The Basics of Macro Photography
Although there are a lot of categories of photography, macro photography is one of the most absorbing types, is nothing but close-up photography which allows life size representation of subjects and deals with magnification of subjects from a specific angle which can be achieved by clicking photographs from extremely up close. Details of subjects which are hardly visible to normal human eyes can be viewed using macro photography and it can be used to capture almost anything in an extraordinary manner. Below mentioned are a few points that are essential to begin with.
Equipment:
Both SLRs and normal digital cameras can be used for macro photography. Some digital cameras have a 'macro' mode which can be used for it; however this option is not available most point and shoot cameras. Using macro lens is best for clicking these type of photographs with great clarity. Macro lens have magnification ratios marked on their body. Magnification ratios start from 1:1 and can go up to as high as 5:1 in certain high end cameras. Increasing the magnification ratio helps capture even the smallest and the most intricate details on the subject.
Extension tubes are a cheap substitute to macro lenses. Extension tubes are tubes that can be inserted between the camera's body and lens and can be used for it. Extension tubes help increase the focal distance of the lens from the sensors. A major disadvantage, however, is that autofocus options usually fail while using extension tubes and manual focusing is required for best results. Using dioptre lens in front of normal lens along with extension tubes can also help achieve a certain level of magnification and so can be used for macro photography.
Depth of field:
The depth of field in macro photography is extremely small and compressed because the camera gets extremely close to the subject and high levels of magnifications are required for macro photographs. Because of smaller depth of fields, extremely stable equipment and clear-cut focus is essential for this photography.
Lighting:
More lighting is required for this photography as compared to standard photography especially while using extension tubes. This is because extension tubes reduce the amount of light reaching the sensors. Another problem with macro photography is to make the subject appear evenly lit; the high level of magnification can make certain portions of the subject appear underexposed or over lit. This can be easily overcome by using flash or other lighting sources.
Subject:
Macro photography can use both small and large objects as subjects. Photographing a specific portion of the subject from different angles can make it appear extraordinary.
Macro photography requires a huge amount of creativity and careful attention to detail. Photographing from up close present new challenges which can be easily overcome by concentrating on some basics like changing the position of lighting or the level of magnification. No matter what the challenge, macro photography is an extremely captivating form of photography which presents to us a world that is rarely visible to the naked eye.
Equipment:
Both SLRs and normal digital cameras can be used for macro photography. Some digital cameras have a 'macro' mode which can be used for it; however this option is not available most point and shoot cameras. Using macro lens is best for clicking these type of photographs with great clarity. Macro lens have magnification ratios marked on their body. Magnification ratios start from 1:1 and can go up to as high as 5:1 in certain high end cameras. Increasing the magnification ratio helps capture even the smallest and the most intricate details on the subject.
Extension tubes are a cheap substitute to macro lenses. Extension tubes are tubes that can be inserted between the camera's body and lens and can be used for it. Extension tubes help increase the focal distance of the lens from the sensors. A major disadvantage, however, is that autofocus options usually fail while using extension tubes and manual focusing is required for best results. Using dioptre lens in front of normal lens along with extension tubes can also help achieve a certain level of magnification and so can be used for macro photography.
Depth of field:
The depth of field in macro photography is extremely small and compressed because the camera gets extremely close to the subject and high levels of magnifications are required for macro photographs. Because of smaller depth of fields, extremely stable equipment and clear-cut focus is essential for this photography.
Lighting:
More lighting is required for this photography as compared to standard photography especially while using extension tubes. This is because extension tubes reduce the amount of light reaching the sensors. Another problem with macro photography is to make the subject appear evenly lit; the high level of magnification can make certain portions of the subject appear underexposed or over lit. This can be easily overcome by using flash or other lighting sources.
Subject:
Macro photography can use both small and large objects as subjects. Photographing a specific portion of the subject from different angles can make it appear extraordinary.
Macro photography requires a huge amount of creativity and careful attention to detail. Photographing from up close present new challenges which can be easily overcome by concentrating on some basics like changing the position of lighting or the level of magnification. No matter what the challenge, macro photography is an extremely captivating form of photography which presents to us a world that is rarely visible to the naked eye.
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