Macro Photography Lesson

Macro Nature Photography

By Sarah Ewing & Adapted by Melanie Rapp

Lesson Requirements

1. At least five different subjects.

2. Use of a macro lens.

3. 10 images are due.

4. "Fill the frame" composition is ideal for this kind of photography, but you can also use "Rule of Thirds", or even break the rules.

5. Standard turn in with blog elements.

History of Macro Photography

Early cameras were big and bulky. By the 1920's big cameras allowed easy film removal and focusing and easy film return for the exposure. These were reflex cameras. They incorporated a mirror that reflected (reflex) the light to a viewing screen. Close-up work was now easy but the cameras were big and awkward.

Heather Angel's Macro Nature Photography

The goal of macro photography is to capture details of a subject that the naked eye can't see.

The first 35 mm SLR was the Kine Exakta used movie film SLR stands for single lens reflex. A mirror diverts the image forming rays from the lens to a focusing screen. One could now focus and the viewfinder sight was exactly what the film saw.

The Kilfitt Makro-Kilar 40mm f/3.5 introduced in 1955 for the Exakta camera was the first macro lens. This lens allowed close-focusing to 1:1 (life-size). The door was open to make better lenses for close-up photography.

You do need to use a macro lens for this type of photography. Other lenses will not focus this close up.

Experts in Macro Nature Photography

Heather Angel is a versatile wildlife photographer whose images combine scientific accuracy with pictorial appeal. Her work has been recognized by awards in Britain and overseas. After a zoology degree, she photographed marine life and turned freelance after her first book – Nature Photography: Its Art and Techniques – appeared in 1972.

Tips & Tricks

Sara Ewing's Macro Nature Photography

Working with Macro Nature Photography take a lot of practice. Not only that but you'll need to adjust your position almost constantly to get the perfect photo. Here is a video example of photographers doing just that -

* Ask Ms. Rapp for a macro lens

* Set your aperture to 1.8 to 4.0 for a shallow depth of field. Play around with the aperture and take note of how it impacts your image.

* Lighting is key! Natural light looks great, but you can also use our studio lights.

* Use manual focus to ensure that the area you would like crisp is in focus.