Close-up or “macro” photography enters into an amazing world that’s right in front of our eyes although we don’t often stop to notice. There are great close-up images out there just waiting to be discovered as close as your own backyard.

True macro/micro photography is defined as taking a picture of an object at a 1:1 ratio or closer giving you an image that is equal or larger than the subject being photographed. However, the term “macro” is often used to define any close-up picture. Most Digital Point & Shoot cameras have a macro mode which allows you to focus on a subject as close as 2 inches or less. This is a great mode for getting extreme close-up images of flowers, insects etc. Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras have interchangeable lenses. The standard “kit” lens that came with your DSLR camera probably won’t focus close enough for macro photography. Macro photography with a DSLR requires special macro zoom lenses, macro/micro prime lenses, close-up filters or extension tubes. Here are the most popular ways to get close to your subject with your DSLR:

Macro/ Micro Prime Lens

There are true macro/micro lenses that allow you to get close enough to photograph the subject at least 1:1 or closer. These lenses are the best choice for getting amazing results but can be expensive.

Macro Zoom Lens

Some telephoto zoom lenses have a macro setting to allow them to focus enough to give you a 1:4 ratio which would give you an image a quarter of the size of the subject you’re photographing. There are some macro zoom lenses that will focus as close as a 1:2 ratio and can give very good results but will not give you true 1:1 life size images.

Close-up Filters

An easy and less expensive way to take close-up photographs is to use close-up filters. Close-up filters attach to the front of your camera lens and act like a magnifying glass. They’re usually sold as a package of three different magnifications: +1, +2 and +4. The “+” number refers to the magnification and the higher the number, the higher the magnification. You can combine them to reach even higher magnifications. For example, a +1 filter and a +3 filter combined will give you +4 magnification. Close-up filters are relatively inexpensive and can give you great results.

Extension Tubes

An extension tube is a device that is designed to go between your camera body and your lens. This allows for closer focusing with a normal lens. The tubes are usually sold in a set of three different tube lengths which include 12mm, 20mm and 35mm. The longer the tube that’s used, the closer the lens will be able to focus. Just like the close-up filters, you can combine the tubes to get even closer. Extension tubes are relatively inexpensive. Some of the more expensive tubes allow you to use the auto features on your camera. Some of the tubes don’t have the electronics to use auto so you have to focus and set your exposure manually.

Now that you have the equipment to get closer, the following tips will help you get those great close-up images.

Get in Close

Get as close to your subject as possible and fill the frame to add “impact” and interest to your image.

Hold the Camera Steady

Don’t forget that camera movement is magnified the closer you get to your subject so use a tripod whenever possible.

Watch the Light

Natural light works best. Early morning, evening, cloudy or overcast days produce some of the most dramatic lighting for outdoor close-up photography. The flash can overpower the subject if used too close to the subject. If you can, turn down the power on your flash or cover your flash with a piece of wax paper or tissue to help soften the effect.

Focus Carefully

There’s a rule in photography called “depth of field” or the distance in front and beyond the subject that appears to be in focus. The closer you are to the subject, the more shallow the depth of field. All of the subject will not be in focus. The impact of the image is greatly influenced by the part of the subject that is in focus. Choose the focus area very carefully to control the result that you want to accomplish.

Take Lots of Pictures

There’s a whole new world to discover in taking extreme close-up photographs. Have fun and take lots of pictures!