Photographing small things.
WHAT CHANGES AT CLOSE RANGE
Depth of field becomes extremely shallow Camera movement is magnified Light is blocked by the camera itself
WHAT SHALLOW DEPTH MEANS PRACTICALLY
Only a sliver is sharp, even at narrow apertures.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Narrow the aperture Align the sensor parallel to the subject Combine several frames focused at different points
WHAT FOCUS STACKING IS
Merging frames focused at different distances into one sharp image.
WHAT IT REQUIRES
A completely still subject and camera.
WHAT SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL
A tripod, without exception.
WHY
Handheld macro is unusable at any meaningful magnification.
WHAT TO USE TO TRIGGER
A timer or remote, so touching the camera does not move it.
WHAT LIGHTING SUITS
Diffused light close to the subject.
WHAT TO AVOID
The camera shadowing the subject Harsh direct light showing every imperfection
WHAT EQUIPMENT ACHIEVES MAGNIFICATION CHEAPLY
Extension tubes Close-up filters Reversing a lens
WHAT TO PHOTOGRAPH THIS WAY COMMERCIALLY
Jewellery Textiles and materials Components Food detail
WHAT TO CLEAN FIRST
The subject. At this scale, dust is enormous.
