MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

Learning Goal

- Students will understand what macro photography is

- Students will be able to make their own basic macro lens

- Students will be able to take creative macro shots

Macro photography lets us look at the world from a different perspective, close up. On 35mm film, macro shots would have a 1:1 ratio. This allows us to see the detail we normally wouldn't be able to.

You can use the macro mode (flower) on your camera to get in close. However, to get the best results you may need a macro lens. They can range in price from expensive to affordable. In class, we'll look at how to get a cheap lens that can be used on any cellular device. We will partner up to destroy and share equipment. Make sure to think about safety (tools, shocks, etc.). I would like to keep the lenses we extract. After we have our new equipment, we'll look at how to use it.

We will look through this comprehensive article about macro photography together.

When taking macro shots, keep the following tips in mind.

    • Think about lighting and use it to your advantage
      • Getting in close might mean shadows from the camera or your body
    • Stay with a medium (f11) to small aperture (f22), unless you are trying to control the depth of field
    • Make sure the camera is steady or stable
    • Pre-focus to avoid shutter lag
    • Use manual focus if you can
    • Play with focus by adjusting your distance, at times you may want to use blur in a good way

Check out these examples for some inspiration.

The Challenge - Macro Photography 25 Pts

Use the macro techniques we discussed to get up close and personal. Use your new ‘expensive’ macro lenses to take some interesting photos. Think about other concepts we've covered so far (leading lines, different angles, rule of thirds, etc.).

    • Take at least 20 new/original macro pictures (shot both on school grounds and away from school)
      • Take a minimum of 10 pictures using at least 5 of the categories below. The rest of your macro photos (10) can be anything you choose.
      • Categories: Outside, Alive, Blue, Dark, Play, Edible, Pattern, Texture, Soft, Metal
    • Transfer the pictures to your computer or Google Drive
    • Choose your best five photos to edit and turn in
    • Use and turn in the Self Assessment Rubric & Critique to self evaluate and reflect on your photos
    • When you are finished, meet with me to discuss your project and get feedback
    • Add one of your best shots to this collaborative page. Comment on one other person's picture.
macro baseball