Macro photography or the art of taking photos close-up can be an expensive hobby especially if have a digital slr. Macro lenses are high quality and very expensive. Once you have your lens it's not always as easy as it looks. Here are some tips for both compact cameras and slrs with macro lenses.
Now macro shots with a compact will not compare with a digital slr quality but you will still be able to take remarkable photos. It's all in the technique. Make sure that you now how to use your macro feature on your camera or slr lens. You need to know how to use it before you can try these techniques. Read the manual!
1. Use a tripod
This is the most fundamental key to getting a good macro photo. When shooting so close up even the slightest movement is magnified. Your focus is critical and you need to limit any camera shake. Don't let it worry you that you are only shooting with a compact. Use the tripod. Of course with a compact being light you don't have to go for a very heavy one.
2. Aperture
Most compact cameras have a setting on the dial represented by a little flower. This is your macro mode. Most cameras won't allow you to change your settings once in this mode as it will automatically select the largest aperture for you. This will blur out the background and focus on the subject. Focus is critical here so be careful. With an slr you need to choose your widest aperture to get the same effect while shooting on AV mode.
3. Focusing
Focusing, as I said in the previous point, is critical when shooting macro. You want complete control over the image. If you have a compact that allows you switch off the autofocus feature, do it. With macro lenses on slrs switch off the autofocus on the lens. You want to be able to choose the exact point of focus on the subject you're shooting and not let the camera choose for you.
4. Composition
Remember that composition is very important even though you are close up. Don't forget the rule of thirds. You still need to place your subject in the best place in the image. Exclude any clutter or distracting elements and watch your backgrounds. You especially don't want other objects or subjects competing for attention in a macro image.
5. Flash
Because an on camera flash can be harsh as it is so close it's an idea to try diffusing the flash by using a piece of tissue paper or tracing paper taped over the flash. But, rather choose the time of day when there is plenty of natural light. Reflectors are a good idea for macro shooting. A simple piece of plain white card or even the back of your camera manual will reflect light and fill in the shadow.
6. Self-timers or shutter cable release
When your shot is set up and you press the shutter button, you introduce camera shake just because you are touching the camera. Some compacts allow you to use a shutter cable release but most don't so use your self-timer. The self-timer allows you to press the shutter and after a ten second delay the shutter is released. This allows camera movement and vibrations to subside before the shutter is released.
We use the term macro photography loosely here. It's actually close up photography. Macro photography is when you capture the image in life size or bigger with a 1:1 ratio. But most photographers refer to macro when doing close up work. By applying these simple techniques you will increase your chances of getting a great macro shot dramatically. The key is to experiment and practise as much as possible. Happy shooting!
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Wayne Turner has been teaching photography for 25 years and has written three books on photography.
