Quick & Dirty Macro: Stunning Close-Ups Without a Macro Lens

Let’s talk about a surprisingly powerful trick up your photography sleeve—macro photography without the macro lens.

As a biologist and entomologist by training, I’ve always had a soft spot for the tiny wonders of the world: colorful moths, showy beetles, even things like leaf textures and minute wildflowers... the little things that, when photographed just right, make a big, bold impression.

But lugging a full macro setup on every trip? Just not practical. Fortunately, there's a way to turn your everyday lens into a macro lens by adhering to just a few steps, which I will describe in this article.

As a companion to this article, my latest episode of The Wild Photographer is all about this “quick and dirty” macro technique I swear by—and it's all about working smarter, not harder. No special gear. No new lens. Just your trusty walk-around setup and some hey steps.

The Macro Mindset: Small Subjects, Big Drama

First off, throw out the old-school definition of macro (technically true macro has what's called a 1:1 magnification, but this gets in the weeds for the sake of this technique). This is about making the small seem monumental—whether it’s a tiny moth, a dew-speckled fern, or a piece of bark with the soul of a cathedral ceiling.

So what qualifies as a macro subject? Pretty much anything small that looks beautiful when it's big. Textures, patterns, insects, flower petals, even the veins of a single leaf.

Gear Check: What You Need (and What You Don’t)

You’ll be glad to know that all you really need is:

• A DSLR or mirrorless camera

• Any general lens (think 18–55mm kit lens, 24–105mm, even a telephoto)

• Optional: a flash (pop-up or external), or even a strong flashlight

That’s it. No true macro lens required.

Step-by-Step: How to Shoot Macro Without the Macro

Here’s the method I teach and use myself:

1. Zoom all the way in. Maximize your magnification—go to 105mm if that’s your max.

2. Manual focus trick: Switch to manual focus, dial to the minimum focus distance, and physically move your body in until your subject snaps into focus. Congrats, you just discovered your real-world minimum focusing distance.

3. Switch back to auto-focus (if you like) and remember that distance—it’s your sweet spot.

   
   

Camera Settings: With and Without Flash

• No Flash

  • Manual mode + Auto ISO

  • Start with f/8 and 1/100s, then adjust

  • Aim to get to f/11 or f/16 for better depth of field

  • Keep ISO below 3200 for optimal quality

• With Flash (Highly recommended)

  • Manual mode + Auto ISO

  • Set to f/11 or f/16 and 1/200s

  • Flash freezes motion and gives you killer depth of field

  • Watch for flash-blocking lens barrels at close range!

Bonus Tip: Practice in your backyard first. You’ll be amazed what textures you can find in just one square foot of leaf litter or bark.

Style Variations: Go Deep, Go Shallow, Go Bold

Macro isn’t a one-trick pony. Some days I want every leg joint of a grasshopper in crisp detail. Other days, I’m going full art-house with creamy bokeh and selective focus.

• Deep Depth of Field (f/11–f/16): Great for detail lovers

• Shallow Depth of Field (f/2.8–f/4): Dreamy, ethereal looks

• Exposure tweaks: Underexposing adds richness, contrast, and mood

• Distance play: Step back slightly, crop in later—more depth of field, less stress

Editing Magic: Make It Pop

To make your macro shots sing, I suggest:

• Boosting contrast

• Increasing clarity and texture

• Experimenting with dehaze for drama

• Darkening blacks for that moody, aesthetic look

Even a humble beetle on a leaf can end up looking like a National Geographic centerfold.

Tools That Help You Share Your Work

Sponsor Spotlight: ArtHelper.ai. If you want your macro shots to do something—like sell, share, or get seen—ArtHelper.ai is your new best friend. It helps you title, keyword, write captions, even launch email or social campaigns using AI. Use promo code WILD at checkout for 6 months free of the Pro version!

Explore My Portfolio: One of the best ways to improve as a photographer is to view other photographers' work. This not only provides inspiration, but also helps hone your creative vision. Visit shop.courtwhelan.com for a curated collection of my personal favorites. Whether you’re shopping or just gathering ideas for your next trip, take a peek and let me know what you think!

Tune In for the Full Episode: This blog just scratches the surface. For full examples, deeper strategy, and a step-by-step walkthrough, listen to the full episode of The Wild Photographer. Available on your favorite podcast app.

And hey—if this episode brought a new spark to your photography, consider leaving a review. It helps more folks find the show and join this growing community of nature shooters.

Until next time, keep exploring those small worlds with big possibilities,

Court