Abi Coop
Melissa Richard
Kristen Ryan
Intro to Macro Photography | by Molly Carstater
Intro to Macro Photography
Many of us who got into photography did so because we wanted to document moments of our kids’ lives. We wanted to capture their first steps, their sticky faces, their upturned heads. But what happens when they grow up and become teens? Of course, not all teens are unwilling models. But there is a distinct challenge when they aren’t home during the day and they are busy with homework and activities in the evenings. Some people turn to still life images or self portraits during this time. For me, the answer was macro photography. Want to learn about this wonderful genre? Here is an intro to Macro Photography.
Macro Photography has always been a love of mine. A macro lens was the first specialty lens I bought when I was starting photography. I would sneak out of the house when my kids were napping (taking the baby monitor with me, of course) and shoot the flowers and moss and bugs. I have long been enamored with being in and shooting nature. Now that my kids are teenagers, I shoot nature almost exclusively.
I love to discover the textures and colors in nature. Subtle veining in leaves and petals are such beautiful details. A spray bottle makes easy work of finding raindrops. I enjoy getting up close and observing details that are often overlooked when glancing at a flower in a garden. Although true macro work is considered to be at a 1:1 ratio, I personally have a looser definition. Anything I shoot with a close focusing distance works for me.
Of course, macro photography is not limited to nature, and many household objects lend themselves to the magnifying effects of macro work. It is fun to find a new perspective on everyday items.
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If you are interested in macro photography, a dedicated macro lens is an obvious choice, but there are other less expensive ways to get started, especially if you aren’t sure of the genre. I personally use the Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 micro lens as my primary macro lens but I also use the Lensbaby Velvet 56, with its short focusing distance of just five inches. In addition, at times I use extension tubes from Meike, a set of Lensbaby macro filters, and/or a Raynox snap on macro filter, all of which help magnify the subject. These range in price anywhere from around $35 to $70, which of course are much less expensive than a new lens. I often combine the filters and tubes with my lenses, which creates a distinctive look in my work, particularly when used with some of my Lensbaby lenses. With my accessories I can make just about any lens into a macro lens.
I love macro photography as a way to take time for myself and to quiet out the noise of the world; a sort of private meditation and introspection. I like that it does not require cooperation from human subjects; there are no posing issues or advanced techniques. In the winter in particular, I just come home from the grocery store with a bouquet of ordinary flowers and work to transform them into something magical in front of my lens. All the while, being present with my camera and a bit of nature.
Fantastic article and such beautiful examples of macro.