"Macro" in photography?

Question

I love digital photography and enjoy piddling around with it. But one word keeps coming up when others view my images and thats "macro". What does it mean?

Answer 1

Macro usually refers to close-up work in photography. A macro lens is specifically suited for up close work (e.g. a life-sized photo fo a small bug.) A normal lens will not be able to focus at things that close. Most zoom lenses usually have a macro setting, often depicted by a flower symbol.

People might be using the word 'macro' to encourage you to buy a macro lens, and that is, if your images are not as focuesed as they could be. I have not heard the term 'macro' used as a way to describe someone's work (e.g. 'Wow, your work is sooo macro!") But maybe I'm behind the times. If it is, I'm sure it's meant as a compliment to your good work.

Answer 2

In photography, "macro" or macrophotography refers to the photos taken at an extreme close-up where the image is anyone from 1:1 (read this as "one-to-one") or 2:1 (read as two-to-one) or sometimes 3:1 (read as three-to-one) on the film or sensor of the camera used; in other words, the lens used allows you to get close enough so that the image of your subject is the same size or 1:1, or half the size or 2:1, or one-third the size or 3:1 of your subject on the FILM or SENSOR. NOT all lenses can do that; they must be labeled as macro by the manufacturer.

I'm not familiar with the term "macro" in slang or everyday vernacular to denote "good" or a superlative.

Answer 3

macro images are like taking a much closes shot then a close up for small little things. if shows a life-size image of an ant, a beetle, a caterpillar, or even plants. things that ur naked eye couldn't see.

Answer 4

Here's an article with a good explanation:
http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Optical/Macro_01.htm