What is macro-photography?
�Macro-photography is the photography of small details which tend to go unnoticed� is photography expert Chus de la Cruz�s definition (Tel. 91 472 93 61). The minimum requirement is a semi-professional or professional 35 mm camera. Recommended brands: Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Tamron and Takumar. And you will need to get hold of an accessory or two. Make a note:

Macro adapter ring. This is the most basic system. �It is a piece which fits between the camera body and the lens. It allows you to reverse the lens and use the camera in the normal way�, de la Cruz explains.

• Advantages: it is one of the most powerful systems there is to get close up to want you want to photograph. Simply by adjusting the zoom (a 28 - 70 mm) you can get much nearer your subject.
• Disadvantages: it can put the image out of focus. �You lose a fair amount of definition around the edges�, our expert assures us.
• Tip: when framing your subject, leave a little more space around the edges than normal. Or in other words, don�t fill the frame as much as you would normally.
  Prices: around 7,000 ptas.

Extension tube. This is also fitted between camera body and lens, but while the adapter described above is a ring, this is a tube. �Its purpose is to alter the distance between camera and lens�, de la Cruz explains. You can choose how many to fit but the normal number is three.

• Advantages: it allows you to get really close to what you want to photograph.
• Disadvantages: loss of light and definition around the edges of the photo.
• Tip: focus on the sharpest area (the centre of the image) and don�t fill the frame.
  Prices: from 25,000 to 50,000 ptas. for a set of three tubes.