A whole new World of Beauty:

I love close up photography.  To me it brings the natural beauty of the things around us, that we take for granted, and lets us see that it is even more beautiful than we even imagined.  I chuckled a bit as I was preparing for this subject, as I was looking for good photos to show on this week’s blog.  My definition of close-up photos is different than some people…. like NASA.  They were showing close-up photos (they say) of the tiny planet Pluto.  As you know, after 9 years of travel, a satellite has reached close enough to take pictures of this planet.  I guess in perspective of NASA, that is definitely closer than we have ever seen before, but, taking a picture of something that is thousands of miles away, is not what I had in mind.

Let’s get started with what we have.  I find it amazing with the equipment that is out there, how almost anyone can take close-up photography.  Most smart phone cameras even have great lenses, and the capabilities to take great close-up photos.  I have a smart phone camera that has a close-up capability and have taken some great photos with it.  Sometimes, in order to do it, you have to go into a menu to switch the mode to close-up photography, and other cell phones do it automatically.  So, check your camera and see just how close you can get, and what you need to do.  Remember that some of these newer cell phone cameras have great resolution for a small camera.

Photo credit:  amateurphotographer.co.uk

There are several ways to accomplish real close up photos.  If you go to a website that specializes in macro photography, you can count on them not only using a macro lens, but, they may use an extension tube, which is a small lens extension between the macro lens and the body that still keeps the automation of the lens, but, just increases the magnification of the macro.  Then you can get even closer to the subject.  Then you can do some things like this:

This photo is so close, I almost don’t find it attractive, but, for learning purposes only, have you ever seen this with the naked eye?  Not usually.  This is what macro photography can do for you.  See what I mean, that Macro, or Micro photography gets you into a whole new world to explore.  It will simply amaze you what you will discover.

The type of equipment that many serious Macro photographers can use are:

• Macro or Micro lens
• extension tubes, which will get you even closer using it in conjunction with your macro or micro lens
• Close-up filters:  This is the “poor man’s” way of getting close-ups but does a really good job for most photographers.
• I  
• I want to make a note about filters, these close up filters.  A +1 filter will give you just barely some close up magnification.  +2 will give you more, and a +4 is a real good close up filter.  Now a +10 close up filter gives you the most close up range you can get.  I have seen good results by combining two filters, but, I would not normally recommend it, you have such a variety in these, as they usually come in a set, so just use the one you need.  Also, don’t buy the cheapest one you can find.  You will get cheap looking photos.  Get some from a reputable filter company.  Good optics are important, even in filters.

See a whole new world with macro photography.  Every good photographer should have some kind of way to do some incredible photos with their camera, so add that to your list of doing in your portfolio.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY LANNY COTTRELL

COMING SOON:  IMAGINE WRITING ALL THESE BLOGS AND ALSO TEACHING THESE KIND OF PHOTO TRAINING COURSES.  THESE IDEAS SHOULD BE PUT INTO A BOOK, DON’T YOU THINK?  WELL THEY SOON WILL BE AND YOU WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THEM SOON.  THIS WEBSITE WILL BE UPDATED AS WELL AS A BOOK ON KINDLE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE, AND ON THE NEW WEBSITE BY SEPTEMBER.  LOOK TO THOSE GREAT NEW ADDITIONS.  123PHOTOGO WILL BE THERE TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY.  ALL THE WAY.

Liked it? Take a second to support 123photogo on Patreon!