Macro photography allows the photographer to capture details of the small world that would otherwise go unnoticed. It rewards the photographer each time he looks through the viewfinder.

Close-up images can be accomplished with a variety of cameras--film and digital. This How to Do Macro Photography guide does not address equipment. It does focus on fundamental techniques and tips photographers can use to produce successful images.

• Aperature priority is the best auto exposure setting to use for macro photography.

• A tripod is essential when using long exposure times.

• Though the use of flash reveals fine details, it can also cause hard, unnatural shadows.

John Brackenburg notices that in macro photography the camera lens " works like a low-power microscope because it forms a magnified image."John Brackenburg, Close Up: Creative Techniques for Successful Macrophotography, RotoVision SA, 2004 That magnified image provides the photographer opportunities to discover and share the magnificent details, patterns, textures, and diversity of objects that evade the naked eye.

Macro photography's main obstacles, as identified by John Hedgecoe, are extremely shallow depth of field and lighting.John Hedgecoe, Complete Guide to Photography, Sterling Publishing Co., 2004 The close proximity of the lens to the subject doesn't leave "much room for light to get in."

Kodak's experts identify an additional obstacle. They add composition as a stumbling block to macro photographers.Mastering Composition and Light: The Kodak Library of Creative Photography, Kodak, 1983

This how-to presents lighting, depth of field, and composition techniques that help in macro photography.

Macro photography by its very nature forces us to view the world millimeter by millimeter. Our attention transfixed to the tiniest of details. Plants and insects are perennial favorites. However, any object that captures your eye and imagination is perfect.

Look for bold shapes, vivid color, unusual textures, and repeating elements. It's how you present the subject not the subject itself that is most important in macro photography.

Lighting can make or break a photograph.

Hazy days provide the best quality of light for macro photography. According to Paul Harcourt Davies, it makes vibrant color possible because the "light cloud cover acts as a giant umbrella" and shields the subject from extreme variances of light.Paul Harcourt Davies, The Complete Guide to Close-up and Macro Photography, David and Charles, 1998

Kodak advises macro photographers to experiment with morning light for the "special qualities and ... distinctive atmosphere" it adds to images. In addition, they recommend keeping the light source behind the camera. It "almost always guarantees a clear, detailed image."Mastering Composition and Light: The Kodak Library of Creative Photography, Kodak, 1983

Backlighting is another lighting technique for the macro photographer's arsenal. It creates drama and emphasizes shape. However, use caution. It can also produce washed out backgrounds. Davies recommends tight composition as a solution.Paul Harcourt Davies, The Complete Guide to Close-up and Macro Photography, David and Charles, 1998

The use of flash in macro photography is a double-edged sword. It is the perfect light source to "reveal fine details, allowing exposures at small aperatures with good depth of field and bright, saturated colors."Paul Harcourt Davies, The Complete Guide to Close-up and Macro Photography, David and Charles, 1998 Plus, subject and camera movement are negated with the use of a flash.

Hard, unnatural shadows and flat images are the downsides to using flash. The use of a reflector or experimentation with the flash position can alleviate the problems.

Depth of field gives the photographer a way to emphasize his subject and obscure unwanted objects in the background. It can be achieved by placing the subject far away from the distractions or using the aperature priority mode on the camera.http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-get-shallow-depth-of-field-in-your-digital-photos

Putting distance between the subject and background is not always an option in macro photography, especially with plants and animals. Aperature priority mode is by far the most useful tool.

Technique and composition go hand in hand in the creation of a great image. Good composition is the difference between an ordinary photograph and an extraordinary photograph. After you have chosen your subject, try to find its most interesting characteristic. Is it the color, pattern, texture, or repetition of a certain element?

Kodak recommends using viewpoint as a compositional tool. "Changing viewpoint is a photographer's most important means of controlling the way the picture will look." They continue: "Sometimes moving the camera only slightly can transform the whole composition."

Experiment with format. Does your subject look better viewed horizontally or vertically? Study your subject and frame it for impact. Other elements of composition include positive and negative space, balance and asymmetry, shape and form, and pattern and texture.

Ambient light: This can be daylight, moonlight, room light, or any light that is naturally available for the image. Added or artificial light--a flash--is excluded.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambient_light

Aperature: The hole in the lens that allows light to enter the camera. It is controlled by the F-stop. The larger the number (F16 vs F5.6) the smaller the aperature.http://www.searlstudio.com/digital-photo-blog03080511.htm

Backlighting: Lighting aimed toward the camera that illuminates the subject from behind.http://www.photography.com/articles/taking-photos/backlighting/

Depth of field: The area of acceptable sharp focus in front and behind the actual focus point.http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm