Macro photography is the name used for taking close up photos of very small subjects like insects and flowers so that when enlarged, we can see detail that is missed by our eye, or, capturing specific details of larger subjects such as the human eye.

Technically, macro photography is when you are achieving a 1:1 (life size) magnification. So, if we were to photograph the tip of a pencil, this would be projected the exact same size onto your digital sensor.  True macro lenses offer this 1:1 as a standard feature. There are some zoom lenses that claim to offer macro capabilities, but in reality, they are better described as a close focus feature. This isn’t a bad thing as if you’re dipping your toe into this genre of photography as it’s a great way to see if you want to go and spend the $$ to get a dedicated macro lens.

Macro photography probably more than other form of photography takes a lot of practice just to get a half decent shot. Personally, I’ve learnt and gained a lot of patience over the years of taking macro photos but I can truly say that at times it’s been so frustrating! This is mainly due to the magnifications / distance you’re working with and because any camera movement is “magnified” by the lens system. You therefore need to get comfortable and understand the various factors affecting the type of shot you are taking and practice a lot.

This form of photography opens up a whole new photographic playground and encourages creativity – abstract shapes, textures, colour and of course light.

To view some images of every day items used creatively with the macro lens – check out The Macro Queen

Have you ever given any thought to what shadows can do for an image?

Sometimes as photographers we work really really hard to eliminate all shadows, and in some cases – it’s not a bad idea!

However, in our creative efforts, one can sometimes over look the value of what a shadow can do.

Not only can they create an amazing image on their own but they add depth and can make for some interesting shapes.

Camera Settings:

ISO 100

TV 1/200

AV 11

To create the shadow I used my twin lites and my 580EXII to the camera’s right.

For some inspiration, type in the words “shadows in Photography” into google and the most amazing images will appear.

When you take a photo – think about what you would like to say to your audience?

What story do you want to tell them?

Pictures tell a story. The language is the colour, shapes and textures.

Macro photography provides a unique opportunity to show to others what happens in a world that can be too small for us to see with the naked eye.

Take the image below  -  here we have two green ants (and yes – they are the ones that bite) tending to some aphids, they are in fact ‘milking’ them. The ants love the product that the aphids produce and you should have seen them running back and forth along that small stalk of grass.

So, without the use of any words we get a glimpse into the life and and see a side of  Green Ants that we may never have known about.

Camera Settings:

ISO 400

TV 1/125

AV 11

I also used my twin lite flash.