<p>With its emphasis on detail, pattern, and texture, macro photography can yield rewarding and unique results. In this gallery, learn what makes a great macro shot and get tips on how to turn your extreme close-ups into compelling photographs.</p> <p>Here, a macro lens and diffused macro twin flash capture the intricate detail on a bee and flower.</p> <p><i>(This photo was submitted to Your Shot.)</i></p> <p><b>Photo Tip</b>: Macro photography is photography magnified. It is generally recognized as “macro” when you are increasing the size of an object in your picture from about half life-size, as represented on the image sensor, to five times life-size.</p> <p><a href="http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-tips/">Get more photo tips » </a></p>

Solitary Bee

With its emphasis on detail, pattern, and texture, macro photography can yield rewarding and unique results. In this gallery, learn what makes a great macro shot and get tips on how to turn your extreme close-ups into compelling photographs.

Here, a macro lens and diffused macro twin flash capture the intricate detail on a bee and flower.

(This photo was submitted to Your Shot.)

Photo Tip: Macro photography is photography magnified. It is generally recognized as “macro” when you are increasing the size of an object in your picture from about half life-size, as represented on the image sensor, to five times life-size.

Get more photo tips »

Photograph by John Kimbler, Your Shot

How to Take Macro Pictures

Get tips for taking macro photos with this how-to photo gallery, from National Geographic.

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