Macro Magic

 Macro photography is used to emphasise the detail, pattern & texture of an object, usually from a very close view point. A special macro lens is usually used but you can use a zoom lens and add extension tubes to it and this will produce a much bigger image than the original. Close up filters can also be added to your lens. The magic of macro photography is that it allows us to record detail that we cannot see with the human eye. Apart from recording accurate detail of subjects by using an f/16-f/22 stop, Macro photography allows you to be very creative by focusing on a selected COI and using a small DOF e.g f/2.8 . A flower is a good example, focus on the centre and you will only have that focus point  sharp and the rest will be blurred, or focus on the rim of a petal and it will be sharp and all the rest blurred. These kinds of shots are also where the magic comes into it so you are looking for subject matter that you can be creative with and produce a magical effect. Play around with different DOF, angles, different points to focus on, different lighting, different colour background, reflective surfaces, etc. Take many different photos of the one object. Don’t limit yourself to flora and fauna but look at everyday objects around the house, try to find interesting shapes, lines patterns etc in these. Don’t forget composition is still very important. The use of a tripod or beanbag to rest your camera on is almost a must. The topic is Macro Magic not just Macro so we are looking for Magic in your images. Keep your images simple.