Digital Macro Photography

Digital macro photography usually refers to close-up photography meaning that the image projected on the digital sensor film or is the same size as the object being photographed. The point of macro photography is to make small objects appear larger. The term micro photography is also sometimes used instead of macro, but it means the same. The subject or object of marco photography is something that is small but not small enough to need a microscope to see it. Common subjects of macro photography are flowers, insect, snowflakes, icicles and raindrops.

A factor to be considered in macro photography is the limited depth of field. Some cameras are capable of focusing so close that the subject is touching the front part of the lens glass. A 50 mm lens can so close as to cause lighting difficulty. Many photographers, therefore, use telephoto or macro lenses with focal lengths of 100 - 200 mm. this allows enough distance for lighting between the object and camera.

A recent development is use of ring lights which use white LEDs to provide light. For macro photography, you will need bellows or extension rings that fit your brand of  camera and  your lens mount. The rings or bellows are attached between the camera lens and the camera body, so you will need a camera which has a detachable lens. An SLR camera works best for marco photography.

Many camera companies manufacture and sell "Macro Lenses". Macro lenses are often expensive. They usually have a smaller maximum aperture than a standard lens. Nikon's 60mm macro lens is only f/2.8 for example. Macro lenses are usually also bigger and heavier than standard lens.