Macro photography is extreme close-up photography. The details that can be captured with macro photography are unseeable with our eyes. In my business I mostly use macro lenses for baby toes and lashes and wedding rings and details, but there is an unlimited amount of possibilities. Macro photography can be achieved many different ways, but usually requires some extra equipment.

QUALITY MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

For the highest quality macro images investing in a macro lens is probably you’re safest bet. Macro lenses come in a variety of focal lengths and are typically prime lenses, but not always. My favorite focal distance is 105mm. I’ve owned a 105mm f/2.8 with my Nikon and Canon. You’ll be surprised with how shallow the depth of field is with a macro lens. Because of this you have to use a smaller aperture than you’re used to. Here are some 105mm macro picture examples from the past:

Nikon 105mm f/2.8 lens

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 lens

CHEAP MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

Macro lenses can be pretty expensive and hard to justify if you don’t use them a lot. There are a few options for cheap macro photography, including extension tubes or reverse ring mounts. A few weeks ago, I ordered a reverse ring mount for my 70-200mm lens to test out this cheap macro photography. First, I looked up the thread size of my lens, which is 77mm. Then, I went to Amazon.com and searched “Reverse Ring Mount 77mm” and ordered the first one that I could see. For about $10 I had my cheap macro set-up and was ready to explore the smaller things in life:

Tips to Remember: You are unable to use auto or manual focus with the reverse mounted lens. The focus is a fixed distance away from the lens. You will have to move towards the object until it comes into focus and hold very steady while you take the picture. The depth of field is very shallow, so it is very hard to get the subject in focus at first.

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Kylee Maughan

Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of. 

kyleeannphotography.com/kylee