How Much Macro Should You Choose?

Saturday 24 May 2025, 15:30 by Nando Harmsen | 3,045 views | 0 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

When you think of macro, you almost immediately think of macro lenses and life-size reproduction. Ideally, you want to photograph your subject filling the frame. But of course, that is not compulsory. How much macro should you choose?

Photographing tiny things is great fun. It is also intensive photography, as it requires a lot of concentration. With a macro lens, you dive into your subject to make it large and fill the frame in the photo.

A butterfly filling the frame. That is often the aim. But only taking this kind of photo does limit your creativity.
Bringing the small world large into the frame naturally reveals details you would not quickly see. It can also be very challenging. Although you can admire the subject in detail, creativity is sometimes lacking.

Also try getting closer, sometimes even extremely close. Do not limit yourself to capturing the subject in its entirety.
Sometimes it can pay off to go closer than close. Think beyond simply photographing the subject filling the frame. Choose details, a flower's pistil, a stamen, or an insect's eye. Be creative.

Why photograph everything filling the frame? Show the subject in its surroundings. This gives you the opportunity to play with other elements in the image. Use your creativity
Instead of getting extremely close, you can also take a step back. Photograph your subject in its surroundings. Use other elements in the image and tell a story.

Perhaps you think this no longer falls under macro. But remember that it does not need to have a name. The only thing that matters is photographing your subject in a creative, exciting way.

I think it is important to vary this. Sometimes close, sometimes closer, and sometimes further away. Never let self-imposed rules limit you, and choose the amount of macro that gives you the most beautiful image possible.

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