Macro Photography

Macro photography refers to an image captured on film or sensor at life size or larger. Many 35 mm macro lenses are at a ratio of 1:1. Simply stated, the film image is the same size as the subject photographed. Most compact cameras do not achieve this facsimile. Macro photography is also described as ‘close up’ camera work.

If you’re an amateur and have been dabbling in photography you may have noted that most manufacturers identify their ‘close up’ mode as ‘macro.’ An important tip for the novice is that although lenses designed for macro use possess sharper macro focus, they are generally of lower clarity at other focus distances.

Most macro lenses are designed to provide optimal performance at the 1:1 magnification. The Canon MP-E65 mm, fl2.8, can attain a 5:1 macro. Not too surprisingly then that the sheer magnification permits close scrutiny of details in snowflakes and the eyes of insects. Beware, some zooms featuring a macro option do not enable magnification on a 1:1 basis.

Here are some tips to alleviate stress for those initially experimenting with the art of macro photography, especially for those with point and shoot digital cameras.

Select the macro mode, this is usually symbolized with a small flower. This will keep the subject in focus and not the background. Tripods will improve quality by eliminating camera shake. Using a camera’s self-timer is another approach to ‘still’ shooting.

For someone engaged in extensive macro photography macro lens attachments are a worthy investment. High quality auxiliary close-up lenses, extenders, and bellows can be used to shorten focusing distance and enhance the subject. With digital photography, you can erase any miscalculated shots until you have attained perfection.