Macro photography is a kind of close-up photography. The classical definition is photography in which the image on film is at least as large as the subject. Macro photography permits us to explore objects that cannot be appreciated with the human eye, and thus shooting images with a macro lens is an interesting and exciting area of photography. Even though there is an infinite number of subjects that can be explored in macro photography, the most common one is centred on the natural world - plants, flowers and insects of all types. Some of the more creative photographers use macro photography for abstract imagery.


The key element in macro photography is the right choice of lens. In some cases of close-up photography, using a telephoto lens may be acceptable, but the macro lens is essential to get really close and to get really accurate focusing. For some objects in nature, especially insects, a lens with a long focal lens - minimum 200 mm - is required. It is also important to keep a working distance from the subject to get a successful image, as frightening the subject away would ruin the take. A limitation when shooting close-ups is with depth-of-field; it is therefore relevant to focus on the most important part of the subject to obtain an attractive image. This is easier achieved if the camera is placed on a tripod or monopod, and, in addition, using your tripod reduces the risk of camera shake.


Another significant factor to bear in mind is subject movement. As macro photography magnifies the subject, the room for blur is increased. A strobe unit can be used to freeze movement - even on the brightest of days you should consider using your strobe unit. Try bouncing light from your strobe unit off a reflector to give your image a softer illumination. Experiment, have fun, be creative and keep taking pictures until you get the kind of images that you like. As in every type of photography, and in life in general, practice makes the master.

[Photography by María Eugenia Espejo titled 'Green Hand']