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3.3: Taking close-up photos

  • Page ID
    151086
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    It is getting easier to take close-up photos of tiny things in nature because many digital cameras offer a macro mode. The macro mode is designed to focus at a very short distance. Here you will discover how to capture the incredible world of close-up objects.

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    Flower close-up

    Finding subjects anywhere

    Most people think that macro photograph is only for natural subjects. The creative use of a camera’s macro mode is to take a photo that gives a viewer a chance to look at common objects with a different perspective.

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    Keyboard close-up

    Skills
    Taking a macro photograph

    Use macro mode in your camera

    Use aperture priority mode

    Steady the camera

    1. Use ‘Macro mode’ in your camera:

    If you can find this icon shown here in your camera, your camera offers a macro mode. However, you should read a manual to find out the macro focus range which is different in every camera. The range contains a minimum distance and a maximum distance.

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    2. Use the aperture priority mode:

    After setting a macro mode in your camera, you should consider the aperture opening. As mentioned before, the F number is related to the depth of field. Because your camera is so close to the subject, wide depth of field is necessary to obtain focus. This means that you should increase the F number (close the aperture more). Of course, the camera will change the shutter speed depending on the F number.

    3. Steady the camera – use a tripod if possible:

    • When you are increasing the F number, you should take care to steady the camera if the shutter speed is slower than 1/30 of a second. The best way to steady the camera is by using a tripod. You can use the zoom function while using the tripod.
    • Place the camera on the ground or on something placed high if your subject is located at ground level. Check your setting and use a self-timer function which is a good way for preventing camera movement.

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    Using tripod

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    This page titled 3.3: Taking close-up photos is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by .

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