What is close-up photography?

Key facts about close-up photography

A close up of a white flower with purple at the tips of the petals. — Image caption,
A close-up photograph of a water lily on a pond

This is a close-up photograph of a flower.

The flower is so enlarged that it is like viewing it from the of a small insect.

The flower fills the and goes right to the edges. Some parts of the flower are even going outside the edges of the frame.

Close-up photography is all about taking a photograph so that something looks much larger than it actually is. The result is an extreme close-up of something small.

Extreme close-up photography is also known as macro photography. Flowers, plants and leaves make good subjects for macro photography.

You can take close-up photographs of anything you find interesting.

Ideas for close-up or macro photography

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You could take close-up photographs of zips on clothing or bags, something that you wouldn't usually take time to notice. Your photograph might be able to showcase the metal and how the light shines on it. You might be able to take a photograph that shows all the small scratches and marks on the surface.
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Food is another subject that you could try and take close-up photographs of. We never really take the time to look at fruits or vegetables that we eat. If you take close-up photographs then you might be able to see details like seeds and different colours and textures in your food.
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You could even use yourself or other people as a subject. Try and take close-up photographs of skin or fingertips, and see what you notice about human skin that you didn't see before. You may see lines, marks or hairs that you can't see without a close-up.
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If you have a pet at home then why not try a close-up photograph? You might notice details about your furry friend's fur or skin that you haven't seen before.