Getting started with macro photography

Macro photography is a window into the world of the tiny, into an amazing universe that often goes unnoticed in our daily lives. Capturing macro images allows us to reveal the beauty hidden in insects, plants or small objects. And beyond the techniques and equipment needed (which photography often seems to be reduced to), macro is a creative adventure that awakens curiosity and imagination.

See with new eyes

The first step to diving into the world of macro photography is to change your perspective. Instead of looking at the big picture, start looking at the small, the details of a world on another scale: the veins on a leaf, the tiny hairs on a flower, or the texture of a shell. Every small object is an opportunity to discover shapes, colors, and patterns.

Leaves and plants: Look at a leaf and notice the intricate network of veins running across its surface.

Flowers: Look at the petals of a flower. Instead of just seeing the big picture, notice the tiny hairs, filaments, and texture.

Insects: The wings of a butterfly are a spectacle in themselves. Capture the scales that give them color and pattern.

Experiment with composition

Macro photography gives us the opportunity to experiment with composition in a unique way. Play with symmetry, asymmetry, and depth of field to create striking and emotional images. Try different angles and framing to highlight the beauty of your subject and tell intriguing visual stories.

Symmetry: Find a subject that has a natural symmetry, such as a flower or a spider on its web. Focus on the center and capture that perfect symmetry.

Asymmetry: Not everything has to be perfectly balanced. An example might be a snail on a leaf. Place the snail on one side of the frame and leave negative space on the other side to create an interesting visual effect.

Angles: Try different angles. For example, instead of photographing a flower from above, shoot from below looking up at the sky. This change can give a new dimension to the image.

Depth of field: Play with the aperture of the lens to control the depth of field. An example might be to focus on the tip of a pencil and let the background fade into a soft blur, thus highlighting the main subject.

Find beauty in everyday life

One of the great advantages of macro photography is that you don’t have to travel to exotic places to find interesting subjects. Everything you need is right there, in your garden, on your terrace or balcony, in the park or even inside your home. Exploring your surroundings with an open mind will allow you to discover a world of photographic possibilities in the most unexpected places.

At home: Look at everyday objects like a spoon or a grain of salt. Under the macro lens, a spoon can reveal imperfections and textures that normally go unnoticed.

In the garden: A simple drop of water on a leaf can become a beautiful reflected landscape. Experiment with capturing the reflection and shape of the drop.

In the park: Tree bark has unique patterns and textures. Photograph them up close to highlight those features.

Experiment with lighting

Light is a fundamental element in macro photography, as it can completely transform the appearance of your subjects. Play with natural light, taking advantage of the hours of sunrise and sunset to obtain a soft, warm light. You can also experiment with artificial light sources, such as flashlights or flashes, to create dramatic effects and play with shadows.

Natural light: Go out early in the morning or wait for sunset. The soft, warm light of these hours of the day can make colors look more vivid and shadows softer. An example would be photographing a flower illuminated by the golden rays of the sun at dawn.

Artificial light: Use a flashlight to illuminate an insect at night. The concentrated light can create dramatic shadows and highlight specific details.

Reflections and diffusers: If you are working in direct, harsh sunlight, use a diffuser to soften the light. A simple piece of white cloth can do wonders to disperse the light and reduce harsh shadows.

Let your imagination run wild

Macro photography is a field where you can let your imagination and creativity run wild. Don’t just capture the obvious; experiment with abstraction, digital manipulation and creative techniques to create unique and original images. There are no strict rules in photography, so there’s no reason to stop yourself from exploring and expressing yourself authentically.