Macro Photography Equipment is available in the following range:

* dedicated macro lenses

* extension tubes or bellows units

* reversing rings

* close up lenses and

* macro zooms (that are pushing the limit of what we are talking about)

Dedicated macro lenses are the best way to go if you are serious at all about doing this sort of work. It won’t have to end up being pricey, I purchased a excellent 50mm Sigma Macro lens used for all of $120 (brand new about $270) and it is tack sharp and produces amazing images. My main macro lens is a Sigma 150mm Macro and cost a whopping $700, the best money I have ever spent. This presents you an idea about the cost range available and the sky’s the limit with a few highly specialized Nikon macro lenses in the $1,900 range. Why the difference in focal lengths? I’ll get to that soon in another article that I’m working on! If you are serious about macro photography buying a lens specifically designed for the purpose is the best way to go. The lens designs are generally optimized for close focusing and the lenses are also generally flat field (focus in a flat plane) producing crisper corners on flat objects such as pieces of timber or slabs of rock. Flat field may be a term that many have not heard of and I’ll elaborate in the future on this as well.

Extension tubes or bellows units are pieces of gear that put space between the camera body and the lens thus allowing the lens to focus closer. They can work well with certain lenses, for example, if you have a 50mm prime lens this may be a good option to get into macro work at an reasonable cost.

Extension tubes often come in sets of 3 of different lengths (high quality tubes tend to be sold individually) that can be used singly or combined to get the close focusing distance required. Bellows units work on the same principle but are expandable like a “bellows” allowing a good deal of flexibility. The real drawback is the expense and they are bulky and heavy as well. I expect most individuals use bellows units for studio work only as they aren’t terribly practical in the field. One area where extension tubes really shine is definitely for helping to make long focal length camera lenses similar to a 600mmfocus closer, great for photographing skittish dragonflies and various other critters.

Sigma 50mm Macro Lens

Close up lenses are clear “filters” that twist onto the front of your lens allowing the lens to focus closer. Level of quality varies from mediocre to very acceptable dependent on the quality of the filters. This is likely the least expensive way to start shooting macro but does have its downsides. A huge factor that has to be looked at is the quality of the camera lens you will be using. Inexpensive zoom lenses will most likely produce less than stellar results while high quality prime lenses can produce excellent results but none of these will produce tack sharp results like the dedicated macro lenses. The major advantage? As these are just fancy filters they are very light, no extra tubes or additional lenses to carry.

For an excellent photography tutorial I recommend the The 123 Digital Imaging Suite, a FREE sample is available.

You don’t hear much about reversing rings anymore and I expect that’s because most individuals are using zoom lenses that likely wouldn’t work very well. Reversing rings enable you to install a lens “backwards” on your camera body. When used with high quality primary lenses the outcome can be spectacular and if you reverse a wide angle lens often you can achieve a high magnifications on the order of 2 times or more. For people interested in high magnification shooting this is frequently the way to go, in particular if you happen to be on a budget.

What about the macro zoom lens which you already own? Many of the brand new lenses that arrive as part of a kit are described as macro zooms and although they do focus a little closer than normal they are not really true macro lenses. My experience has been that almost all of them are extremely suspect in terms of sharpness mainly because these kinds of lenses are not designed for this sort of job application. Of course in a pinch they will function but to get in truly in close proximity to your subject one of the above options would be best.

What are you presently using? Are you pleased with the results?

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Product Description
DIVDIVDIVIn IUnderstanding Close-up Photography/I Bryan Peterson turns his attention to a topic that is an ongoing favorite with photographers. But where most macro photography books focus on capuring subjects in nature, Peterson promises to go beyond, teaching you to photograph a range of subjects from animals and plants from the garden, beach, or mountains to objects found in the kitchen, supermarket, even the junkyard. In addition to information on equipment, exposure, light, and composition, his book will feature elements of technique that go beyond the norm, teaching you to shoot not just what is generally considered close-up, but to go even closer to the point of abstraction. He will also show you how to produce the intimacy of a close-up within a larger shot–how to capture the look in your subject’s eyes without compromising the clarity of the surrounding scene. And as always, Peterson offers his signature touch with his personal terminology: in what he likes to call “Pop Junk” he shows how combining creativity with the right digital technology can turn close-up photos of the most ordinary objects into surprising pieces of art./DIV/div/div

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K. Clifford (TX)

Great for a newbie

I am not a professional by any means and this book really broke everything down for me. I loved the equipment suggestions. Now I just have to find those extensions!!

