Project 3 Focus on the detail

Although big close-ups aren’t necessary to create engaging and creative florals, there comes a time when a macro lens – or some form of close-focusing lens attachment – is the tool that you need for frame-filling shots of intricate details.

Aside from a dedicated macro lens, your choices are extension tubes, which fit between your lens and the camera to force it to focus closer, or close-up filters, which slot over your lens and magnify the scene. Whichever route you take for close-up shots, you’ll get the best results if you use a tripod and shoot in controlled conditions – either indoors or on a calm, windless day.

Switch to manual focus and use Live View mode, zooming in on the screen to magnify the area you want to be critically sharp. Select a medium aperture like f/8 or f/11, and use your self-timer to avoid nudging the camera and blurring the shot at the critical moment.