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GO MACRO!

Want to explore small worlds? We'll help show you how!

By Mason Resnick - May 25, 2011


If you're here, you're ready to make magic. Macro photography--the kind that magnifies subjects to full size or bigger on film or CCD chip--transforms common objects into strange new worlds. But this transformation requires the right gear, solid technique, and a visual style to make the magic work. We've put together this free guide to macro photography to help you make informed buying decisions and to help you get the most out of your gear after you've bought it.

 

Be sure to read our guides to macro lenses, flashes, and essentials so you're ready for your close-ups.

Read our Macro Shooting tips to give you a solid foundation in appropriate photographic techniques and help you avoid common pitfalls.Then, Elinor Stecker-Orel shows you how to photograph refracted images found in tiny raindrops, in Drops of Inspiration while Rick Sammon shows you his indoors technique for gaining control over tiny natural subjects in Practice Makes Perfect in Close-Up Photography.

We've also included many daily tips that make good use of macro.

There's a lot more to Macro, and we'll be updating this section and adding new features from time to time. Check in often!

 

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Underwater Macro Photography Basics

Up close and all wet

ArticleUnderwater Photography Techniques and How-Tos - by Michele Westmorland and Matt Weiss, 17 days ago

Macro photography in a marine environment can be one of the most rewarding photographic activities.  Don’t you just love an up-close and personal shot of small and strange creatures found in the ocean? 

 

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TAGS: nikon,  canon,  DSLR,  macro,  macro photography,  Lens advice,  underwater,  underwater housing 

Buying guide: Macro Essentials and Accessories

What you need to get started in macro photography

ArticleMacro Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, November 16, 2011

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You're inspired to go out there and capture the world in miniature...now all you need's the right stuff. Here are the essentials--lenses, lighting, and accessories--that will help you produce that macro magic.

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TAGS: adorama,  macro,  macro photography,  ring flash,  clamp,  lens,  Focus on Macro Photography 

After-Capture Techniques for Close-Ups

Solving problems digitally that you can't possibly solve when shooting.

ArticleMacro Techniques and How-Tos - by Allen Rokach with Anne Millman, July 12, 2011

One of the great boons of digital photography is that the image-making process continues after you have taken your shot.

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TAGS: photoshop,  close-up,  macro photography,  photoshop techniques,  Photoshop CS5,  Focus on Macro Photography 

Close-ups: Getting a Sharper Image

How to shoot up close and get tack-sharp results

ArticleMacro Techniques and How-Tos - by Allen Rokach with Anne Millman, June 20, 2011

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The biggest challenge photographers face when shooting nature close-ups is how to get a sharp image.

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TAGS: tripod,  macro,  close-up,  macro photography,  sharp,  sharpest aperture,  sharpening,  Focus on Macro Photography 

“Glowing” flower macro shots

A how-to tip from an online macro photography course that's only being taught once this year!

ArticleMacro Techniques and How-Tos - by Bryan F. Peterson , May 27, 2011

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Since many of the yards and parks are full of flowers throughout the northern hemisphere, I wanted to share a really cool flower photography idea with you!

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TAGS: flowers,  macro photography,  flower,  Focus on Macro Photography 

Gearing up for Classy Close-ups

A look in a macro master's bag

ArticleMacro Techniques and How-Tos - by Allen Rokach with Anne Millman, May 26, 2011

One of the greatest experiences I regularly have as a photographer is glimpsing the tiny miracles of nature that come to light through close-up photography.

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TAGS: macro,  macro photography,  leaves,  Lens advice,  lens,  Focus on Macro Photography 

Wide-Angle Macro Photography

Mini landscapes at 1:1 magnification

ArticleMacro Techniques and How-Tos - by Carl Heilman II, May 25, 2011

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I enjoy working with different equipment to get ‘close’ to subjects with a camera, but I especially like adding thin extension tubes to shorter focal length lenses to create wide angle close-ups.

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TAGS: landscapes,  macro,  macro photography,  wide angle,  Focus on Macro Photography,  extension tubes 

Macro lens quick buying guide

A brief look at true macro lenses - Updated for Spring 2011

ArticleLenses and Filters Gear Guides & Reviews - by Fred Singer, May 19, 2011

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If you have a zoom lens that says it’s a “Macro,” don’t believe it. Sure it’ll get you close, likely to within 1:3 magnification (that’s 1/3 life-size on the film or sensor) but technically, true macro is considered 1:1 magnification—life-sized--or higher.

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TAGS: photography,  buying guide,  DSLR,  macro,  digital SLR,  Focus on Macro Photography 

Which Focal Length Macro Lens Is Best For You?

The long and the short of macro lenses

ArticleMacro Techniques and How-Tos - by Sandy Ramirez, May 10, 2011

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Do you need a 180mm macro lens or will a 60mm do? What's the difference when both can deliver 1:1 magnification?

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TAGS: macro,  close-up,  macro photography,  Lens advice,  lens,  Focus on Macro Photography 

Control Depth of Field in Macro Photography

Multiple shots plus Photoshop gives you focus flexibility

ArticleMacro Techniques and How-Tos - by Diane Miller, May 9, 2011

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I love to shoot macro, especially of flowers.  As I focus on a macro subject I am always enchanted by the soft background due to the very shallow depth of field I see through the viewfinder at macro magnifications.

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TAGS: photoshop,  flowers,  flower,  Focus on Macro Photography 

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