Focus On Close-Up and Macro Photography Focus on the Fundamentals

Want to get the best out of your digital camera? Not quite sure how to capture up-close shots? Want easy to follow, expert advice on the best ways to creatively capture macro shots you can be proud of? This is your ticket to go beyond a snapshot to create a fine art print that you'll be so proud of. Macro and close-up photography involves a unique skill set in terms of exposure, lighting, and of course, composition in particular. You can take a quick photo of a sunflower in your back yard that will look mundane and typical OR you could learn how to take a picture of just a part of it-up close-and create a work of art. Let this book be your guide!

PART 1: What Is Macro Photography? . The Difference Between Close-Up and Macro Photography . The Difficulty with Macro Photography . Extension Accessories for Close-Up Photography . Choosing the Right Lens and Camera . Tripods . Flash and Reflectors PART 2: Composition . Your eye isn't the camera's eye . Framing . Focus the mind as much as the camera . Rule of Thirds . Depth of Field . Bracketing . Shutter Speed . ISO . Digital Noise . Histogram . White Balance PART 3: Flower Photography . Fun or Ser!ous? . Photography is all About Observing . The Anatomy of a Flower . Why is the Background so Important? . Eliminating Distractions . Positive & Negative Space . Horizontal versus Vertical . Lines, Shapes and Patterns . Color, Black & White and Sepia . Leaves . Filters . Aesthetics PART 4: Lighting . Front lighting . Back lighting . Silhouettes . Side lighting . Diffused lighting . Weather . Studio lighting PART 5: Subjects to Photograph . Automotive Photography . Falling Droplets . Smoke Trails . Lit Matches . Water Refractions . Water . Ice . Glass . Fabrics . Synthetic Textures . Fruit PART 6: Publishing Your Images . Magazines . Book Publishers . Self-Publishing . Stock Photography . Advertising and Promotions . Greeting Cards and Calendars

Clive Branson is a photographer living in Canada.