Macro Photography and some neat tips !

Macro photography is close-up photography. In recent years, the term macro has been used in marketing material to mean being able to focus on a subject close enough so that when a regular 6×4 inch (15×10 cm) print is made, the image is life-size or larger. This requires a magnification ratio of only approximately 1:4, more easily attainable by lens makers.

Macro photography is achievd by using a Macro lens. It is a longer lens used to zoom into the subject. 

Some macro lenses, like the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens, can achieve even better magnification – up to 5:1 macro, bringing the structure of small insect eyes, snowflakes, and other minuscule but detailed objects into striking focus. However, it is more common for a photographer to use a "standard" (1:1) macro lens. There are different categories of macro lenses, depending on the focal length:

50–60mm range typically used for product photography and small objects

90–105mm range the standard focal range used for insects, flowers, small objects

150–200mm range gives more working distance — typically used for insects and small animals

The article "Macro Photography Tips for Point and Shoot Digital Cameras" by Darren Rowse is great for newbies to understand in a jiffy how to shoot Macro Style !