What is Macro Photography? Tips for taking the best macro photos

Macro is a genre of photography that is no stranger to camera holders, requiring sophisticated and creative but very interesting. Let’s learn about Macro photography and tips for taking the best macro photos!

What is macro photography?

Macro photography , also known as close-up mode, is a mode that allows capturing small subjects at very close distances.

Macro images obtained from the subject are usually scaled from 1:2 (2 times smaller than the subject), 1:1 to 10:1 (10 times larger than the subject), sometimes up to 20:1.

Macro mode is always exciting for users because it brings completely new perspectives on familiar objects such as flowers, grass, sprouts, small insects, …

Factors to consider when shooting macro

Shooting subject

In the art of macro photography, we have a lot of topics to choose from, for example: nature, jewelry, materials, mechanical parts, electronic parts, or human parts, etc.

Remember, the subject to be photographed macro must occupy at least 75% of the frame. Because macro photography has the main purpose of drawing the viewer into a subject that may be ordinary in nature but not trivial in the art of macro photography.

Suitable lenses

As for choosing technical equipment, choosing the magnification ratio of the macro lens is extremely important. The macro lens has a standard magnification ratio of 1:1, if this ratio is less than 1:1 it means that the lens is not a macro lens.

Specifically, with a lens with a focal length of 50 – 65mm , you can shoot fabrics, wool, jewelry or small mechanical and electronic parts. But if the lens has a focal length of 85 – 180mm , this is a great lens for you to photograph flowers and insects.

Tripod

When shooting close-ups with macro, you should invest in a tripod to avoid being out of focus due to hand tremors . For the art of macro photography, just a light breath or a little shake can make you lose a good picture.

Depth of Field (DOF)

A good photo always has to have a clear and sharp image. Criteria for macro images and also to distinguish them from other types of images is that in addition to the above two factors, there is another criterion that is depth of field (DOF) .

To increase DOF you need to keep the aperture as small as possible and focus manually – a technique used to increase sharpness in the subject area.

Shooting speed

Try to learn to control your shutter speed because the subject is not always static. Especially when you’re shooting insect subjects – subjects that are elusive.

If the subject is in a dynamic state, you should press the camera quickly to capture the ideal pose and angle.

Light element

In the art of macro photography, light is essential. My advice is to use a diffuser . This device will help the light of the flash become “softer”, more natural.

Terms related to macro photography

Magnification

Magnification determines the ratio between the actual size of the object and its image recorded on the film or sensor . It is calculated as the distance between the film plane and the object with the focal length of the lens.

For example, when the image of the object on the film is the same size as the actual size, we say the magnification is 1 :1 or 1x . If the image is twice as large as the actual object, then the magnification is 2:1 or 2x.

Shooting distance

The minimum focusing distance is measured from the subject to the rear focus point of the lens, which is the image sensor plane on the camera body. The term “shooting distance” is used to describe the distance between the subject and the front of the lens.

Nikon 200mm f/4 and Canon 180mm f/3.5 are two examples of macro photography lenses with great working distance.

Macro photography: Should you buy a DSLR or Mirrorless camera?

For macro photography, both DSLR and Mirrorless cameras can produce beautiful photos. However, each type has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Mirrorless cameras have better manual focus and reviewing your photos without taking your eyes off the viewfinder is a plus if you want quick tweaks to sharpness and exposure.

However, with Mirrorless cameras you should equip one with an electronic viewfinder. Since Mirrorless cameras don’t have a mirror, sometimes capturing and keeping a steady macro photo with the rear LCD monitor, especially at extreme magnifications like 1:1, is a nightmare.

Even so, since Mirrorless cameras typically cost more than DSLRs in their class, you might consider choosing a DSLR instead.

Macro photography: Should you buy a full-frame camera or a crop camera?

With macro photography, full frame cameras give better results than crop cameras. If you take a photo without zooming in to the maximum, the camera will save on every detail of the object that we take.

It is the exact reflection of what the subject has in the image. Each of the smallest parts of the object’s body is depicted with sharpness and depth.

Therefore, a full-frame camera will be a perfect choice when shooting macro.

How to take macro for the best photos

Here are some tips you need to know when taking macro photos to get the best images:

• When you take Macro photos, the depth of field is very low and you can only focus on the subject. Just shaking your hand a little is considered losing a beautiful photo. So use a tripod and do not change the position of the camera when shooting.
• To limit the movement of the subject, increase the shutter speed . In the case of using a fast shutter speed and the image is underexposed, open the aperture more. If it still doesn’t work, don’t slow down the shutter speed, but turn on the flash.
• Opening the aperture allows more light to pass through the lens and also reduces the depth of field. So choose the right aperture parameter.

• Choose the right background scene . If the background is too bright or closing the aperture, that doesn’t work, then change the shooting position.
• Avoid using a high ISO speed , as this will result in noise in the image. Use the lowest ISO speed possible.
• You should also avoid using Autofocus autofocus mode, but instead focus manually to get the best photo!

Above is information about photography and tips for taking the best macro photos that Tnhelearning.edu.vn shares with you. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below the article.