Digital Macro Photography

The phrase "digital macro photography" normally is used in reference to photographs taken close-up which means that the image projected on the digital sensor film is the same size as the object which is being photographed. Macro photography has the purpose of making small objects appear to be larger. Sometimes the term micro photography is  used instead of macro. The terms mean the same thing. The subject  of a photography in marco photography is something that is small but that can be seen with the human eye normally. Flowers, small birds or animals, snowflakes or even insects are popular subject for macro photography.

Depth of field, or rather the limited depth of field is an important consideration in this type of photography. Some camera models are able to focus in such close proximity to the subject that the subject may even touch the glass lens of the camera. This can sometimes cause lighting difficulties such as with a 50 mm lens. Using a telephoto lens may be the best option to avoid this. A telephoto lens provides lighting distance between the camera and the subject of the photograph.

A recent development is use of ring lights which use white LEDs to provide light. For macro photography, you will need bellows, sometimes called extension rings that fit your brand of  camera and  your lens mount. The rings 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.