Challenge - Close-up/Macro

Challenge Topic: Close-up/Macro

Posting Date: Saturday, April 12, 2014

Online Background Information:

• Macro photography tips for point and shoot cameras
• Using macro mode effectively with a point and shoot camera
• Best camera settings for macro photography
• Top 10 macro photography tips
• Macro photography for flowers
• Tips for garden macro photography at home
• Macro nature photography tips for flower and insect close-ups
• A visual lesson in depth of field

Additional Tips and Suggestions:

In this challenge, you will get a deep appreciation for the beauty of our world on a small scale. Technically, macro photography refers to an image size is the same as the camera’s sensor size (i.e., 1:1 ratio). Close-up photography refers to a reproduction ratio from 1:10 to 1:1. Don’t worry about the specific ratio - just get in close! And it doesn’t matter if you have a point and shoot camera or a digital camera with interchangeable lenses. There are techniques that can be used based on your available equipment.

The links listed above provide a wealth of information. Here are some key points that will help you meet this challenge head-on:

• Use the macro setting on your camera, or else use aperture-preferred and adjust for the desired depth of field.
• Manual focus will give you more control than automatic.
• Use a tripod for your camera if at all possible, or else use some other means of camera support to avoid camera shake and blurry focus.
• If shooting outdoors, avoid a windy day.
• Carefully manage the light, including use of a reflector to fill in shadows and diffuser to soften harsh light.
• Be mindful of the background so that it does not detract from the subject.
• Good composition is key, so work the shots!

Instructions:

Prepare one to three of your own photographic images that feature a close-up or macro composition. You may use photos from your personal inventory or take new ones for this challenge. It’s your choice. Please include any information or tips that may be of assistance to other participants (e.g., how you took the images, post-processing details, camera settings, what you learned). If you have more than one blog, please present your challenge photos on only one of them.

The linkup tool will be available the day before the challenge date (April 11) and a couple days thereafter. Don’t forget to set up a calendar reminder for yourself!