Macro, Close-Up, Scientific and Technical Photography

Lessons in this course

1. 1

   Close-Up Versus Macro Photography

   Learn the real difference between close-up, macro and microscope photography, what magnification means, and why sensor size doesn't change magnification.

   5 min
2. 2

   Magnification and Working Distance

   Learn how macro magnification is calculated, what field of view you get at 1:1, minimum focus vs working distance, and why close focusing loses light.

   5 min
3. 3

   Macro Lenses and Alternative Magnification Methods

   Compare ways to get close: macro lenses, extension tubes, close-up filters, reversed lenses, bellows and high-magnification lenses, with trade-offs.

   5 min
4. 4

   Depth of Field at High Magnification

   Learn why depth of field is so thin in macro, how it depends on magnification and aperture, real millimetre values, the diffraction trade-off and solutions.

   5 min
5. 5

   Focus Stacking

   Learn focus stacking: capturing frames by ring, rail or in-camera bracketing, choosing step size and frame count, stacking methods and fixing halos.

   6 min
6. 6

   Macro Lighting

   Learn macro lighting: why close work needs extra light, diffused, twin and ring flash, diffuser size, black backgrounds, continuous light and backlighting.

   5 min
7. 7

   Nature Macro Photography

   Learn nature macro photography: finding and approaching insects, best times of day, handling wind, backgrounds, field stacking, safety and macro ethics.

   5 min
8. 8

   Product and Detail Macro Photography

   Learn product macro photography: jewelry, watches and textures, controlling reflections, dust and fingerprints, studio stacking and honest retouching.

   5 min
9. 9

   Scientific and Technical Documentation

   Learn how scientific photography differs from creative work: accurate recording, standard views, scale and color references, and strict image integrity rules.

   5 min
10. 10

    Reproducible Photographic Conditions

    Learn to create reproducible photo conditions: fixed positions, controlled light, manual settings, color targets, cross-polarization and session records.

    5 min
11. 11

    Laboratory and Instrument Photography

    Learn laboratory photography: specimens and samples, transmitted and dark-field light, cameras on microscopes, screens, lab safety and confidentiality.

    5 min
12. 12

    Measurement, Scale and Reference Information

    Learn to add scale and reference information: scales in the same plane, a perpendicular camera, forensic ABFO No. 2 scales, scale bars and color targets.

    5 min
13. 13

    Technical Metadata and Reporting

    Learn what technical information to record with documentation photos, how to store it, how to report processing, and why chain of custody matters.

    5 min