Learning How To Shoot Macro Photography

Learning Macro Photography: Background

(2025.04.06)

For my photography class, I am learning how to shoot macro photography by using by using extension tubes, taking many shots, and playing around.

In my last In the Weeds post, I showed some of the photos that didn’t (at the time) make the cut for my final project, Small Surprises.

I love noticing small details that many others would not. In my professional life, one of my jobs is to notice things that need addressed, such as a fallen sign, or a burned-out light bulb, etc. In response to reporting something, I frequently hear, “how did you even notice that?”

I bring this energy to my hobby when I place extension tubes between my lens and camera body.

Macro Photography Tools

When I first decided to take up macro, it was because I wanted to get more detailed photos than I was able with the lenses I owned then. I researched lenses and found articles such as this one by Mark Overmars, which states that for his needs, the Canon RF 100 is the better lens.

This lens is *slightly outside my budget.

*(By slightly, I mean by a lot)

Instead of an expensive, dedicated macro lens, Julie Powell suggests extension tubes. Plus, I like her take on the “good,” “bad,” and “ugly” aspects of using extension tubes. The short story is, do your homework and know what to expect before purchasing any equipment.

To paraphrase something my son would say, you can’t expect Koenigsegg performance at a Nissan price.

Macro Photography Subject Matter

When I ask photography professionals about macro lenses, the first thing they ask is what I’m planning on shooting.

Since I began learning macro, I have been inspired by the work of Marit Hovden (who likes water droplets), Karla Thompson, and  Marta Albareda (who both like insects).

I have mostly focused on local flora.

Macro Photography Methodology

As with most photography skills, you have to do it (many times) to really learn how. However, Jaymes Dempsey and MasterClass both give a good overview of where to start as you learn your craft.

Dempsey reminds the reader of several accessories a photographer can use (if they want), provides some guidance on setting your aperture, and suggests automatic focus (if your setup allows it). My favorite advice from him is to “experiment, persevere, and have fun.”

Contrary to Dempsey, MasterClass advises using manual focus because AI tends to have a difficult time finding the proper focus point.

Both Dempsey and MasterClass discuss the body rock technique that I have heard (and read) from just about anyone talking about macro.

Go Play

It is frustrating, but usually true: you can read about techniques, you can talk about how to do it, and you can see the results from masters in their field.

The only way to truly know how to get the results you want is to play around until you find what works for you.

And so, if you want to learn to shoot macro photography, my best advice is to go play.