Photo Types: Photomicroscopy or Macro
(larger than life)
Photomicroscopy
The word “macro” generally defines this category because macro
refers to anything greater than 1:1. However, I reserve this
description for studio work done on a rail with macro lenses.
Nothing moves, and live things are usually dead. The word macro
photography (photomicroscopy) these days is used as a synonym
for what is really close-up photography. Technically macro
photography is defined as a photo in which the subject on the
sensor is larger than life size, a reproduction ratio that is greater
than 1:1. Macro lenses are those lenses that reach a 1:1 ration or
greater.
This image of the head of the Large Yellow Underwing moth was
taken by Rik Littlefield, the author of “Zerene Stacker” focus-
stacking software, and is 3.5x on sensor, slightly cropped to by
about 5 mm wide, and consists of 59 frames or layers. This was
taken with an automated focusing rail.