A Guide to Macro Photography:
10 Tips for Beginners
Macro photography is all about getting up close and personal with the tiniest details of the world around us. Imagine capturing the intricate ridges of an insect's wing or the delicate threads of a spider's web. But how can you get started?
With the help of Product Specialist Lizzie James at Jessops, we'll cover everything there is to know about macro photography in our beginner's guide.
Contents
What is the best camera for macro photography?
Essential equipment needed for macro photography
What is macro photography?
Macro photography is a technique that reveals the tiny textures and colours found in smaller subjects. In technical terms, it involves magnifying your subject so that it's reproduced on your camera's sensor at a life-size scale or even larger.
Initially, macro was a tool for scientists — especially biologists — to document intricate details of plants and animals. But as cameras became more widespread, macro's appeal grew. It transformed everyday subjects into captivating close-up images, uncovering patterns and details that standard photos couldn't.
What is the best camera for macro photography?
When it comes to capturing high-quality, close-up shots, starting with the right camera is essential. So, what's the best one for macro photography?
DSLR cameras — These cameras have big sensors that capture lots of detail. They work with many different lenses, so you can pick the right one for whatever you're shooting.
Mirrorless cameras — These cameras are increasingly becoming favourites in the macro world. Unlike traditional viewfinders in DSLRs, a mirrorless camera’s digital viewfinder gives photographers the advantage of previewing shots in real-time, allowing for on-the-spot adjustments. This is invaluable in macro, where precision can make or break an image. Coupled with their compact design and adaptability to various macro lenses, mirrorless cameras provide both convenience and performance. To learn more about these cameras, read our mirrorless camera buying guide.
Compact cameras (point and shoots) — For those on a budget, don't underestimate these! Many modern compacts come with a special macro mode. They're user-friendly and more affordable, making them a great choice for beginners or those looking to dip their toes into macro without a hefty price tag.
While DSLRs offer versatility with lens choices and big sensors, for the perfect blend of real-time previewing and adaptability, mirrorless cameras might be the best pick for macro photography.
To find the right camera that suits your needs, read our beginner's guide to choosing the best digital camera.
Essential equipment needed for macro photography
Camera
Whether you choose a DSLR, mirrorless or compact, a good digital camera is, of course, the first thing you need to get started with macro photography.
Macro lens
A dedicated macro lens can focus very closely and provide a 1:1 magnification, meaning the subject's size on the sensor is the same as in real life. They come in various focal lengths, usually from 35mm to 200mm. The longer the focal length, the greater the working distance you'll have.
Short (35-60mm) — Short lenses are compact, lightweight, and often affordable, but they do come with a catch: you'll need to get quite close to your subject. While they might not be your first pick for those flighty bugs, they excel in capturing still-life scenes and vibrant flowers.
Mid-range (60-105mm) — These macro lenses strike a balance between working distance and magnification, making them a versatile choice for many photographers.
Long (150-200mm) — Long macro lenses provide the maximum working distance. They're ideal for capturing the details in subjects like butterflies or dragonflies from a distance without disturbing them. However, they're the heaviest and most expensive type of macro lens.
If you're just diving into the world of macro photography, the mid-range is a solid starting point. It offers flexibility without pushing you too close or too far away from your subject, making it a great lens to learn and grow with.
Tripod
Stability is key when dealing with such intricate details; even the slightest shake can blur your shot. That’s why a tripod is essential to ensure your camera remains steady. This is especially crucial during longer exposures, as the camera's shutter remains open for an extended period, making it highly sensitive to any movement.
Remote shutter release
When you're working with subjects that are heavily magnified, any vibration or shift in the camera's position can result in loss of focus and image blurriness. That's where a remote shutter release comes in handy. It lets you take pictures without even touching your camera, which means no vibrations and much sharper, steadier shots.
Nice-to-have equipment for macro photography
Extension tubes
Extension tubes attach to your existing lens, extending the focal length. Increasing the distance between your camera's sensor and the lens allows for closer focusing, making your subject appear larger in the frame. They prove particularly useful when you have a longer focal lens and want to shorten the distance for closer shots.
Ring flash vs LED ring light
While natural lighting is preferred for most photographers, sometimes it's just not possible. Lighting can make or break a macro shot, so it's best to have a ring flash in your tool kit.
Ring flashes often produce softer and more evenly distributed light compared to the concentrated burst of light from a built-in flash. This can help create a more flattering and natural look, especially in close-up photography, where harsh shadows can be particularly problematic.
Or, you can opt for an LED ring light placed right in front of your subject.
Shooting through this circular light source offers continuous illumination, ideal for avoiding startling your subject with a sudden flash.
Macro photography tips
Fill the frame
“If you're capturing an abstract pattern, like pebbles on the beach or a zebra's stripes, get up close and personal with your subject,” says Lizzie. “Fill the frame so it seems like the pattern stretches on forever, and remove any distracting objects from the frame, like branches or debris.”
These kinds of images make great wallpapers for laptops and phones or even canvas prints.
Plan what you want to capture
“In macro photography, small adjustments matter a lot,” says Lizzie. “That's why planning is your best friend. Before you click the shutter, take a moment to picture the shot in your mind. What details do you want to highlight? What challenges might you face? By planning ahead, you increase your chances of getting the shot you envisioned and minimise the risk of ending up with blurry photos.”
