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Description
Update: I haven't actually touched this in a while. Though some recent comments pointed out you can also get a reverse lens ring that mounts to your camera body. I already mentioned this below, but figured I'd state it up front. Also, it's a wash as to what SLRs will let you do this "trick," as some may or may not disable functionality when a lens is not mounted. I've heard the D40(x) or D60 is subject to this, but others have said otherwise.

This is merely a general tip, and not necessarily a technique on achieving better macros. The tip is aimed at SLR or digital SLR users who do not own a macro lens for various reasons. Note that this is somewhat related to the tutorial Microphotography in general concept, but is different in that it doesn't aim to achieve a ratio greater than 1:1, and this tip allows you to utilize any lens so you can get within a few inches, or even centimeters of your subject.

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If you have an SLR or digital SLR camera (a camera that takes different lenses, and does not have a built in lens), you may not possess a proper macro lens, but may be interested in taking macro photos nonetheless. Just because you don't have a macro lens though, doesn't mean you can't take macro shots. The following trick will allow you to effectively achieve macro reproduction ratios (approx. 1:1).

This is most effective for still lifes in bright lighting conditions. Also, you will not necessarily have an optically perfect or completely sharp macro, but it may be a good idea to try this out when you do not have a macro lens where you are, or if you are holding off on purchasing one.

1. Set up your camera for the macro shot, making all the proper lighting/aperture/shutter adjustments and focusing just right. Make sure you are in full manual so you can do such.

2. Remove your camera lens after setting up, and turn it around so the lens is "backwards." The front element of the lens will be the part "attached" to the camera body. You will basically have to hold your lens by hand onto the camera body. There are accessories out there, usually called reverse coupling rings, that allow you to attach a lens in reverse, which you can alternatively purchase. It is not recommended, but it is possible, to physically modify the camera or use tape.

3. Take your photo and pray for the best. It is recommended you bracket the shots and re-set the focus a few times, though this is really where the advantage of a DSLR comes in so you can see immediately how the photos come out. So for those with film SLR cameras, make sure you're using an experimental roll of film so you don't waste the rest of your frames on a roll for another project.

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That's really all there is to it. Some additional notes - some people have reported that the D40, D60, and other base consumer / entry-level Nikon cameras will not work with the lens detached in this method. I do not know about Canon, Pentax, Olympus, or other digital SLR cameras, but I do know this should work with the D100, D200, D300, D700, D2-series, D3(x), and it will likely work with the D50 and D70.

Again, this is not for point and shoot cameras (the small, compact digital cameras with a built in lens and mostly auto-functionality).

Description
Update: I haven't actually touched this in a while. Though some recent comments pointed out you can also get a reverse lens ring that mounts to your camera body. I already mentioned this below, but figured I'd state it up front. Also, it's a wash as to what SLRs will let you do this "trick," as some may or may not disable functionality when a lens is not mounted. I've heard the D40(x) or D60 is subject to this, but others have said otherwise.

This is merely a general tip, and not necessarily a technique on achieving better macros. The tip is aimed at SLR or digital SLR users who do not own a macro lens for various reasons. Note that this is somewhat related to the tutorial Microphotography in general concept, but is different in that it doesn't aim to achieve a ratio greater than 1:1, and this tip allows you to utilize any lens so you can get within a few inches, or even centimeters of your subject.

---

If you have an SLR or digital SLR camera (a camera that takes different lenses, and does not have a built in lens), you may not possess a proper macro lens, but may be interested in taking macro photos nonetheless. Just because you don't have a macro lens though, doesn't mean you can't take macro shots. The following trick will allow you to effectively achieve macro reproduction ratios (approx. 1:1).

This is most effective for still lifes in bright lighting conditions. Also, you will not necessarily have an optically perfect or completely sharp macro, but it may be a good idea to try this out when you do not have a macro lens where you are, or if you are holding off on purchasing one.

1. Set up your camera for the macro shot, making all the proper lighting/aperture/shutter adjustments and focusing just right. Make sure you are in full manual so you can do such.

2. Remove your camera lens after setting up, and turn it around so the lens is "backwards." The front element of the lens will be the part "attached" to the camera body. You will basically have to hold your lens by hand onto the camera body. There are accessories out there, usually called reverse coupling rings, that allow you to attach a lens in reverse, which you can alternatively purchase. It is not recommended, but it is possible, to physically modify the camera or use tape.

3. Take your photo and pray for the best. It is recommended you bracket the shots and re-set the focus a few times, though this is really where the advantage of a DSLR comes in so you can see immediately how the photos come out. So for those with film SLR cameras, make sure you're using an experimental roll of film so you don't waste the rest of your frames on a roll for another project.

---

That's really all there is to it. Some additional notes - some people have reported that the D40, D60, and other base consumer / entry-level Nikon cameras will not work with the lens detached in this method. I do not know about Canon, Pentax, Olympus, or other digital SLR cameras, but I do know this should work with the D100, D200, D300, D700, D2-series, D3(x), and it will likely work with the D50 and D70.

Again, this is not for point and shoot cameras (the small, compact digital cameras with a built in lens and mostly auto-functionality).