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Tudor Turtle ()

Great Book for Macro Lovers

Beautiful book with great info on each photo. Learned even more about closeups and macros and some equipment. Thanks.

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M. Adams (Gibson, TN)

Excellent Book for new (or advanced) macro shooters

I have one HUGE complaint about this book, while reading it I spent about $500 buying every item the author presents. After reading about the Canon 500D filter, I had to have it. Why? Because the Peterson gave such compelling information with the pictures to back up his advice. Same thing for the extension tubes, and the reversing ring, and the macro flash. I’m sure I’m missing something, but you get the point. The only thing that I think he didn’t mention (or maybe I missed) is the need for a focusing rail. The most amazing thing is that he gives the information and provides AMAZING photos as examples, and then if you follow his advice you can take exactly the same quality of photo. I take issue with another reviewer on here that says the instruction found in this book is limited. Peterson provides great information with brand recommendations, tips on using the equipment, and great examples of his work using the equipment (and techniques). The only way he could provide better instruction is by coming to your house and setting up your gear. If you’ve read Peterson before, you know that he’s the real deal.

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Kat Lady (Alexandria, VA, US)

Layman’s guide to Close-up Photography

Picture worth a thousand words. Bryan Peterson explains everything so well. Yes, some of his points are repeated in his other books. But repetition and association makes understanding his points easier to digest.

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Patrick A. Rodriguez (Olympia, WA)

Bryan’s got a lot to say…

…and I mean a lot. He’s quick to give helpful hints and tips with clear vivid analogies…but don’t go and buy the book just yet. Those of you who are professionals or experienced amateurs will find this book lacking in very advanced techniques. It explains middle range basics (It won’t tell you how to turn on the camera) on Close up photography. Don’t be surprised if at times you find the author almost appear to be bragging about his life and supposed success. However, it is still a good book for people that have little to no experience in taking their camera out of auto mode and getting better exposures. It’s not the best but definitely really good. I think instead of writing separate books the author could have composed the whole series into one book because reading all his books you will often find yourself re-reading information from book to book. Instead of buying this buy his Understanding Exposure and pick this up from the library.

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Product Description
Get ready to view your photographs as more than simply the images they have captured as you learn how to digitally transform them. Rather than a traditional step-by-step guide to photography, “Digital Abstract Macro Photography” is meant to inspire with its images. It offers digital photographers a glimpse into the world of possibilities that exist for transforming traditional photographs into unique, abstract works of art. Each featured photograph is accompanied by a series of images, reflecting the major stages of the creation process. Take your vision to the next level as you discover the eye-catching techniques that can be applied to your photographs.

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etalieninaz (goodyear, arizona)

