Get close to nature!
You can capture a fascinating new world shooting frame-filling close-ups to highlight the beauty and intricate design of minuscule subjects. You’ll discover exquisite miniature details, lush textures and vibrant colours. Everyday things that we usually take for granted appear anew when magnified. Nature provides macro photographers with limitless subjects, and spring and summer are the very best times of year to be shooting close-ups. There is a wealth of insects, flowers, plants and creative opportunities to exploit, and you don’t necessarily need specialist optics or have to travel far.
Local meadows, woodland and parks are full of picture potential. In fact, you may not have to travel any further than your own back garden, which should be music to the ears of anyone growing frustrated at home due to the worldwide restrictions of the current coronavirus pandemic.
Quite simply, there has never been a better excuse to try close-up photography for the first time, or hone your close-up shooting skills. Over the next few pages we’ll take a look at the essential items of kit and arm you with enough knowledge to get closer to nature. What are you waiting for?
KIT CHOICE
First things first – you will need the right kit to achieve a high level of magnification. If you are on a budget – or just want to dabble at this stage – then there are plenty of low-cost options to start you off.
Budget options
Close-up filters provide the most cost-effective introduction. They simply screw onto the front of a standard lens and act like a magnifier, allowing it to focus closer and therefore achieve a higher level of magnification. You will need to buy a filter, or dioptre, to fit the diameter of the lens you intend to use. They are available in different strengths, for example, +1, +4 or +10 – with larger numbers representing higher magnifications. They can cost as little as £10/$15, but expect to pay more for higher
