How To Take The Perfect Macro Photo

Choose the right lens

Invest in quality lenses. When it comes to macro photography, lenses are just as important as the camera itself. Look for lenses that have focal lengths between 100mm and 200mm and feature macro capabilities (indicated by “macro” or “makro” in the name). Canon and Nikon both make great macro lenses that are sure to take your photos to the next level!

Get close to your subject

The whole point of macro photography is to get close-up shots of your subject. To do this, you’ll need to use a tripod or set your camera on a stable surface. Then, position yourself so that you’re about 6 inches away from your subject. If you’re using a DSLR, set your camera to manual focus mode. This will allow you to fine-tune the focus so that your subject is sharp and in focus. For mirrorless cameras, use the electronic viewfinder or LCD screen to compose your shot.

Use natural light

Know your lighting. Proper lighting is essential for taking great photos — no matter what kind of photography you’re doing! When taking macro photos, pay attention to where the light is coming from and try to position yourself so that the light is hitting your subject from the side or behind. This will help prevent harsh shadows and ensure that your photo is evenly lit.

Whenever possible, try to use natural light when taking macro photos. This will help prevent shadows and make your subject appear more natural. If you’re shooting indoors, set up your shot near a window where there’s plenty of natural light coming in.

Lighting is also crucial for taking great macro photos. The best lighting for macro photography is diffused natural light. This means that you’ll want to avoid direct sunlight, as it can create harsh shadows and make your subjects look washed out. Instead, try photographing in an area that is shaded or near a window where there is plenty of indirect light. If you’re using artificial light, consider using a diffuser to soften the light and avoid creating harsh shadows.

Use a tripod

When you’re zoomed in so close to your subject, even the slightest movement can result in a blurry photo. By using a tripod, you can rest assured that your camera will stay perfectly still.

Adjust your aperture

A wider aperture (a lower f-stop number) will result in a shallower depth of field, which can be helpful for isolating your subject from the background. Conversely, a narrower aperture (a higher f-stop number) will give you a greater depth of field, which is perfect for photos that include multiple subjects at different distances from the camera.

Shutter speed

Be mindful of your shutter speed. If you’re handholding your camera, you’ll want to use a faster shutter speed to avoid blurring. On the other hand, if you’re using a tripod, you can get away with using a slower shutter speed and capture some amazing detail! Just be sure not to use too slow of a shutter speed, or else you’ll end up with a blurry photo.

Focus

Getting sharp focus is essential for taking great macro photos. When focusing your camera, make sure to use manual focus so that you can fine-tune the focus until it’s just right. It can be helpful to use live view when focusing so that you can see exactly where the camera is focused on your LCD screen. Once you have your subject in focus, take a few test shots to make sure that everything looks sharp before taking your final photo.

Use a flash

A lot of macro photographers avoid using flash, but if used correctly, it can really help to bring out the details in your subject. Try using a diffuser with your flash to soften the light and avoid washing out your subject.

Shoot in RAW format

When you shoot in RAW format, you’ll have much more flexibility when it comes to editing your photos later on. If you’re not happy with the photo you took, don’t worry — with RAW files, you can make all sorts of adjustments in post-processing without losing any quality.

Use the rule of thirds

When composing your photo, imagine your frame divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Place your subject at one of the intersections or along one of the lines. This will help create an interesting and visually appealing photo.

Consider the background

Because your subject will be up close and center, it’s important to pay attention to what’s going on in the background. A busy or cluttered background can take away from your subject, so try to find a background that is simple and clean.

Shoot in manual mode

When you’re first starting out, it’s tempting to shoot in automatic mode so that you don’t have to worry about all of the different camera settings. However, if you want full control over your photos, we recommend shooting in manual mode instead. This will allow you to adjust things like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO so that you can get exactly the results you’re looking for.

Experiment with different perspectives

Take some time to walk around your subject and experiment with different angles and perspectives until you find one that really works well for your photo composition. It’s often helpful to get down low or up high to get a unique perspective on your subject matter.

Be patient

Taking great macro photos takes time and patience. Don’t expect to get it right on the first try — keep practising, and eventually you’ll get the hang of it!

Edit carefully

Once you’ve taken your perfect photo, it’s time to edit! Be careful not to go overboard with editing, as this can quickly ruin an otherwise great photo. A few simple adjustments — such as increasing contrast or saturation, sharpening the image, or removing any unwanted blemishes — can make all the difference in the world!

Composition

One of the most important aspects of taking a great macro photo is composition. When composing your shot, think about what you want the focus of the photo to be and how you can frame it in an interesting way. For example, if you’re photographing a flower, you may want to focus on just the petals or the center of the flower. Experiment with different compositions and see what works best for the subject you’re photographing.

Taking great macro photos takes practice — but with these tips in mind, anyone can do it! Just remember to use a tripod for stability, adjust your aperture accordingly, be mindful of your shutter speed, invest in quality lenses, know your lighting, and edit carefully; before long, you’ll be taking stunning close-up photos like a pro!

Hope to see you guys photographing soon!

Kasia

My name is Kasia and I am a bridal, baby, engagement, and portrait photographer. I love long walks and photographing people, animals and beautiful nature scenes.