A great guide for taking brilliant macro shots

Certain compact models sell for as little as Bt5,000, while other formerly extremely expensive cameras, such as SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras like the Olympus E500 and the Pentax K100D, now cost less than Bt20,000.

These cameras are great for the field of so-called macro photography, which is gaining popularity. Anyone who wants to have fun in this field should read "Macro Photography Photo Workshop" by Haje Jan Kamps.

Kamps does a really good job in this 253-page book, providing insight and useful tips on how to capture stunning close-ups. Best of all, the author illustrates his more than 50 photography projects and essential techniques with full-colour photos.

Kamps is a freelance writer and photographer. He runs PhotoCritic.org for amateur photographers and their projects. His photos have won online photography contests on DPChallenge.com. He currently writes for Make magazine.

So what is macro photography? Kamps explains in his book that macro photography is the art of taking pictures of subjects up close. Some photos might be of relatively large things and others might be minuscule objects, such as the eye of a fly. Macro photography isn't just about taking pictures of small things - it can also be shots detailing a small portion of a bigger subject.

The book has 10 chapters: First Steps Into a Macro World; Equipment; Lighting in Macro Photography; The Macro in Everyday Objects; Flowers; Textures; Insects; Abstracts; People; and The Digital Darkroom.

Kamps gives an assignment at the end of each chapter and he encourages his readers to post their assignments at his PhotoWorkshop.com, which can also be accessed by www.pwsbooks.com.

Kamps also provides an appendix providing more sources of knowledge on the Internet. The Internet Resources appendix provides a lot of useful Web addresses of photography communities and useful information for further learning in photography and new photography technologies and gadgets.

In Chapter 1, the author gives encouragement to his readers by saying anyone can take great macro photographs. He says that taking good macro photographs does not require having an expensive camera. "After you have learned the basics and managed to get the hang of the techniques required to get the photos, it is all in your hands," he says.

In this chapter he also shows readers how to test the macro capability of their digital compact or SLR camera.

He further discusses the two types of cameras plus add-on lenses for cameras in Chapter 2. He also recommends which flashes and tripods to use to do perfect macro shooting.

Chapter 3 provides very useful tips on how to make the most of natural and artificial light to get stunning macro shots. He advises three techniques for managing natural light - blocking the light, changing the direction of light and diffusing the light.

Flower lovers will appreciate Chapter 5, where they will find useful tips on how to choose a background and design composition to take stunning close-up shots of flowers as well as select flowers to photograph. There are also tips on working with depth of field and lighting techniques when taking close-up shots of flowers.

The book is available at leading bookshops and at Amazon.com for US$20 (Bt660).

Paisal Chuenprasaeng

The Nation