Please explain 'macro'... Not everyone has a macro lens.

:-]

Maybe this is a stretch, but if "macro" wins, perhaps a render of a macro view of something could work. Or a sketch of a fly... really up close and personal, etc.

Just in case "abstract" doesn't win.

Okay.

Macro photography is about taking pictures of the small things in life. For example For those who want to start in macro photography, a close-up filter added to a normal lens can me effective and is cheaper than a new macro lens. Most of my macro work is done this way using a CD+3 filter. Use a flash to get the best results.

Alternatively, a simple magnifying glass held in front of the lens can be effective, with some practice, and gives some interesting results.

Also, a reversing ring can be used as another cheap alternative. This needs more care but can also result in useful images such as this.

Finally, you can get as close as possible and just crop the image down to enlarge the subject. Most lenses get within a couple of feet and taking the center of a 4000 pixel image with a 2000 pixel crop gives you a 2 times magnification.

I forgot to mention extension tubes. They can also turn a normal lens into a macro lens quite cheaply.

Once you start to look at the small things, do not be limited by insects and small flowers, even things that usually get overlooked suddenly become interesting in them selves, such as dew drops or some sheep wool snagged on a fence, or even a feather.

Thank you Chris! I've been dying to try macro shots (the beach presents almost endless opportunities) but didn't know about alternatives to buying a macro lens. I'll look into CD+3 filters, and meanwhile the magnifying glass alternative sounds really interesting.

HOW DO YOU ENTER???

I just ordered an extension tube so hopefully I get an interesting enough shot to submit!