Macro photography is the close-up photography of small subjects, for example, plants, small animals and insects. It is a popular technique in nature photography, as macro photography magnifies these tiny objects, allowing the viewer to see details not normally visible by the naked eye. Macro photography is tricky to get right, especially if you are new to photography but, with the right skills and equipment, you can take a beautiful macro photograph that you are proud of and want to share with the world. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Equipment

You will need a suitable lens and camera for macro photography that will enable you to get the close-up detail of the subject. A DSLR camera with a specialist macro photography lens is ideal. Still, you can also take extreme close-up photographs with a smartphone with the help of an additional macro lens attachment. When choosing a lens for a DSLR camera, look for a focal length of 90-105mm, as this is considered ideal for microphotography. Look for a lens that lets you shoot with at least a 1:2 (“half-life size”) magnification. A specialist macro photography lens will shoot with a 1:1 (“life-size”) magnification.

Image composition

Image composition in macro photography is slightly different from other photographs and can be tricky to get the hang of at first, but you are sure to improve with practice. Working distance, the distance between your camera lens and the subject, is key in macro photography. As a lot of macro photography involves photographing animals, too close a working distance could scare them, or you could block the light by being too close, resulting in an unsatisfactory image. The minimum working distance for macro photography is considered to be 15 centimetres, with at least twice that being ideal. More in-depth information on how to take macro photographs can be found online.

Research your subject matter

Animals provide one of the most popular subject matter for macro photographers. If you would like to take your own close-up photograph of an animal, you must carry out research into the habits, habitat and behaviours of your chosen animal subject. By doing this, you can ensure that you are not encroaching on the animal’s natural behaviour while helping you to produce a beautiful up-close photograph.

Sharing your work

When have built up a collection of macro photographs you are happy with, you might want to share your photography with other people. ClickASnap is a hosting site that not only allows you to share your photographs with the world but enables you to make money off those photographs. With 15 cents being paid per view and a $15 minimum payout, you can make your photography work for you and provide you with a passive source of income. Used by over 26,000 photographers, it is an established hosting site in the photography community. With millions of views per month, you are sure to find inspiration for your next perfectly crafted macro photography shot.