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Capture intimacy with a close-up |
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A close-up brings the viewer in and captures all the hidden details you might not ever see otherwise. It also helps to
frame your subject, away from busy, distracting backgrounds.
Use macro mode |
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Set your camera to close-up or "macro" mode. Check your user manual for exactly how to do this, or look for
the shooting mode with an icon depicting a flower. In this mode, your camera will take sharp pictures within
inches of your subject.
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Use your camera's zoom |
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Without a macro shooting mode, your camera will have a hard time focusing really close to your subject, but you can use
your camera's zoom function.
To get close to your subject using your zoom, you actually have to stand farther away and zoom in. You can catch roughly
the same shot as with a macro function. Still, there's no substitute for a true macro shooting mode for getting in really
close and sharp.
Know when to use manual settings |
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See how the subject is sharp, but background is soft.
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For shots farther away than 12 inches or so, it's best to switch to portrait shooting mode. This is a factory
preset that reduces your
depth of field
and makes objects within a few feet of you sharp, while blurring anything in the distance.
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Keep your subject centered |
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When using a shallow depth of field, you don't have much room to play with. When your subject is really close
up, position it right in the middle of the frame to make sure it comes out sharp.
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Turn off your flash and use other light sources |
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Your camera's flash will sometimes wash out colour in a close-up photo or cause it to look overexposed due to
too much light. In these cases, turn your flash off and supplement with available natural light from windows
or lamps.
The daylight hours are the easiest time of day for your camera to focus automatically. To help you get the
shots you want at night or in low-light conditions, use a tripod or you may get some blur if you don't hold
the camera steady.
Learn more about night and low-light photography.
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Get creative close-ups |
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The opportunities for beautiful close-ups are almost limitless. Here are just a few ideas to get you started experimenting.
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Found objects in nature
Photograph autumn leaves, the bark of a tree, or interesting insects.
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Abstract portraits
Instead of a traditional portrait, capture close-ups of parts of a person, such as their eyes or hands.
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Interesting textures
When you get really close to objects, you can discover hidden beauty.
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Recommended products |
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Find the right HP printer for you with the HP printer buying guide. See the full lineup of HP Photo printers.
Learn more |
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Award-winning support |
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Related links |
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