For the creative person

Although most of the images in the book are truly abstract, few are “true” macro photography. And as other reviewers have stated, the author uses Photoshop plug-ins on most of the images. In fact there were so many plug-ins used, I thought the book might’ve been published (or sponsored) by some association of companies that offer Photoshop plug-ins. The plug-ins that the author uses throughout the book are:br /1.Corel KPT Collection (Color Equalizer, Channel Surfing filter, Reaction, Screen Norm blend, Collection Blur, Gel, Lens Flare, Notch Blur, Spin Blur, Zoom Blur, Fiber Optic)br /2. Imaging factory (Color Correction Color Equalizer)br /3. Color Efex Pro (Infrared, Sepia, Bi-color, Pop Art filters, BW Dynamic Contrast, Pen tool)br /4. Power Retouche (Sharpen Color Editor, Edgeline)br /5. Flaming Pear (Glitterato, Aetherize, Glow, Glare)br /6. Dfine (noise removal)br /7. USM (sharpening)br /8. Auto/FX (Auto Eye, Mystical Lighting Enhance Strength, Mystical Tint Tone Color (Antique Photo br /Sepia, Soft Posterize, Color Mixer) br /9. Corel Painter(Lighting, 3D Surface Texture)br /10. Focal Blade Pro (sharpening)br /11. Buzz Pro 3 (watercolor filter, Edges Color)br /12. Andromedia (Reflection, Scatter Light, Star, Velociraptor, Etch filters)br /13. Xaos Tools (Paint Alchemy Abstract, Segmation)br /14. Alien Skin (Xenofex 2 Constellation filter, Edges, Diamond Plate, Bevel Boss)br /15. Fred Miranda’s (Highligh/Shadow)br /16. Neat Image (Noise Removal)br /17. Photo Wiz Focal Blade (sharpen)br /18. Eye Candy 4000 (Water drops, Fire, Drip, Bevel Boss, Nature, Swirl)br /19. Photokit (Sharpener)br /20. Movie Prime (Lens Flare)br /21. Grain Surgey (Noise removal)br /br /However, many of the above effects that are done with these plug-ins can be accomplished with the tools and filters provided in CS2 or 3. br /br /If you set aside all of the negatives, you will find the book to be inspiring. There are a few images in the book that say “wow!” and are well worth the price of the book. If you are a creative person, it’s an absolute must buy. br /

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Desert Rat (Palm Springs, CA)

Great pictures, not much useful advice.

This book has beautiful full color abstract photos and some general ideas on how to create them. The problem is (as stated by the author in the introduction) that he uses a number of 3rd party filters and tools which can be quite expensive for the non professional. Most of these effects can be achieved with Photoshop alone and the book would be much better if he described those methods in addition to the 3rd party techniques.

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Alexei Lebedev (New York, NY USA)

digital overkill is not abstract

While it would be correct to say that most of the photographs in this book are abstract, it would be more accurate to describe them as poor and overprocessed in photoshop, with instantly recognizable digital effects such as edge detect, posterize, charcoal, glowing edges, wild tinting and colorization, etc. Gratuitous applications of various fringe filters, ilke Photo Wiz Focal Blade or Xaos Segmation, abound.br /br /In the “Salsa” photograph, you can clearly see the accidental click with a photoshop brush (it happens on Windows when you try to bring a window to the front and accidentally plant a blotch of foreground color).br /br /What the author has done, for the most part, is taken the most average-looking, uninspired photographs, like that of the bottom of his sneaker, and tried to make them work by applying “interesting” effects. The problem is that abstract or not, a picture needs an idea to give it a reason to exist.br /br /To be fair to the author, the very first few photographs look very reasonable and are done in taste. But once the author exhausts the repertoire of contrast, sharpen, and curves, it seems that he begins to grow increasingly desperate trying to fill the rest of the book with content.br /br /The macro section is particularly disappointing: featuring just nine photographs out of the total of over a hundred, with almost non-existent depth of field, and instances of dirt, hair, cigarette butts, magnified slime, sprinkled generously with magnified digital noise, it’s underwhelming considering that Macro is in the title of the book.

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E Miller (New York, NY)

Beautiful Book

Not only is this book an inspirational, it is also chock full of easy to follow techniques. What struck me about this book was that theinformation is not your run of the mill Photoshop, boring, overused techniques. Rather the author comes up with many techniques that differ from what everyone else is doing. I am a graphic designer who is learning to do his own photography so I will have more control over the final product. I am glad I purchased this one and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to do some awesome photographic technques.

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J. Erb (Florida)

Wonderful Inspiration

As a Web Designer I am always looking for inspiration and creative ideas. It’s easy for me to whip up a Web design but there are times when I need something truly inspirational and unique. I am sometimes “creatively challenged” and need outside inspiration. Ken’s book is pure inspiration. The book is what it says it is, a book which is “meant to inspire with its images”br /br /I recommend this book to any creative person who needs that spark of inspiration or to anyone who wants to expand the possibilities with their digital imagery.br /

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Product Description
Macro and close-up photography allow photographers to explore a world that few people ever experience: the delicate stamens of flowers, crystals, the texture of a butterfly’s wing, stamps, or minute details on a piece of jewelry. With careful attention to the techniques taught in this book, photographers will learn how to capture these highly detailed, small-scale subjects on film, creating fascinating images of features too small to be adequately observed by the unaided human eye. With the advice in this book on selecting the latest 35mm equipment, and field versus studio considerations like focusing, lighting, film, and filters, consistent results will come easily to both the novice and professional photographer.

