Macro Style Photography is a specialised style of shooting which requires you to make use of slightly different composition, lighting and technique.
Here are a top tips for making macro style photos.
Firstly, you need to remember that you will always inevitably have blurred backgrounds because of the macro focus that you are trying to achieve.
You'll need to keep your background in mind by making sure that it compliments your main focal point because it will have a big impact on the framing, the depth and the final image.
To control this, you should play around with the aperture; the wider you make it, the more blurred the background will appear, and vice versa.
This helps you control the focus of your main point and its context.
Secondly, you can play around with ambient/ natural light and flashes.
This helps you to capture a more dramatic image as you can draw out the prominent features of the subject, while also darkening the background to enhance the image.
Thirdly, excuse the pun, use a third hand.
This is a device that enables you to manipulate the subject and place it exactly where you want it.
This helps you with tip number one in choosing the most aesthetic background.
Fourthly, be particular about your composition.
Although there are endless possibilities to crop and change the image on software afterwards, you should be particular, when shooting, to frame the image as close to how you will ultimately want it.
The way you go about this will depend on the image that you are shooting.
However, for intricate patterns it helps to get either no background in the image at all, or background all the way around.
It seems obvious enough but this tip can start you off developing the eye, technique and practice that is needed to produce interesting, unique and well executed macro photographs.
Finally, the development of the photos and the skill that goes into making macro style photography is largely dependent on you.
So, don't get bogged down by not having the best or most advanced technical ability or the highest of the range equipment because if you are able to source or create images that are interesting and unique, you are more than half of the way there.
You can always save up more money or develop your skill, but having a natural eye is much more difficult, if not impossible to develop.
If you are shooting animals or insects, you need to get into their world and understand their behaviour and reactions.
Also, if you are shooting nature, you need to play around with and have a keen eye for natural lighting, weather etc.
Most importantly, don't give up when you've taken some or even tons of terrible photos.
You need to be patient, have persistence and know that your dedication will pay off.
Enjoy playing around, trying different things and learning what you and your camera are able to do!