Smartphone Close-up Photography

There are several ways to add macro capacity to your smartphone. Often, the native application is limited in it's ability to adjust exposure or get in close to an object. For the photo of the knife blades, I used an app called Camera+. It's macro feature allows you to get quite close to the image.  I used a headlamp as my light source. The image was edited using the "Ansel" filter.

The image below was created using the lens of a disposable camera. The lens fit comfortably between my OtterBox and Iphone 5c. (the lens can be taped on as well.) I placed the camera on a tripod and used the timer feature in Camera+ to limit camera shake. The composition is made up of some key rings, paperclips and a metal pencil sharpener.

This image was taken hand held. I rested the bottom of the camera on the table and used the headlamp (Any light source will work) to illuminate the dollar. I used the zoom to get even closer.

Your assignment is to create 5 different closeup images with your Smartphone.

Here is a photo of the rig I've built (3) to help you take your smartphone close-ups. Your phone sits on the top piece of Plexiglas and you position your camera lens over the disposable camera lens. The object you want to photograph sits on the bottom layer of Plexiglas.

The thickness of the plexiglass will cause some vignetting.

Use the zoom on your smartphone camera app to crop out the rough edges. Here is the same image "zoomed in". I used a backpacking headlamp to light the objects from below.

I switched to a red light for this image....

Make sure you bring items in to photograph!! I know you won't forget your phone. :)

There are a whole world of small objects just waiting for you to explore.

I used an app (free) called Snapseed to give this image it's rough look.

This is of the circuit board that was inside the disposable camera I "borrowed" the lens from.

In this image I placed the lens between my Otterbox and my camera. I used Snapseed to saturate the colors in the image.

I found that I eliminated the vignetting when I took my Otterbox off my Iphone. I placed a cheap ($1.00) LED light under the paper clips. I placed two sheets of blue tissue paper over the light to get the color in the background. (and diffuse the light). 

Experiment!! Have fun. 

I shot hundreds of images using these techniques.

Macro Photography

Macro and Micro photography opens a whole new world of subject matter to the photographer. Most cameras can only focus to about a meter (3feet), but with the additions of diopter filters, extension tubes and bellows a normal camera can take some incredible closeups. 

Your Assignment

1. Each group of 4 students will share a roll of film and make 5 exposures.
2. Find small objects that are significant to you. 
3. Create miniature compositions. You still must thank about balance and the organization of the objects on the picture plane.
4. It's OK for the object to "bleed" off the edge of the picture plane. This gives the illusion that something is going on beyond the edge of the image.
5. Use the school camera with the copy stand. Make sure that the aperture is f16 to increase depth of field.
6. Use the "cable release" to ensure that there is little camera shake.
7. Consider "rim" lighting to create shadows.
8. Metal objects make excellent subjects for this assignment.

Make a 5x7 enlargement and mount in on white or black matte board.

Use a #3 polycontrast filter to give your image a bit of snap. (Remember, the higher the number filter, the greater the contrast.)