Macro Photography
Learning Targets:
 Understand the concept of depth of field and how to control it
 Understand how to meter using available light
 Understand how to use the principles of design to add interest to your photos
Macro photography is the art of capturing small items and/or details, so that they
can be viewed in an up-close manner. The photo can be of something large, such as
the detail on a large flower, or it can be of something extremely small, such as the
intricacies of a feather.
Whether a macro photographer is taking a photograph of a detail of a larger object, or
whether he or she is photographing something incredibly small to begin with, all macro
photography has one thing in common — it allows the viewer of the photograph to see
something that would be extremely difficult to view with the human eye. For example,
every time we pour a drink, we are able to see the liquid splash off the ice. But macro
photography allows that image to be frozen in time and studied in more detail. The
photograph will allow us to see things that we wouldn't otherwise be able to see in real
time, such as the pattern the liquid makes over the ice, the shapes of the droplets as
they hang in the air, or the veins and fissures in the ice cubes themselves.
While two of the most common subjects for macro photographs are insects and flowers,
just about anything can be the subject of a macro photograph. Anything with
interesting, up-close texture and shape makes a good candidate. The options for good
macro photography are all around you.
One thing about macro photography that is very different than traditional photography
is how close the photographer must come to his subject. As a matter of fact, it is not
uncommon for the lens of the camera to almost touch its subject. This can create
issues with both focus and depth of field. That's because the closer you get to the
subject you are photographing, the more your depth of field drops off. The lower your
depth of field is, the more challenging it is to ensure that the entire subject of your
photograph is in focus. Rather than use the focusing ring on the camera, macro
photographers often manipulate focus by moving closer to, or farther away from, the
subject they are photographing.
Because of the close distance between the camera and the subject, the photographer
also loses a significant amount of light. The remedy to this challenge is to use longer
shutter times, as well as artificial light, reflectors, and diffusers. As a general rule of
thumb, it's easier to control the outcome of a macro photograph when it's done at a
studio, where light can be completely controlled.
Assignment (100 points):
Master Folder Name: Macro_yourlastname
Part 1: Take macro photos using available light. Turn in your top Macro Photo.
 (Macro _yourlastname.jpg)
Part 2: Create a Contact sheet of 20 or more photos.
 (Macro_Contact_yourlastname.pdf)
Part 3: Word Document-do a Macro Write-Up on your best macro photo and your
Self-Evaluation. Use the template provided.
 (Macro_Word_yourlastname.docx)
Rubric:
20
20
20
20
20
Quality-show a variety of subjects
Quantity-contact sheet with 20 or more photos
Creativity-use of color, light, and interesting backgrounds
Following Directions-name folder and files correctly
Meeting Deadline-due at the end of the period on the due date
Helpful Links:
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/06/26/35-examples-of-stunning-macro-photography/
http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-tips/macro-photo-tips/
http://www.pinterest.com/michaeljames16/macro-photography-ideas/
http://webdesignledger.com/inspiration/40-amazing-examples-of-macro-photography