CLOSE UP & MACRO

Definition

Macro and close up photography require you to get up close to your subject to create an image or viewpoint that you wouldn’t normally see. By getting really close to something you can see patterns, textures and shapes that would go unnoticed in everyday life – from the fibres in a piece of material, to dimples in an orange skin. The level of detail achieved can tun an everyday object into a completely abstract piece.

While we may think that macro is simply “close up” there is actually a difference, most photography you would think as “macro” isn’t actually that – true macro photography requires the subject to be captured on the sensor at a ratio of 1:1, meaning if your sensor is 2x1cm the portion of the subject matter is the same 2x1cm.

Macro and close up photography brings its own unique set of challenges, when zooming in that close as well as magnifying the subject it can also magnify camera shake – so a tripod may be best, another problem with being so close is the amount of light can be dramatically reduced, meaning as well as reducing shutter speed a higher ISO could be required. You could always use the “macro” setting on your DSLR but all that will do is prioritise a narrow aperture – it doesn’t actually allow you to focus “closer in” manual focus may be the best option, although on a plus note it can add a nice blurry background which will help emphasise your subject even more.

The great thing about close up and macro photography is it’s all around you! From the food in your fridge to the leaves and insects in your garden - all you have to do is look a little closer!