Macro Photography
Students will understand what macro photography is and create a macro photograph.
What is Macro Photography?
Macro Photography is extreme close-up photography, usually of very small subjects. For a photograph to be considered "macro" the size of the subject in the photograph must be greater than life size. When shooting macro photography, a "macro" lens specifically designed for close-up work is generally used. These macro lenses have long barrels to allow for close focusing and are optimized for excellent optical quality. True macro lenses are able to magnify subjects, enabling photography of extremely small subject matter- such as small insect eyes, snowflakes, and other small objects. |
Depth of Field
When studying depth of field, one major factor is how close your camera is to your subject. The closer you are to your subject, the shallower your depth of field. You will be getting very close to your subject with macro photography, you can expect to have a shallow depth of field in the photograph. Sometimes, your depth of field can be too shallow and you will not be able to get your entire subject in focus. You will only be able to get part of it. If this happens, you will need to move your camera one "stop" down (a high f/stop number) to increase the depth of field to see your entire subject in focus. No matter what your f/stop number is, make sure that the most important part of your subject is in focus, since this is where your viewer's attention will go. |
Playing with Exposure
In classic nature photography, the artistic tradition is a very shallow depth of field and requires an open aperture (low f/stop value). However, if your depth of field is so shallow that you cannot get your entire subject in focus, you will want to stop down your aperture size to increase depth of field. Getting "up close and personal" will honestly depend on your lens, not your camera. Ideally, you would want to use an actual macro lens for this project, however, your camera may not have the necessary attachments for such a lens. |
Your Assignment:
Take at least 15 great macro shots. Look for interesting details in everyday objects, parts of buildings, plants, flowers, insects, people, anything! Try to use an aperture exposure mode to create a desirable depth of field in your photograph. Use either Auto or Manual focus to make sure that all or part of your subject is sharp and in focus.
Take at least 15 great macro shots. Look for interesting details in everyday objects, parts of buildings, plants, flowers, insects, people, anything! Try to use an aperture exposure mode to create a desirable depth of field in your photograph. Use either Auto or Manual focus to make sure that all or part of your subject is sharp and in focus.