Top Macro Photography Tips

12th Jan 2012

By Nikita Morris, Features Writer at ePHOTOzine

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Use a macro lens - It might be an obvious statement but to get close to your subject you're better off using a lens designed for the job, if you're using a DSLR. If you're not a DSLR user, most compacts now have a macro mode (usually a flower icon on your mode dial) which you can switch to when working close up. 

Invest in a reflector - Flash can be a little harsh, particularly if you only have the one that's built in to your camera, but when there's not much natural light around, in the woods for example, having a reflector handy to bounce / direct more light where it's needed cab improve a photo drastically.

Pick a good subject - Interesting textures and colour are two great ingredients for macro shots and seeds, leaves and berries are, to name but a few, great subjects. Look out for fungi, insects and other small animals like the snail shot shown here. 

Compose your shot - Make sure you have one main point of interest other wise people won't know what to focus on when they look at your shot.

Which aperture? - Be careful when using wider apertures as it may also mean some of the subject is out of focus due to the close distance you're working at. If your camera has one, use the depth-of-field preview. If not, fire off a test shot and check it on your screen, zooming in as much as you can.

Image: Peter Bargh - www.ePHOTOzine.com