Macro Photography Project Ideas

This page is a collection of great macro photography project ideas. I know they are great, because you help make them great!

I'll get things started by posting the first three photo project ideas. Maybe you'll be inspired to contribute your own ideas for photo assignments. There is an invitation form at the bottom that will walk you through the steps of sharing your favorite photography project ideas on this site. You can share your photos here, too!

Wouldn't it be cool to collect a long list of close-up photography assignments? I think so!!

Remember what makes macro photography special!

Because it's beautiful! In the right hands, close-up photography can reveal worlds we'd never imagine existed, in strikingly gorgeous ways.
Because it's convenient! Macro photography subjects are all around us. No style of photography is lighter on the travel budget than macro and close-up photography.
Because it's affordable! Light on the travel budget, yes, but also because macro photography requires a minimal investment above and beyond basic photography equipment. Visit this page for more details on macro photography equipment.
Because it's real-world practical! Macro photography is useful to science, industry, medicine, and law enforcement. Maybe one of the photography project ideas found here could lead someone into an exciting photography job! Visit the Macro Photography Careers section to learn more.

Macro Photography Project Ideas

Are you a little unsure about your photography skills? Don't worry, I answer almost any question in other sections of this site. Review the photography topics as you see them in the upper left-hand column, or visit the Site Map for a list of more specific subjects. If you still have questions, contact me here and I'll do my best to help you.

Photo Assignment Number One: "Welcome to the Machine!"

Please review: Basic Photography, Macro Photography Equipment, Photography Lighting.

Pick a device that you know intimately. It could be an automobile, a bicycle, or even a toaster! Some kind of machine that you use often, and know well. Photograph it in close-up or macro photography mode from as many different angles, lighting conditions, and degrees of magnification as you can.

Obviously, the larger and more varied the machine, the more photography options you have (car vs. hair dryer, for example), but I'm guessing that even the simpler machines can inspire a lot of different approaches. Good Luck, and Have Fun! Post your results below!

Photo Assignment Number Two: "Patch of Ground"

Please review: Basic Photography, Macro Photography Equipment, Photography Lighting, Outdoor Photography, Insect Photography, Flower Photography.

Stake out a one meter square outdoor area. It can be anywhere that won't be disturbed for the duration of your photo project. Try a garden (vegetable or flower), a lawn (chemically untreated), or maybe a patch that at first glance seems devoid of life.

Photograph as many life forms as you can that reside in or pass through this patch. You can document changes over time, such as how your garden matures. This project can be of short duration or long. You may be very surprised at the variety of life you encounter. Let your imagination run! Good Luck and Have Fun! Post your results below!

Photo Assignment Number Three: "Helping Hands"

Please review: Basic Photography, Macro Photography Equipment, Photography Lighting, Photographing People.

Make a close-up photography collection of people's hands. Young and old, men and women, working hands, hands at play, hands as expressive objects. Caring for our hands, holding hands, hands that care for others. The list is endless. Good Luck, and Have Fun! Post your results below!