Macro Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots

Great book for anyone looking to learn the basics of macro photography. I consider myself an experienced amateur; having purchased a D3300 from a local camera shop on 2/25/16 and since have close to 40 pictures on two stock photo sites. I know not that many but it's only the start of my posting on the sites. Anyways this book starts at the basics and I found it really helpful that it reinforces that you don't need a dedicated macro lens to shoot macro. I own a macro lens (85mm micro Nikkor) and I think it is great. Takes some getting used to and is a pretty heavy lens but for starting out all you need to get decently close is the kit lenses that came with your camera. The books also shows and describes tools such as ring flashes, extension tubes and things like that. Lighting, composition, depth of field, light types, background types and even photographing specific subjects. I found it helpful and even go back and re-read specific chapters just to keep what I learned fresh in my mind. As being self taught in the art of photography I can say this book is a great first step in learning macro photography. Does it have all the techniques and answers? Of course not but like if you're looking to get your feet wet in the area of macro photography it's a perfect place to start. Take what you learn in the book, put your own spin on it and go out there and create macro/micro photos that show your photographic style. All photos added to my review were taken hand held with my 85mm micro Nikkor.

Generally helpful and well done but more detail was needed for beginners. There is an assumption that all readers will know the basics.

This book covers everything you need to know to go out and shoot macro and close-up photography. Macro photography can be challenging but can be shot any time and anywhere, as opposed to landscape subjects where you usually have to travel, subjects for macro are all around us. I highly recommend this book.

Super well written and lots of photos. What I liked best about this book is each photo has all the camera settings listed. That in and of itself, allowed me to get a better idea of what to do with aperture as well as a ISO. Not a bunch of difficult dialogue to crowd your mind. Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!

Informative book.

I've recently decided to experiment with macro photography, and this book was helpful. It delves into some advanced topics such as focus stacking, but entire chapters (such as Lighting) are valuable. The author has a nice way of explaining everything, and I bookmarked several pages.

Great for both the beginner and more experienced macro shooter. I was a faithful reader of Sheppard's writings in OP for many years and would have been surprised if this book didn't meet my expectation.

A good basic review for photographers starting out in macro. While it introduces macro lenses, it doesn't assume you need them for close up work. Contains lots of fresh ideas.

good book.

Generally overall a good product.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. It is well written and informative with very sound advice on using macro and close up lenses and accessories. The example images used are excellent and each one fully explained as to how it was achieved.

Good to start your macro photography experience.

must read book for macro photographers