Focus On Close-Up and Macro Photography

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!

Clive Branson is a photography graduate from New York City's Parsons School of Design. Clive has extensive experience as an Art Director, Creative Director, Senior Copywriter, and Photographer. He presently runs his own ad agency with clients throughout the world. His work has been exhibited on 5th Avenue as well as aired on WPBS-TV. His photography has been featured in many places, including Pro Digital Imaging, Bonjour Paris, The National Drug Comission, Photo Guide Magazine, and even on a commemorative Canada Post stamp, just to name a few. Clive lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. To see more of his work, log on to his website at www.provocadv.com.

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