PHOTOGRAPHY!!! variety of lenses, changing our camera angle, using long exposures, or very fast ones.

the things that makes a successful art form is that it can show a viewer things in a different way. As photographers, we notice small details, weird juxtapositions and the small oddities of daily life. We use many tools to capture our subject matter in a different way: a variety of lenses, changing our camera angle, using long exposures, or very fast ones.

Defining Detail
First, a detail shot can be image with any subject matter that is small size or small in overall relation to the general subject. Detail shots often tell the story of the situation by focusing on a relatively small portion of it. Details shots also can be images that, through compositional techniques, draw attention to a specific detail of a subject that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Macro Lenses
A macro lens lets you focus on something that is very close to your lens. Some lenses have the function built into them. You can also purchase extension tubes or bellows to achieve this effect with any lens.The last option is to purchase macro filters that screw onto the front of your lens. Lenses labeled as “macro" are like any other lens in the fact that you get what you pay for. A cheap “macro" lens may allow you focus as closely as half a meter. An expensive macro lens may allow you to focus much closer.

Creating Layers
Layers are what gives your image depth and creates interest of the viewer. Many detail shots just show one thing close-up and ignore the background. You'll see a few of those in this tutorial, but it's often good to include the background in your image.

In Your Face
The following image is a posed portrait. Shooting photos during an actual poker game might get you in trouble. I used a really deep depth-of-field to attempt to get everything in focus. I was happy with the result. I've been accused of putting the chips and cards in the image with photoshop, but the image was made completely in-camera.

Non-Close Up Details
I call these detail shots as well. They have the quality of getting to view something up-close with the added bonus of shooting at a normal distance and including background information.The image below was made in a dance studio. In the photo, you can see the detail of the older dancers shoes, while the out-of-focus background shows the young dancers looking on.

Hand
The same theory applies to focus. When working up close with a shallow depth-of-field, remember that it might be hard to get both the hand and the other subject in focus. You can stop down to increase your depth-of-field or you can adjust your position so both are the same distance away from your camera.