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Macro Photography

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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17 Accessories for Dramatic Macro Photography

What you need to get started in macro photography—Updated for Spring 2013.

ArticleMacro Photography Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, April 29, 2013

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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 

26 Top Macro Lenses: A Quick Guide

A look at true macro lenses - Updated for Spring 2013

ArticleLenses and Filters Gear Guides & Reviews - by Fred Singer, April 23, 2013

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Shopping for a macro lens? First, let's get the definition right: To get 1:1 magnification, which you need for true macro photography, you need to buy a dedicated, non-zoom Macro lens. But which one is best for you?

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

Here's A Creative Idea for Unusual, Fetching Photos of Jewelry

Visual Impressions with Joe DiMaggio

ArticleAdoramaTV - Visual Impressions Techniques and How-Tos - by Joe DiMaggio , April 4, 2013

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Sometimes, the great outdoors is a better studio than the one inside. Watch as Joe DiMaggio braves the freezing rain to get stunning photos of jewelry for a client.

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TAGS: canon,  professional,  macro,  close-up,  studio lighting,  lighting technique,  products,  underwater,  tele-extender,  product photography,  close focus 

"It Looks Like Trash!" Use Macro and Find The Fine Art Photos Everyday Scenes

Exploring Photography with Mark Wallace—AdoramaTV

ArticleAdoramaTV - Exploring Photography Techniques and How-Tos - by Mark Wallace, March 19, 2013

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Can you find photographic ambrosia in a nondescript alley or refuse? Mark Wallace turns trash into photographic art! The secret? Visual Pushups!

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TAGS: macro,  macro photography,  composition,  color,  inspiration,  Fujifilm X-Pro1 

Gels and Line of Sight TTL Flash For A Dramatic Model Shot

Photo on the Go with Joe McNally: Adorama Photography TV

ArticleAdorama TV Techniques and How-Tos - by Joe McNally, August 23, 2012

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Adorama Photography TV Presents Photo on the Go with Joe McNally. In this episode, Joe demonstrates how to achieve a line of sight TTL transmission at a distance while using colored gels to alter the color of the environment. 

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TAGS: nikon,  canon,  photography,  camera,  flash,  photographer,  photographs,  photos,  wireless,  photography tips,  photography tip,  gel,  Nikon D800 

Here's A Quick Way to Get Line Of Sight TTL Flash From 150 Feet Away

Photo on the Go—AdoramaTV

ArticleAdorama TV Techniques and How-Tos - by Joe McNally, August 9, 2012

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Adorama Photography TV Presents Photo on the Go with Joe McNally. Join Joe in Hong Kong as he explains how to test the line of sight with a built-in camera flash and a SB-900 flash.

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TAGS: adorama,  nikon,  photography,  camera,  travel photography,  tips,  flash,  photographs,  photographic,  outdoors,  nikon speedlight,  photography tips,  outdoor photography,  photo technique,  photography tip,  tip,  cameras,  photo tips,  Adorama TV,  outdoor 

3 proven flower lighting techniques for beautiful macro photography

Which flashes will help you capture the best shots

ArticleMacro Photography Techniques and How-Tos - by Allen Rokach with Anne Millman, May 23, 2012

Flash-lit flower close-up photography can be beautiful if you have the technique; now let's look at the gear you'll need to pull this off.

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TAGS: nikon,  canon,  flash,  flowers,  ring flash,  flash diffuser,  flower,  flash modifier,  Focus on Macro Photography 

Lensbaby Macro Converter: Product Review

Macro magic? All you need is a Lensbaby!

ArticleMacro Photography Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, April 26, 2012

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Take your macro photography to an entirely new level—and apply Lensbaby's unique look to really, really small subjects.

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TAGS: macro,  macro photography,  Lensbaby 

Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens: Product Review

It's small and light; if you own a Sony NEX, is it the right macro lens for you?

ArticleLenses and Filters Gear Guides & Reviews - by Mason Resnick, April 24, 2012

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An Adorama Learning Center exclusive: Let's take a close-up look at Sony's first macro lens for its NEX lineup of MILC cameras.

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TAGS: macro,  macro photography,  sony,  system compact,  lens,  Sony NEX 

What Everybody Ought to Know About Flash for Fantastic Flower Photography

Improve upon natural light by adding flash

ArticleMacro Photography Techniques and How-Tos - by Allen Rokach with Anne Millman, April 19, 2012

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Learn how to properly use flash when doing flower photography and discover unlimited creative potential. Plus: Learn about botanical gardens and aboretums where you can shoot beautiful flower photos!

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

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