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Dawn Johns (USA)

A study in macro

Background in macro and close up photography is given to acclamate the reader with some of the technical aspects involved. Equipment and their usage is explained. If you are still into film, you will definitely be satisfied with this section, although the theory can easily be applied to digital. What is covered in the beginning is then applied to practical use later. Lastly, case studies are implied to illustrate the affects of various factors. Overall, a well written, informative and intriguing book with a nicely flowing text from section to section.

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()

Not the best book for macro photography

It is the most useless book for macro photography I ever read. The pictures are unsharp and mostly in bw. You can get the information from this book in every basic photography book … worthless! The language used is not very easy for beginners and advanced macro photographers know everything described in this book.

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Product Description
DIVDIVWith a close-up camera lens, shutterbugs can capture a landscape in a water droplet, a dragon’s face in a dragonfly, an alien planet in a backyard fungus, or a futuristic civilization in a computer circuit board. The magic field of macro photography comes alive through digital cameras and Photoshop programs, as simple instructions combine with jargon-busting tips to demonstrate each essential technique. More than 200 full-color photos and 750 illustrations showcase the possibilities for making spectacular images with ordinary equipment. Besides ideas for making framed photos, special sections show how to create greeting cards, stationery, and other practical items and gifts. P /P/DIV/div

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W. Sickling (Auckland, New Zealand)

Excellent book for both beginners and intermediate users

I have read a lot of books on photography, but this has definitely been the easiest one that I have read. This is not to say that it is a book about just the basics. Initially I was disappointed that it did seem to be covering photography basics, but often the info contained little nuggets that I was not aware of and which are extremely useful.br /br /His tip on finding the hyperfocal point is invaluable and I had not found it in other books.br /br /I like the fact that most of the photos are taken with a Nikon D70, proving that an top-end camera is not required to produce stunning shots. Ross really knows his macro photography and I would recommend this to anyone interested in the subject. You will learn from it, and if you practise the methods he advocates, you will become a better photographer.br /br /I got this out of the library, but I suspect I will be purchasing it shortly as I will want to return to it again and again.

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funnyhon (NJ)

Enjoyable entry to macro

I have just become interested in macro photography and this was the first book I purchased. I found it to be very interesting, with basic information. I enjoyed reading through it and enjoyed the photo examples. I’m sure for someone more advanced it is too basic, but for someone just starting out, it is a decent read.

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dchris (salem, oregon)

so,so

I did not think that this book had all that much that couldn’t be found in many other books or in the many photo sites on the internet.

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Joanne M. Pakron (New Orleans)

Beautiful Dragonflies, how I love thee!

The cover of this book alone drew me to buying it and I get all happy inside every time I look at it. Macro is a joyful hobby, particularly bugs, and for me, dragonflies are the most exquisite of creatures. I am lucky I live in a state that has a ton of dragonfly varieties… This is a great book, really good info on digital cameras and equipment, techniques, and ideas. If I had to recommend one macro book, this would be it.

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N. V. Mills (Boston)

Good guide to macro photography.

This is truly an in-depth book on close-up photography. It focuses on techniques for getting great pictures of subjects from very close distances. It’s approach is simple enough that a beginner can understand, yet goes into enough depth that anyone could learn from it. br /br /A good companion to this book is Closeup Shooting: A Guide to Closeup, Tabletop and Macro Photography. If you have both, you’ll own everything you need to begin taking wonderful macro pictures.

