Macro photography is capturing extreme up close images of a subject. In technical terms, the right description would be taking images at about 1:1 ratio of a subject. Most macro photographic lenses have magnification ratios of 1:1 or 1:5. In 1:1 magnification ratio, the size of the subject in the image would be almost the same as in real life. Taking macro pictures can be done in a compact camera or in a DSLR. The images taken in a point and shoot camera are exceptional but expect the DSLR with attached macro lenses to be better. Here are some tips on digital photography macro.
1.Macro mode. Change the camera setting to macro mode. It is usually the little flower symbol in most cameras. When the macro mode is selected, the camera will automatically focus on the subject close to the lens of your camera.
2.Aperture control. While using the macro mode, some cameras doesn’t allow you to control the aperture settings. It is very useful to have control of the aperture adjustments in order to get the right field of depth and impact in your shots. The main objective in macro photography is to have shallow depth. This can be done by choosing large aperture (low number) to allow you to focus well on your subject while blurring out the background. While smaller aperture (high number) allows you to have a larger depth that will focus on everything, which is usually used in landscape shots.
3.Focusing on the subject. It is very helpful to have manual control on the focusing. Although some cameras do not allow you to manually control the focusing when in macro mode. Manual focusing allows you to focus on the right angle of the subject.
4.Flash. Most macro shots require an artificial light to improve its quality. The problem with compact cameras is the limited control over the flash. Thus, it is advisable to take macro photos during the day especially when using point and shoot cameras. Using diffusers can be helpful when flash is really needed in a shot. For compact cameras, you can also try putting tissue paper over your flash as it may act as a diffuser.
5.Use a tripod. It can be very useful even when using a compact camera. This can keep your camera still and prevents blur in the image.
6.Use the timer. While the camera is attached to the tripod, it is advisable to use the timer to eliminate camera shake, which usually happens while pressing the shutter release button. A wireless remote can also be used to trigger the shutter release button.
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