by Rebecca Delekta

Created on: September 06, 2008   Last Updated: May 19, 2012

Flowers are objects of such beauty that almost anyone can enjoy looking at a good photograph of one. But how does one get that close and compose a photo of a flower that shows it's true beauty? The answer is with macro photography, and a lot of patience.

To begin working with macro photography first, we will need a few things:

  • An SLR camera works best for macro shots, though a point and shoot has the ability to zoom they usually do not have the capability to shoot macro, or the ability to manipulate exposure, so a film, or digital SLR works best here. If you do not own one try borrowing one from a friend or use the camera you own now to the best of your ability.

  • A zoom lens with the option of macro, if you are not sure whether or not your lens has macro, read the user's manual and it will explain what options it has for close up shots.

  • A tripod is necessary in macro photography. Because of the extreme zoom, even the slightest camera shake will result in blurred images.

  • A sturdy piece of cardboard works well in these situations because it can be used as a wall to prevent wind from causing movement to the flower.

For this project, I recommend a digital SLR camera with a zoom lens of at least 300mm. This is an ideal situation, though other cameras and lens are still usable. For this instance a digital SLR and zoom lens will be uses in the examples.

• About Macro Photography 

Macro photography is the photography of small objects up close. It can be a bit discouraging at first but once the basics are understood it can become a very fun style of photography that can be used with many other subjects other than flowers.

Close up, even the most boring object can become quite interesting. Macro photography is measured in what is called ratios. A 1:1 ratio means that the lens shoots life size in it's photographs, a 1:2 ratio means that the object in the resulting photograph is half the size as it is in real life. But no need to worry about the ratios, all that is necessary to be known is how to zoom in a close as your lens will allow. Many zoom lenses have the option for macro. For example, a quantaray 70-300mm zoom lens has a button to allow closer focusing. Focus is able to be obtain when the subject is only 12 inches away. This is what allows such an extremely close up shot. The ability to get closer to your subject and focus at close ranges. Typical lens only have the ability

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