New Prices From :- $7.67 (last updated 25/08/2010@16:25:26)

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Product Description
pGardeners and nature lovers delight in taking pictures-especially close-ups of flowers, butterflies, and insects. And though advances in digital camera technology have made taking, storing, and sharing photos easier than ever, taking top-quality pictures requires familiarity with both digital technology and the general principles of photography. iMacro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers/i provides exactly the information that aspiring photographers—no matter their level of skill—need to take their photos to the next level. Clear and concise chapters cover the basics of macro (close-up) photography, explain the features of current digital single-lens reflex cameras, show the many ways images can be composed, and share tips on digital effects, storage, and manipulation of imagery. Throughout the text, helpful tips, definitions, exercises, and case studies serve to demystify digital photography. Each lesson is supported by examples of the author’s stunning photography. Whether taking photos of flowers and insects, compiling a photographic record of your garden, or simply sharing beautiful images with friends and family, everyone can become accomplished photographers of the world’s small-scale wonders. /p

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Robert E. Panick (Detroit)

Nice photos, limited information

The book has some very nice pictures, but also quite a few that didn’t impress me, but that could simply be taste. The organization of the book was very irritating with a lot of pictures interlaced with the text often with no correlation with the subject. What information there was of limited use, I don’t know why every author feels the need to cover basic stuff that is handled by other books. I don’t buy a macro photography book to learn about workflows, JPEG and raw files. What I want is insights into things related to macro photography. Such as setups, lighting, tricks for making things easier.br /br /I did get some ideas to help with my photography, but that was more from looking at the pictures to figure out how they were shot. I could have gotten that from looking at any web site specializing in flowers. Overall I wouldn’t recommend the book.

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Zeggy 95 ()

Very disappointed

The copy I received was a pre-production issue in poor black and white print. I threw it out as it was a total waste of the paper it was printed on. Yhe final copy might have been of some use.

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Brian Paust (Petersburg, Alaska)

Macro Photography

A good basic review of the subject. Lots of carefully documented photographs. Also, several concluding chapters dealing with digital file basics. Much helpful information to be found here. My basic criticisms involves my need for more detailed digital file information. The author provides rather critical information for the intermediate photographer, but would have been nice to have even more detail, particularly raw file to PhotoShop work flow. How does the author handle typical projects? I encourage this purchase and am looking forward to an expanded edition.

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M. Cirella (Cape Cod)

Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers: The Essential Guide to Digital Techniques.

This book is truly THE essential guide to digital techniques for macro nature photography. I have been applying many of the techniques Alan Detrick suggests, resulting in much improved images. His firsthand, detailed description of the many superior images in each sidebar add to the enjoyment and effectiveness of this guide. My visualization of an image before actual capture has become a key step along the path to successful capture, thanks to Alan’s good example as described for each shot. The inclusion of technical information is also useful and treated at just the right level of detail and complexity; not distracting the reader from the essential message (for me), maintaining emphasis on making artful macro images. The author clearly is a master of his craft and an outstanding teacher. Thank you for making it available.br /br /Mike Cirellabr /Juried fine art photographer member of the Cape Cod Art Associationbr /[...]

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Dave Roberts ()

Beautiful book with great info for newbies and pros.

This book is chocked full of beautiful photos and info on how they setup and took the photos. Lots and lots of great tips and ideas. I would think that beginners as well as professionals could learn from this book and get creative ideas sparked by these amazing photos. A wonderful purchase and fast delivery by Amazon.

New Prices From :- $13.12 (last updated 25/08/2010@16:25:26)

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Product Description
bSpecial techniques for creating unique, artistic, close-up images/bbrbr Macro, or close-up, photography is gaining popularity, and this book covers all of the challenges associated with taking great close-ups: depth of field, focus, and exposure. Copublished with Photoworkshop.com, a leading online educational resource for both beginning and professional photographers, this task-oriented reference allows readers to learn by doing and offers outstanding examples and instructions.

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D. Carrington (FL, USA)

Great for jumping in to macro photography!

A nice book for getting into macro photography. Great for beginners. Interesting text and photos.br /Don’t forget…..Critics are the people who come down from the mountains after the battle and kick the dead.

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Hubert C. Chaney Jr. (CARY, NC, US)

Very good overview of digital macro photo

Book takes you from marcro novice to any desired level. Loaded with great ideas and hints. A lot to learn and a lot to digest. Would buy again.

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David D. Snider (Alexandria, VA)

Go Macro!

