking through the wrong side of binoculars.
{Quick Tip} The macro mode can cause a loss of aperture and shutter speed control.
Tripods are great for macro photography. Your focus area (depth of field) is limited in macro. A tripod allows you to control the camera, stop shake, focus on a tiny object, and take as perfect a photo as possible. A cable release is another handy tool.
{Quick Tip} Cable releases aren’t just for DSLRs. If you have an iPhone, you can use the volume up button on the headset as a cable release in the camera app.
If you don’t own these items, don’t let it stop you! Use your macro settings and start practicing today. If you find that macro photography is something you want to explore more, you can invest in some of these tools at that point.
How To Take the Best Macro Photographs
If you can, position your subject and camera. Nature photography requires you to set up the camera and focus the shot. But still photography allows you to move the subject and get the shot in focus.
Macro Photography Tip #1:
Use an f-stop a maximum of f/16. This will keep the main subject in focus.
Macro Photography Tip #2
Macro photography means a shallow depth of field. The background will be out of focus. This draws the eye to the subject and creates an attractive background effect.
Macro Photography Tip #3
Macro photography, especially nature, is about the object. For insects, it is the eyes, body, and legs. Flowers the focus is the center. To capture a perfect outdoor image consider staking your subject plant to prevent wind movement. Use the fastest shutter speed possible.
Macro Photography Tip #4
Outdoor macro photography is best on bright, overcast days. The lighting is even and most flattering. If shooting inside or lighting is not optimal consider an external flash (not the built in). This flash is directional and will add a bit of light without washing out the subject.
Macro Photography Tip #5
Don’t always rely on auto focus. Some photographers recommend only using manual focus. Give it a try! Your images most likely will be crisp and clear the more you practice controlling the focus yourself.
SITS Summer Photo Challenge – Macro Photography
Let’s enjoy the little things in life! You’ve learned about macro photography and now it’s time to practice. You don’t have to leave your home to capture great shots. Sometimes ordinary things look wondrous when looked at from a different perspective. Use your camera to take macro photos of the ordinary in your home. Share your most unique and unusual photos on your blog. Then visit us on Instagram to share your favorite shots. Make sure to tag #SITSblogging so we don’t miss your photos.
Link Up Your Photography Here
Share links to your photos in the below linky. You can add the link to a blog post, Instagram post, picture you uploaded to Flickr or even a Facebook page photo. No matter how you are participating in this challenge, we want to see your photos here!
Day 4 Photography Challenge Preview
Tomorrow we are going to talk about food photography. You might want to grab a snack before you read that post – it is going to make you hungry!
Do you want to know which pictures we are loving from the link up? We’re sharing our favorites in the daily Photography Challenge newsletter each morning, so make sure to sign up here to be added to our mailing list.
- Essential Camera Gear For Beginning Photographers - Aug 12, 2022
- Finding Your Friends on Instagram - May 3, 2022
- Magic Mosaic Easter Egg Coloring - Mar 5, 2022
- 11 Recipes For National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day - Feb 24, 2022
- Our Favorite Things – 2021 Edition (Holiday Gift Guide and Giveaways!) - Nov 15, 2021
- Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe - Sep 2, 2021
- Low Light Photography Tips for the Holidays - Nov 11, 2020
- DIY 30-Minute Thanksgiving Tree - Nov 8, 2020
- The Spanish Princess Part 2 Is Coming - Oct 8, 2020
- Fabric Pumpkins – DIY in 15 Minutes - Sep 9, 2020
- Jack-O-Lantern Marshmallow Pops - Sep 7, 2020
- DIY Mini Herb Garden - Aug 30, 2020
- Step by Step Plan to Drive Traffic to A New Blog - Aug 30, 2020
- Six Tips to Reduce Stress In Your Life - Aug 30, 2020
- How To Take A Food Photo From Good To Great - Aug 30, 2020