1	Close-Up / Macro Photography Bruce Switalla
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3	Close-Up Photography Defined Getting the camera very close to the subject, which is often small, or to show only a small part of a larger object. Using techniques to get your focus as close as possible if “macro” mode is unavailable.
4	Shooting Close-ups with Digital is Different from film cameras Digital gives you instant feedback with the LCD screen Digital allows for “digital zoom” to get an even closer look And Digital cameras even vary from camera to camera on how you can achieve a macro photograph
5	The Macro Setting Look for the tulip icon on the camera body or in the Menus under “AF” (auto-focus) Look in your camera manual for the minimum focusing distance and write it on the camera back!
6	The Macro Setting This mode allows for sharp pictures even from just a few inches away Remember to switch back to normal mode when you’re done. Otherwise you could fill your memory card with out-of-focus photos!
7	The Parallax Problem Rangefinder cameras don’t show the actual scene. Instead you look through a glass that imitates what the lens sees As a result, the closer you get to the subject, the further off your framing gets The view of your nose from each eye is a simple example of how this occurs
8	Two Parallax Solutions: Use the correction marks that are always displayed in your viewfinder. They help you frame your photo from the lens’s point of view, usually farther right and lower. Since correction marks are a guess at best, use the LCD on the camera back. It sees exactly what the lens sees and is a digital advantage!
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10	Add-on Lenses If you want greater magnification, see if your manufacturer has these accessories for your model If not, try some after-market products like the many choices at tiffen.com and Raynox brand at digitaletc.com
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12	Techniques and Tripods Close-up photography involves very narrow depth of field (focus) necessitating steady hands or a tripod As a result, first assignment will be still, non-living objects to get used to macro A tripod is your best bet for sharp close-ups. Lightweight tripods will work for light cameras most of the time.
13	Techniques and Tripods Weigh the tripod down at the feet during windy days Bean bags also work well for positioning the camera! Use the self timer to avoid any camera movement or a very light touch on the shutter release
14	Depth of Field Factors The f/stop, or measured opening in the lens allowing light through. The smaller the opening, f/16, f22, the more is in focus Lens focal length, e.g., 38mm, 100mm. The wider the angle, the more is in focus Focus distance. The farther away the subject, the more is in focus.
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16	Where to Get More Information Search the web for “close-up, macro, photography”. Try ephotozine.com Buy “How To Do Everything With Your Digital Camera, 2^nd Ed.” by Dave Johnson, $6 from Amazon.com Visit your local liberry!
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19	Assignment: Five photos using the macro setting of your camera on inanimate objects. A living objects assignment will come along next time Do 1 “What is it?” photo