1. Use The Right Lens

The goal with macro photography is to produce an image in which the subject appears to be at least the same size projected onto the sensor as it is in real life. This means there is a 1:1 magnification and size ratio. In order to achieve this the most successfully, your best bet is to use a macro lens. Macro lenses have focal lengths ranging between 50mm and 200mm. You will mostly commonly find those between 90mm and 150mm, which is a good middle ground you to choose. With any lenses that are 50mm to 60mm, you will have to get really close to your subject and with lenses larger than 150mm, prices are much higher.

Photo by @lmckeownphotography

Photo by @daniel.schiffer

2. Try Adding Tubes

Another great option to increase the size of your subject on the camera’s sensor is to use an extension tube. These tubes go between your lens and your camera body. They will really just help to magnify the image and are a much more affordable option than purchasing a whole macro lens. Of course, this also has its down sides. Tubes are stackable, but with each one that you add to your camera, it alters your ability to focus. It also is a lot harder to work with and change the tube than it is to quickly and conveniently change a lens.

3. Focus, Focus, Focus!

Since macro photos are so zoomed in to the subject, your photo will change completely depending on where you choose to focus the image. Even focusing on different parts of the image will alter your photo in drastic ways! It would be really helpful to learn to focus manually when taking macro photos because your focus is so important and it can be really easy to switch your focus, giving you a result you didn’t want or expect.

Photo by @yasinmortas

Photo by @olaf_rogers

4. Experiment With Flash

Using some flash in macro photography is quite common. Flash can be used to made a simple or boring photo more interesting. Flash can also help brighten up an image that you may find yourself taking in a dark area that isn’t getting much natural light. Using flash in macro photography can really bring out and emphasize the parts of the photo that you want to be in focus. Something else to keep in mind about flash is to have a diffuser with you to soften the light when necessary!

5. Consider The Depth Of Field

The visible depth of field is almost always there in macro photography. It makes your photos look great, but it also means that you must make sure you are capturing it well! With good control of your depth of field, your photo will be more eye-catching and visually appealing because the focal points will stand out in front of the blurry background. You will also have to decide whether you want your entire subject in focus, or just the part of it that is closest to you. Creating a depth of field is really easy in these photos, it is just a matter of what kind of depth of field you want to create!

Photo by @elena_floral.art