Macro photography on a phone: how to shoot tiny details

Macro photography is taking photos of small subjects from very close up: insects, droplets, flowers and textures. In phones it is done with an ultra-wide camera with autofocus, a telephoto with a short minimum focus distance or a separate macro camera.

Macro: the world through an ant's eyes

In plain words

Macro photography is like seeing the world through an ant's eyes: ordinary grass becomes a jungle and a dewdrop a crystal ball. But to see it that way, the camera has to focus at a distance of a few centimetres, and not every camera can.

How it works

The camera gets within a few centimetres of the subject.
The lens has to be able to focus at that short distance.
An ultra-wide with autofocus shoots close up in good quality.
A telephoto with a macro mode magnifies without getting right up close.
Separate 2 MP macro cameras are often low quality with fixed focus.

Small things become big

Where you'll see it

In camera specs: "2 MP macro", "ultra-wide with autofocus (macro)", "tele-macro". In a phone's camera app, macro mode switches on automatically or with a flower button.

Does it matter when buying

If you love photographing nature or small details, yes. But do not fall for a "fourth 2 MP macro camera" - its quality is usually poor. An ultra-wide with autofocus or a telephoto with macro mode is better.

Myths

Myth: A separate macro camera is an advantage. Reality: Most often it is a cheap, low-quality module.
Myth: Macro is just digital zoom. Reality: Real macro needs focusing at a short distance.

FAQ

How do I turn on macro?

Move the camera close to the subject - many phones switch automatically - or choose Macro mode.

Why is my macro shot blurry?

You are too close to focus or your hands are shaking - move back slightly and steady your hand.

Which is better for macro - ultra-wide or telephoto?

A telephoto with macro mode gives better perspective and does not cast a shadow on the subject.