You don’t have to mortgage your home to buy a ton of the latest and greatest tech toys to do macro! At least, that’s the first message I go from this very kind and informative author. Right off the bat, he points out lots of things you can do with a point-and-shoot (I have one, and immediately tried some of his suggestions.)Going on, I broke out my DSLR and added a small amount to my inventory of accessories and got intrigued by some of the more demanding stuff, and was very pleased. He takes the reader along at a reasonable pace, not too fast for a beginner, but won’t bore the more advanced, by any means. Always wanted to do macros, but, between portraits and scenic, I never got around to it. Glad I bought this book!

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Gayle Gahn ()

Macro photography

This is a very helpful, informative book. I have not done much macro photography, and this book made it fun to try. I highly suggest that anyone who has a camera and a little time, read this book, and then get out and play.br /Gayle Gahn

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BIGH (Arizona USA)

good for the novice and average photographer

I am a novice in macro photography, having been exposed only to medical/dental close-up photography in the past. The author has been kind enough to keep the text less technical and geared more to the novice to average photographer. The examples are annotated with the source and equipment used. He provides tips, cross-references with each new chapter, and has `assignments’ that allows one to practice what was read. At the conclusion of the book he provides websites to allow you to see what others have to offer. I recommend this book for both the novice and the average photographer as an excellent resource.

New Prices From :- $13.98 (last updated 25/08/2010@16:25:26)

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Product Description
In this exhaustive guide to macro photography, respected author and photographer Adrian Davies takes a comprehensive approach to the subject, covering every aspect of the multi-faceted and often complicated world of close-up photography. brbrEverything about Adrian’s approach is both practical and diverse, with optimal output always in mind. His coverage of equipment, for example, goes beyond cameras to cover the application of flatbed and film scanners for close-up shots (2D, 3D, reflective and translucent subjects). brbrSeperate sections cover cameras and equipment, lenses, lighting, workflow and image processing. Additionally, a seperate section on ‘special subjects’ covers techniques for shooting both common macro subjects (including insects, fossils and coins), as well as a range of technical elements such as shiny surfaces, texture, and polarised light. The appendix includes a technical discussion on depth of field, including detailed tables, and a range of optical formulae. brbrClear, concise and comprehensive, and packed with stunning images, this is a must-have purchase for all photographers looking for professional quality macro results. brbr* One-stop guide to all things macro by respected author/photographer Adrian Daviesbr* Takes a comprehensive approach to a macro workflow, covering every aspect from pre-capture (including selecting equipment from compacts to film scaners) through to post-capture and image processingbr* Packed with stunning macro photographs to inspire the reader and put the information in a practical context

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J. Kew (Vancouver, British Columbia Canada)

for beginners with some advanced knowledge

Book Review by Thorsten Gohl (member – Vancouver InDesign User Group)br /br /br /Close-up and Macro Photography by Adrian Davies (Focal Press)br /br /First when I read the title, it seemed to me that it is concentrating on different camera and lighting techniques for macro photography. It includes these topics, but also gives you a greater idea about photography workflow, from the pre-production, set up, shot and post-production. Maybe a little bit too much general information for one book if your focus is the photography of close-up and macro photography. br /br /The layout of the chapters is very easy to follow. It is talking about image chapter, lenses, camera support, lighting, macro studio and workflow. Again, it seemed like there is much too much detail about general photography rather than focusing on more important things and taking to more time explain them. The book is clear and precise, step by step. Like page 21 with the spot metering explanation, it is great for the reader to know that you should focus your meter (in this case spot meter) on the butterfly to get the right exposure. It is explained well and the images help to understand it even more. br /br /Overall, I feel that the book is for beginners with some advanced knowledge. The part about depth of field, the sensor plain, plain of sharp focus, the lighting rays might be a little bit too much for the starter in photograph, but I think it is really interesting and if you want to improve your images by understanding what happens when you click the shutter, even necessary. All in all, I had fun reading it and also got some good reminders out of it.

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ritewinger (New Hampshire, USA)

One of the better books

Organized well, nice pictures and some good ideas. I have too many of this type of book, and at the same time not enough. One of my favorites.

