Photography encourages us to look around and see the world in all its wonder, forcing us to focus on the big picture and appreciate it. This is undoubtedly beneficial, and can help produce truly staggering images.

However, there are some images that conjure forth an altogether different sense of awe. For example…

Or perhaps…

Or even…

The above photographs are stunning in a different way to the norm. Rather than encouraging a view of a vast expanse, a breathtaking landscape, they take the complete opposite route to producing an incredible image: a macro image. Learning how to take macro photographs can give you an entirely new appreciation of the world on the smallest possible scale, and introduce a new layer to your photography skill set.

If you’re tempted to try macro photography, here are a few things you need to know…

Detail is everything

With standard photography, detail is important, but the overall picture is also important.

With macro photography, detail is everything. The entire point of macro photography is that you’re supposed to pick out the small, the intricate– and that means you may need to be willing to spend awhile crafting the perfect shot. Macro photography requires more patience than any other kind of photography, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

It will take awhile to get the hang of it

Learning how to take good macro photographs takes a long time, which means you’re likely to have a sharp learning curve. Your first efforts are unlikely to meet your ideal expectations, but don’t give up; you’ll get there in the end! If you’re really struggling, then photography workshops with macro photography programmes can help get you up to speed, but you’re still going to have to work at the process to get it right.

You don’t need expensive equipment

Many amateur photographers look at a macro photograph and assume that they are going to need to spend a small fortune on lenses and other camera equipment. This isn’t the case; lenses will help with macro photography, but they can’t guarantee a good photograph. You can take perfectly good macro photographs with relatively little equipment, provided you have the willingness to take the time to capture the perfect shot.

Lighting is everything

Lighting is always important for photography, but it is especially important for macro. For example, all of the images above have bright, indirect light to help illuminate the small details and features that they are highlighting in the images. When you’re first learning how to take macro photographs, it’s best to do it outdoors during the golden hour, when the lighting conditions are most favourable.

In conclusion

Macro photography bucks the photography norms, seeking to produce truly unique images that show the world in all of its detail and variety. By learning how to take excellent macro photographs, you’ll both expand your photography knowledge and enhance your appreciation for the world around you.

Love, P

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