Close-up photographs of everything from insects to flowers, food and household objects can reveal astonishing levels of detail. With the right camera and lens, and the right settings, you can reveal details that are all but invisible to the naked eye. Typically, a macro lens will deliver between 0.5x and 1.0x magnification at its minimum focus distance. That might not sound particularly impressive, but 1.0x magnification reproduces small objects at full life size on the camera's image sensor. They will then be massively enlarged when you view them on screen or in print, giving a whole new perspective to your photography.
Anything can be your subject in macro photography as you uncover a hidden world and see everyday things differently. Shooting at really close range can be a lot of fun, but it's not without technical challenges. Read on to discover expert advice for creating spectacular close-up images, as well as the best Canon kit for macro photography, even if you're on a budget.