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Sacramento Book Review (Sacramento, CA)

Close-Up and Macro Photography

This manual of practical advice for the macro photographer considers everything from choice of equipment to optimum workflow techniques. Through color-coded chapters, it distinguishes between the variety of lenses, cameras, supports, lighting, software and studio equipment available to the contemporary digital photographer. Technical aspects of three-dimensional scanning and post-production image enhancement are also covered using precise charts, graphs, formulas, and sample images. A helpful glossary and list of resources are included at the end.br /br /The sensibly structured approach of Adrian Davies’ writing is somewhat dry but comprehensible and quite logical. His insight clues us in to how to modify the macro process depending upon the specific type of subject matter being photographed. He manages to de-mystify such concepts as depth-of-field, histograms, image size and camera settings in an intelligible manner. Of particular interest are examples that delineate ultraviolet fluorescence, imaginative backlighting, polarized light, and image sequencing. Whether used by a professional for scientific documentation or by an amateur for purely creative endeavors, //Close-up and Macro Photography// is a valuable reference that could save time, effort and money for anyone involved in this particular field.br /br /Reviewed by Richard Mandrachio

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Donna L. Jenkins (PA)

Great explanations to improve macros

I can’t wait to get out and take the pictures of the Spring flowers. This book has many hints that will guide you through the process of taking not good but great macro shots. Before, I used to use a technique similar to “hit and miss” (I think a very popular one when applied to macros) and there were many that I missed. I’ve learned better now.

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Product Description
DIVpClose-up photography is one of the most fascinating areas in photography. This illustrated guide will take the reader on a journey into the wonderful world of small, smaller, and smallest objects and show him how he can capture their beauty with photographic images. Each step of the way will be carefully explained; how to choose the right equipment, how to use ambient light or create artificial lighting, and how to conceptualize and frame the perfect shot. /pp Whereas the nature photographer is exploring facets and structures in his environment, the “table top photographer” is trying to shoot a small object, a product, or a small treasure for display on the web (e.g., eBay) or in print. Here, the choice of the appropriate lighting and backdrop, and the creative use of the camera’s features are key to a perfect image. /pp Cyrill Harnischmacher explains all aspects of close-up shooting for both inside the studio, as well as outdoors. This book is filled with beautifully illustrated examples and detailed instructions on how to set up a system and workflow for successful close-up photography./p/div

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Thomas Crouse (San Francisco, CA)

Good Technical guide but weak on the artistic

This book is primarly a techincal guide to macro photography and it it does that very well. It covers in considerable detail the usual macro tools lenses available with helpful info on how to use them. But it also goes beyond the basics and discusses a wide range of more advanced topics such as tabletop, product shots, underwater macro, and even how to build your own equiptment. Perhaps the best parts are several sections on lighting flash techniques to achieve various effects.br /br /The book does not attempt to cover the artistic side of macro photogarphy such as composition. It has a number of photos to illustrate the various chapters does cover topics like getting sharp images, but for inspiration on the artistic side, look elsewhere.br /br /If you are looking for a fairly complete technical guide to macro photography, you will probably find this book usefull.

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Sneeferson ()

Confusing and did not grab me at all

I found the book very confusing to read, and i have about 20 other photography books covering the spectrum.br /br /I am guessing that english in not the authors first language, and that to me created a very abrasive writing tone, feeling little charm or personality in the writing.br /br /To be honest some parts of it i had trouble following…br /

Reviewed by :-

J. Wohnig (Chester, Va.)

Closeup Shooting

I am new to the photography hobby. Nature being Birds, Insects and Flowers are my primary targets. This book has given me advice that helped create some great shots that I otherwise would never have been able to get. The book also gives guides as to what equipment will help you meet you goals.

Reviewed by :-

S. Williston (Los Angeles, CA USA)

very beginners book

This book is very brief and aimed at a total amateur or beginner. Nothing really of any practical use in it for professionals. Explains various methods of typical macro photography but basically just a lot of pictures. Very little practical info.

Reviewed by :-

Vaughn D. Martin (Georgia)

Only a great book if you are an entomologist

I am a professional writer and take lots of table top shots of PC boards etc. showing small components in great detail. This book does not at all serve that audience very well. It will dazzle you with the author’s great works, but how about conveying some of those trade secrets that obviously only will remain with him since this book surely won’t reveal them? It also is a great review of equipment, buy that sort of thing already abounds on the internet, so what’s the purpose of this? It escapes me!!

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