Close-up and macro photography is one of the most popular types of photography among digital photographers today. After the big-range zoom, a macro lens is typically one of the next purchases considered by serious outdoor photographers and amateur photographers looking for close-up capability in all zoom lenses.

Yet hobbyist photographers struggle. Many macro shots just don't make it-not sharp, confusing backgrounds, muddled compositions, misplaced sharpness, and distracting light. Even more advanced photographers find challenges working with depth of field, dealing with light, and using different focal lengths up close.

You need a book that goes beyond the camera manuals to teach you how to select and use various lenses to take great macro shots. This guide by pro photographer Rob Sheppard will help you conquer the fundamentals and capture stunning pictures.

Sheppard starts with the basics. He discusses factors such as depth of field, perspective, and compression and which types of lenses are right for your style of shooting. You will have a better understanding of your equipment and understand your choices for investing in lenses.

Beautifully illustrated with large, compelling photos, this book teaches you how to take control of your photography to get the image you want every time you pick up the camera.