Macro photography tips for beginners: how to get started

Macro photography reveals a hidden world of textures, shapes, and patterns that often go unnoticed. If you’re new to the genre, our guide on what macro photography is and how it works is a great place to start. Building on that, four professional photographers—Bruno Militelli, Ignacio Yúfera, Alberto Ghizzi Panizza and Sophie Thouvenin—share beginner-friendly tips on focus, lighting, composition, and the creative mindset that will help you capture striking close-up images.

1. Respect your subjects

The welfare of your subject always comes first. This is especially important when working with animals such as insects, amphibians, or reptiles. “The animal’s well-being always comes first,” the wildlife photographer Ignacio Yúfera tells us.

Ignacio often collaborates with field biologists to understand his subjects’ needs. He stresses the importance of keeping your distance and never handling creatures. “Small frogs and other amphibians will immediately show signs of distress if overcrowded or mishandled,” Ignacio explains. “They might be small, but they deserve the same respect as birds and mammals. A frog who is scared or stressed will look totally different from an alert, healthy, confident one.”

Manipulating species or disturbing habitats is unethical and will only harm your photography in the long run. Be patient, and let animals approach you in their own time.

2. Begin with simple gear

When starting out, it’s tempting to buy lots of new equipment. But Ignacio advises beginners to keep it simple. “Don’t overload yourself with novelty equipment and gadgets,” Ignacio urges, after revealing that some of his best photos have been made with affordable, portable gear. While a dedicated macro lens is ideal, extension tubes or a reversing ring with a 50mm prime can also help you get started on a budget.

3. Start with larger subjects

Beginning with larger, stationary subjects makes macro photography easier. “One of the most frequent mistakes photographers make is wanting to immediately jump in with shooting macros at very high magnifications,” photographer Alberto Ghizzi Panizza tells us. “The more you zoom in, the more complicated it will be.”

Alberto recommends shooting in aperture priority mode, working with larger subjects, and practicing with still objects before moving on to moving ones.

4. Master manual focus

One of the biggest challenges for beginners in macro photography is achieving sharp focus. At high magnifications, even the slightest movement or miscalculation can throw your subject out of focus. São Paulo-based photographer Bruno Militelli stresses the importance of switching away from autofocus when shooting close-up:

“When using autofocus, it’s common for your camera to focus on something other than your subject, as the system just can’t cope with the high magnifications that macro images require. So learning how to use the manual focus on your lens will deliver much more precision,” Bruno tells us. “Additionally, find out if your camera has a focus peaking tool. This electronic focus aid shows in real-time where exactly your camera’s focus is on the subject, highlighting the edges that are in focus and ensuring you never miss an image due to focus issues.”

By relying on manual focus, and using tools like focus peaking if available, you’ll have far more control over the sharpness of your macro shots.

5. Stabilise your shots

Stability is critical in macro photography, where even the smallest vibrations are magnified. When working with shallow depths of field, you’ll often need to stop down your aperture (f/16 or smaller on a full-frame camera). This usually requires a slower shutter speed, making your setup more vulnerable to movement. That’s where a tripod and remote shutter release become essential.

“In addition to the tripod and remote shutter release, I prefer using an electronic shutter, as the movement of a mechanical shutter will reduce some of that sharpness,” Bruno explains. “I’ll then close down my aperture, but I won’t close it too far, as that’ll result in diffraction, and you’ll lose sharpness around the edges of your image.”

If you’re shooting outdoors, it’s also best to pick a calm day without much wind or breeze—natural conditions that can make a big difference to image sharpness.

6. Use the right light

Another way to compensate for narrow apertures in macro photography is to add more light. Before experimenting, though, keep in mind that some living creatures are sensitive to light—especially at night—and not all can be safely photographed with flash. When working with insects or animals, do your research, consult experts, and always prioritise the subject’s wellbeing.

