DIY Network

Using the Macro Function on a Digital Camera From "The Whole Picture" episode DTWP-102

The macro function is the key to successful close-up photos with a digital instamatic. The macro setting is typically indicated by a flower icon.

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Getting those dramatic close-up photos of flowers or other objects in the outdoors can be a challenge. Getting in close to your subject can yield some impressive results if done properly, but shooting too close may result in out-of-focus images. Here are some tips and techniques to help you be successful in the specialized sub-genre of picture-taking known as macro photography -- the art of extreme close-up photography.

This series focuses on digital photography, but some of the techniques discussed are also applicable to traditional film photography as well.

In "Lesson 1" of DIY's macro photography series Erin Manning, host of DIY's The Whole Picture, provides basic pointers and pro-tips to help you understand your camera's macro function. In an articles that follow later, you'll find out how to use a tripod and self-timer to get better results, how to use a pro technique known as bracketing and, finally, and how to create postcards from your close-up photos of flowers.

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Materials used in this episode:

Digital camera with macro function
Camera's user manual
Tripod
Shutter release cable
12"x12" piece of cardboard or foam-core
Sheet of white paper

Using Your Camera's Macro Function

Getting beautiful, sharp close-up photos of flowers in the outdoors involves a number of considerations, including light, background and other variables such as wind that can cause movement -- which will be exaggerated in close-up photos. Maintaining good focus and avoiding blurring from camera- or subject-movement is one of the most immediate challenges. Getting the right exposure can also be difficult.

What a lot of beginning photographers, and even some who are more advanced, don't realize is that they need to use the macro function on their camera when shooting close-ups.

In your camera's normal mode, the area that your lens can focus on is about two feet or greater. Once you get within about three feet from your subject, the focus becomes more difficult for the camera to hold. However, when you set your camera into the macro setting, usually indicated by a flower icon, the range of focus shortens to about 1 foot through 3 feet--and sometimes even less. The macro lens on your camera renders close-up objects so that they show up crisp and clear in the photo image.

Figure A

• The first step in taking good macro close-ups is picking the right subject and then shooting it in the right environment (figure A). The environment surrounding your subject should be simple and uncluttered. The more "stuff" surrounding your subject, the more difficult it is for the camera to focus and expose the picture correctly.
  

  Figure B

• Remember, on most cameras you can be sure that your camera is in macro mode by the flower icon (figure B). On a digital camera, once the flower icon is visible on your LCD screen, the pictures you take will be shot in macro mode, meaning it's safe to shoot close-up.

  Important: Shooting in macro mode is not the norm and many cameras will automatically default (i.e., switch back) to normal mode after a certain amount of time.
  

  Figure C

• In addition to enabling your camera to focus on a close-up subject, the macro setting also maximizes your camera's exposure control to help ensure that the image is captured with the right amount of light so that it won't appear too light or dark.

• Once you've decided on your subject and are sure that it's uncluttered, set your camera into macro mode and make sure your subject fills the frame with your subject (figure C).
  

  	Moving in too close to the subject will cause the subject to be out of focus.
  	Try using the zoom feature on the camera to "get close" while keeping the subject in focus.
  	Use the LCD screen to check the focus of your subject. When you are happy with the image, press the shutter button.

• Make sure that you don't get any closer to your subject than you have to. The closer you get to the subject, the shorter the area around it that will be in focus. Instead of getting right on top of your subject, try using your zoom control to frame your image the way you want it.

• Tip: If it's bright outside, you may need to create shade to easily view the LCD screen. Try bringing an umbrella or hat along.

• Once your subject is framed, it's time to bring it into focus. For macro photography use the LCD, and not the viewfinder, to check your focus. The LCD is seeing exactly what'll be captured in the frame, so you'll get a more accurate representation of your final picture.

• When you have what you want, lightly press and hold down the shutter button halfway and the image will come into focus.

• When you're happy with your image press the shutter button all the way down to capture it for good.

RESOURCES :

PC Photo magazine
Website: www.pcphotomag.com
Online version of the magazine devoted to digital photography and related technologies.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Digital Photography
Model: 002864235X
Author: Steven Greenberg
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Prentice Hall
Paramus, NJ 07652

Digital Photography For Dummies
Model: 0764506463
Author: Julie Adair King
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Hungry Minds, Inc.

Complete Digital Photography
Model: 1584500077
Author: Ben Long
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Charles River Media
Website: www.charlesriver.com/

50 Fast Digital Photo Techniques
Model: 0764535781
Author: Gregory Georges, Cris Rys
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Hungry Minds, Inc.