Miniature Worlds | Macro Photography

What actually counts as macro — is your close-up work genuinely macro photography, or something else entirely? The answer involves a specific ratio that changes how you think about every shot

Macro lens options and focal lengths — there are lenses across a wide range of focal lengths, and the one you choose makes a significant difference to your results. Do you know which suits your shooting style?

Accessories: extension tubes and macro filters — these lower-cost alternatives can unlock closer focusing without a dedicated macro lens. But there are important tradeoffs Stephen will walk you through

Working distance — this concept is one of the most overlooked aspects of macro photography, and understanding it will directly change how you choose lenses and approach your subjects

Auto focus vs manual focus — the question most macro photographers debate. Stephen reveals why one approach frequently fails in close-up situations and what to do about it

Tripod vs handheld — is one always better than the other for macro work? Stephen weighs up the real pros and cons to help you decide what works for your situation

Where to place your focus point — in macro photography this is critical and far less obvious than it looks. Getting this right is often the difference between a stunning detail shot and a blurry miss

Exposure and flash for macro — natural light can be tricky at close range for reasons you may not have considered. Stephen explains when and how to use flash to keep your images crisp and well-lit