what is macro photography

Macro photography is close-range photography for high detail but does not require the help of an optical magnifier such as a microscope. Macro photography usually has a 1: 1 ratio of the size of the image that is produced the same size as the original object. For example, in 35 mm film, the lens should be able to focus on an area as small as 24 × 36 mm, ie the size of the image on the film.
For macro photography, macro lenses are the right choice. This type of lens usually has a magnification of 1: 1 or even more. But unfortunately, the macro lens is identical with the expensive price. Therefore, you can use alternatives like using extension tube, reverse ring or close up filter. Here's how you can go to get macro photos for a low cost.

The first way is to Filter close up. The close up filter is a filter mounted in front of the lens (like a regular filter) whose function is like a magnifying glass useful for obtaining the desired focus magnification. In this way, although it does not have a macro lens, with a regular kit lens can also be used for macro photography.

The second way is to use reverse ring. Actually how it works reverse ring is the same as turning the lens to be used for macro photos. Reverse ring is just a tool that funsingnya to unify the camera body with the lens is reversed.

The third way is with macro extention tube. This extention tube is shaped like a pipe mounted between the camera body and the lens. The goal is to get a closer focus distance in order to focus on photographing small objects.


Use Narrow Aperture
Execute macro photos are usually done with very rarely close. And the resulting image will have a very narrow space (DoF). Therefore, use a narrow aperture (f / 8 and up) to expand the sharper space gained.

Try not to use high ISO
If the tool you are using does not allow for great gain, and intends to zoom in by cropping, try not to use the ISO too high. ISO is too high will cause grain on the image, especially when you do cropping. Grain also tends to reduce the sharpness of the photo.

Make sure the camera is not shake / shake
A narrow DoF on a macro photo has an effect on the difficulty of focusing on the object. Just a little shake, then the focus is certain to miss. To overcome this, make sure the camera does not experience shake when it will execute. You can use a tripod if you wish. However this can be overcome by using high speed above 1/125. It is also useful to anticipate the movement of insects.

Use the help of a flash light
The macro photos produced with natural light are of course excellent. But I rarely can execute macro photos with narrow aperture settings - low ISO - high speed without flash help. If you do not have an external flash, you can use the internal flash on the camera.

Try to always use manual focus
To get maximum zoom, try to always use manual focus. The trick, setting your lens on manual focus, and use the nearest focal point. Then find the right focus by pushing the lens in front of the object to get the right focus.