The Basics of Macro Photography

A photographer and filmmaker in Boulder, CO, Scott Klumb has owned and operated SMK Media since 2012. In addition to shooting winter sports athletes in Boulder, throughout Colorado, and beyond, Scott Klumb is known for his fine art macro photography.

Although the technical benchmark of macro photography entails a one-to-one magnification ratio to produce a life-sized reproduction, the term “macro” has come to define any photograph that presents a highly magnified and extremely detailed image of a relatively small subject. Scientists and technicians originally developed macro photography equipment and supplies to aid in the study of insects and other tiny biological entities.

Today, a wide variety of photographers employ macro gear and techniques for an even wider variety of scientific, commercial, and artistic purposes. To achieve the necessary optic magnification for macro photography, they can employ any number of special lenses and digital enhancement tools. Among the many photographers who have mastered macro photography, Andrey Savin and Adam Gore have produced exceptional results in this specialized field.