If you’re photographing inanimate objects, you have much more freedom to experiment. Off-camera flash is often the most powerful option. In the field, Ignacio prefers the lightweight Olympus FL 900R or Godox V860 II flashes with the Godox X-Pro transmitter. He always uses a diffuser and continually experiments with different setups.

For a more affordable solution, continuous light sources can also work well. Ignacio sometimes uses a Lume Cube, while Bruno relies on a compact but powerful Aputure LED panel with adjustable colour temperature. And of course, depending on your subject and settings, bright natural sunlight can sometimes be all you need.

7. Soften and diffuse light

Diffusion is key in macro photography, helping to soften shadows and bring out detail. Alberto recommends keeping your setup simple.

“Instead of bulky panels, I use white cardboard or polystyrene cutouts,” he says. “Even ten-centimetre pieces are generally more than enough to properly illuminate a small macro subject. In macro, as in photography in general, correctly illuminating the subject with diffused light is one of the most important aspects for emphasising colours, depth, and details.”

By diffusing your light—whether with a professional softbox or a DIY option—you can achieve more balanced, natural-looking images with richer colours and depth.

8. Think about composition

Once you’ve mastered focus and lighting, composition becomes the next step in creating stronger macro photographs. Framing and perspective can transform a simple close-up into something far more engaging.

“The composition is often what will differentiate a good macro photo from a spectacular one,” Bruno says. “The objective of macro photography is not only to capture small objects and details but also to create an aesthetically pleasing image. Learning the rules of composition will help you think outside the box and create the best image possible with whatever you have available in the moment. I often use abstract shapes, colours, and patterns to transform everyday objects into something else.”

By experimenting with lines, patterns, and angles, you can elevate your images and give them a more artistic, intentional quality.

9. Try live view mode

“For most cameras, I also recommend using the ‘live view’ mode to better view your image before shooting,” Alberto advises.

Live view helps you preview how your aperture and exposure affect the shot, while also giving you more precise control over focus.

10. Experiment with angles

“Finding the right angle is just as fundamental as finding the right lighting or the right depth of field,” Alberto says. “Instead of being satisfied with your first good shot and calling it a day, experiment with different angles and types of light, from direct light to side to backlight. Depending on the direction of your light and your angle, your subject could be diminished or come to life. Almost all of my macro shots are the result of countless trials and attempts, often unsuccessful. Keep trying new things.”

Exploring different perspectives is part of what makes macro photography so rewarding.

11. Take your time

Macro photography rewards patience and presence. “The most common mistake I notice is when photographers shoot too quickly,” the Paris-based photographer Sophie Thouvenin tells us. “The best advice I can give is to take your time. Take your time to set up your camera, perfect your depth of field, and notice how the light shines. If you slow down, macro photography can be a magical, meditative experience.”

Taking the time to pause and notice details can make your photography feel more mindful, as well as improving your results.

12. Experiment and get creative

Once you feel confident with the basics, don’t be afraid to experiment. “I don’t know of any ‘rules’ when it comes to macro photography,” Sophie tells us. “Making a nice photo is easy. Making a soulful photo is another story. I see macro photography as a way to escape reality and express myself. I’ve enjoyed every step of the way, including the accidents. After all, accidents give us the chance to learn, and they can also result in creative images you never expected.”

Sophie’s approach is proof that creativity matters just as much as technique. By experimenting with light, aperture, and perspective, you can make your macro photos uniquely your own.

Conclusion: Start your macro photography journey

Macro photography can be challenging at first, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By starting simple, respecting your subjects, and practising techniques like mastering focus, maintaining stability, controlling light, and refining composition, you’ll gradually build skill and confidence. Patience is key—take your time, experiment, and enjoy the process. In macro photography, it’s often the smallest details that lead to the most memorable results.

About the contributor

Feature Shoot showcases the work of emerging and established photographers worldwide, highlighting those transforming the medium through compelling, cutting-edge projects, with contributions from writers from all over the world.