There are times where you just want to incorporate that little bit extra detail into your photos. Macro photography is the perfect approach, while also a thoroughly challenging and enjoyable experience. Naturally, the process is all about a close up, but is macro photography really as straightforward as that? No, not really, but take heed of these points and you’ll deliver impressive results.

Use a suitable support

If you’re using a regular lens, one of the difficult aspects when shooting close ups at ground level is ensuring the camera remains steady. Rather than trying to find a support for your hands or body, instead consider one for your camera. For example, specialty tripods or even cushions and beanbags can be great as props to minimise any movement. Similarly, where appropriate, you can use one of your hands or a purpose made device to steady the object that you are shooting.

Consider aperture and shutter speed

Macro photography involves its own set of challenges when it comes to depth of field. For steady objects where you are using a larger aperture and small exposure period, it’s easy to end up with a photo that lacks focus around the periphery. This may be a desired style. If it isn’t, opting for a longer exposure and slower shutter speed can minimise the effects of this problem, although you should also test your ISO settings.

Shoot continuously

You may find that in some conditions, it’s difficult to contend with the natural elements and deliver that perfect shot. Accordingly, setting your digital camera to a burst or continuous setting will help you account for the variations in wind and rain. In saying this, rain droplets can be great to shoot!

With these settings enabled, you should be able to take some shots that are in focus and not obscured by any weather related factors. One thing to watch out for however, particularly if you’re not shooting a stationary object, is auto focus. In this instance, if the object is moving, you may be better served using manual focus and taking repeated shots manually.

Gear up

Nowadays, there are few difficulties for one to find a variety of macro lenses for DSLRs with different focal lengths. Your focal length may depend on what you are shooting. If it’s an insect that you need to be further away from, a longer focal length will be necessary. These type of lenses provide a great, but expensive, solution where you’re targeting magnification down to a 1:1 level.

Another solution, where you’re shooting small scale subjects, is to use extension tubes. These are installed between the lens and camera body, allowing closer levels of focus as their size increases. Be wary though, not only can they be cumbersome to install, but if you’re using a short lens with long tube extension, you could run into issues. Photographers can also use close up filters (doptres), which are secured onto existing lenses and act in a magnifying capacity.

Last but not least, tame back the flash on your camera by using a material such as cloth or plastic that diffuses its intensity. If the light of your flash is still overbearing, adjust your camera’s settings so any shadows created by the flash are filled by existing light sources. This may involve adjusting your shutter speed, so as always, balance against your ISO to maintain focus.