Practice on still life
Lizzie explains: “A great way to build your confidence and skills when it comes to macro photography is to start with still-life subjects. These subjects won't scurry away or flutter off, making them perfect for practising your close-up shots.”
“Set up a small scene with objects like flowers, shells, or everyday items. The fridge is also a good place to start; items like fruits and vegetables can provide interesting textures and colours for your practice sessions.”
Try experimenting with different lighting, angles, and compositions so you become more familiar with your camera's settings.
Adjust your aperture
"In macro photography, your depth of field (how much of the image is in focus) becomes quite limited," says Lizzie. "When you're extremely close to your subject, you'll have a very shallow area of sharp focus to deal with, so a millimetre either way will have a dramatic effect on your final image."
"It may be best to use an aperture of f/2.8 or wider, as this will ensure the focus is purely on your subject and also provides a non-distracting background for you to set your subject against."
"However, if you're subject is larger, you may find yourself having to use a higher aperture than you first thought, like f/8. This adjustment will broaden the depth of field, ensuring your entire subject is in focus."
"Switch off your autofocus and experiment to see what works for you — you'll have much more control over where you place the focus point!"
Use a fast shutter speed
“You'll notice how much things move when you're getting up close and personal with your subjects,” explains Lizzie. “Even a slight breath or the tiniest movement can cause your subject to tremble and result in blurry photos. Thankfully, shutter speed — a camera setting that determines how long the shutter remains open when taking a photo — can help with this. A fast shutter speed freezes motion, capturing subjects in pin-sharp detail.”
“However, using a fast shutter speed lets in less light, potentially leading to underexposed photos. To ensure your subjects stay sharp and well-lit, consider adding extra light, like incorporating a ring light into your setup.”
Take plenty of shots
Lizzie says, “By taking plenty of shots, you increase your chances of getting that one perfect image where every detail is immaculate. Plus, each shot offers an opportunity to experiment with different angles, lighting, and focal points.”
It's a chance to be creative and find new ways to capture your subject!
Experiment with colour
Lizzie says, “If you're working with a macro subject on a tabletop studio or other controlled setting, have a go at experimenting with coloured backgrounds to see how the different shades affect your final image. You can easily pick up packs of coloured cards at a stationery shop. These will give you a range of different options to play with, adding a touch of creativity to your shots.”
Utilise natural light
“While macro photography often involves controlled lighting setups, don't overlook the beauty of natural light,” explains Lizzie. “Try shooting your subjects in different lighting conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and warmer. The angle of natural light can create stunning highlights and shadows that add depth to your shots.”
Share your work
Lizzie says, “Remember to share your macro masterpieces with others on social media. Showcasing your work isn't just about flaunting your talent; it's also a fantastic way to receive valuable feedback and inspire others!”
You can share your close-up captures with us on Instagram, X (formally known as Twitter) or Facebook for a chance to get featured!
Practice
Lizzie explains: “Practice makes perfect with macro photography! Like any skill, it gets better the more you do it. Be patient, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and subjects.”
Best macro lenses
Best for capturing detailed shots without getting too close | £1,439
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Lens
Lizzie says, “This Canon macro lens, thanks to its 100mm focal length, is fantastic for capturing details without having to get too close to your subjects. It also offers an exceptional 1.4x close-up magnification, allowing you to reveal intricate details you might not even see with your naked eye.”
“Plus, the image stabiliser ensures your photos remain crisp and sharp, especially when you're hand-holding the camera in low light or tricky situations.”
Best for both video and stills | £1,049
Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
“This Nikon macro lens comes packed with features that are particularly great for up-close video recording,” says Lizzie. “The autofocus (AF) operates quietly, so you won't hear distracting lens noises like whirring, clicking, or buzzing in your videos.”
“Another useful feature is the smooth and steady aperture control. This helps keep your videos steady to avoid those accidental jolts in your footage.”
“Sometimes, when you're recording a video and change the focus, it can look like the image is zooming in or out a bit. Well, with this lens, that annoying effect is minimised. Your focus transitions will be super smooth, and your videos will look more professional."
More affordable option | Only £499
Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm Macro Lens
This lens, designed for Olympus mirrorless digital cameras, brings your subjects to life in true 1:1 life size.
"This lens offers fantastic features while being on the lower end of the price range for macro lenses," says Lizzie.
"The focus dial is a handy tool for adjusting what the lens focuses on. You can make it focus on things that are really close (from 0.19 to 0.4 metres) or on things that are quite far away (from 0.19 metres to a long distance). Plus, there's a display that shows you the exact distance the camera is focusing on, giving you more control when you take your pictures."
"And it's not just technologically advanced on the inside; its rugged exterior is dust and splashproof, with a protective coating for the lens glass."
Improve your macro photography skills with Jessops
At Jessops, we have a wide range of macro lenses and cameras, as well as accessories like tripods and supports, remote shutter release controls and lighting to kickstart your macro photography journey.
If you need more advice and inspiration, check out our blog. Or, if you have any questions or you're unsure about which product is right for you, contact us today.
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