HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH IN MACRO

Smaller targets require more skill to shoot, but the results will often make a bigger splash

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IT'S THE SMALL THINGS THAT ARE OFTEN the unsung heroes of the natural world - particularly insects and plants - and photography is a great way to provide them with some much-needed positive PR. Certainly, images of bees, spiders, butterflies, beetles and ants tend to get fewer 'likes' online. They also take a back seat in print sales to images of more charismatic megafauna. But there's a whole new world to discover when you decide to look into life in miniature. And while the shots may not always draw the same attention as those of large mammals, close-up photos of invertebrates and plants can be just as visually stunning, whether you're focussing on the compound eye of a damselfly or the intricate structure of a sundew.

THREE TOP TIPS

USE FLASH Use flash to freeze the moment and illuminate your subject. To get the maximum depth of field, photographers use the highest possible F-number, which requires a slower shutter speed. A flash comes in handy in this situation, both for the extra light and to eliminate shake or movement of your subject. To make the light soft and uniform, use a diffuser.

TRY A TRIPOD A tripod will not only eliminate camera shake, but will also help you compose your frame if you're manually adjusting the focus.