Some of the most visually impactful pictures are close-up of everyday objects. While almost anyone can take a beautiful picture of a sunset, taking an amazing picture of an insect on a leaf is not so easy. Close ups require special attention to focus, lighting, and exposure.

The most critical aspect of creating an amazing close up photograph is practice. Slight changes in the camera become huge alterations in the final product. Sometimes the key to a great photograph, especially as a beginner, is to take dozens of pictures and see which ones turn out the way you were hoping. While specialized equipment can play a critical role in these photos I am going to focus on advice anyone can utilize.

Composition/Background

The background is important in any photograph, but it a close-up that is critical and depends on how the scene is set. Here are two tips that can help create a stunning close up photograph. The first is to keep the subject brighter than the background. Additionally, for the majority of close up you want the background to be just one or two colors to avoid distractions form your subject.

One option to obtain the perfect background is to make your own. First take a picture of a leaf or grass, print out that picture and place it behind your subject. So maybe this seems a little like cheating, after all you don’t have the fully natural environment around your subject. But if it is well done, no one will ever be able to tell the difference.

Lens selection

If all you have is a basic digital camera with a zoom feature you can take good close up pictures. If you fall in love with this type of photography you will probably want to change the lens. 50mm, 60mm, and 100mm lens allow you to get closer to your subject. Another option is to purchase a set of screw on close up lens.

Tripod

Close up photography tends to exaggerate camera motion. Many amateur photographers are surprised to see a blurry close up photo. Of course, some photographers naturally have amazingly steady hands. For the rest of us a tripod will greatly increase the quality of our photos.

Focus

Focus is probably the second most important element to great close-up photography. There are two basic elements to great focus. The first is focusing on the most critical element in the picture. For example, focus on the eye of the bird or on the center of the flower. The second element is to set your lens at a small aperture, (f/11 to f/22) for good depth-of-field.

Practice

Finally, the most important element in exceptional close up photography is practice. Practice on everyday objects hundreds of times before setting up the perfect outdoor wildlife photograph. If you are planning a special trip perfect your technique before leaving. If you feel that your close up photography still leaves something to be desired ask for advice from an expert. As with all photography have fun! It may take months of practice to perfect the techniques required to have your close up look the way you want but enjoy the process of learning.