Flower Macro Photography Using the Kodak Pixpro AZ361

by AbbyFitz

Amateur Macro photography is made easy with the Pixpro because there are no additional lenses needed. Learn how the macro feature can make your flower photos spectacular.

I love taking pictures of flowers. I've photographed flowers up close for years and never knew it had a name.

I wanted to recreate the vibrancy and in-your-face shots that professional photographers were able to achieve.

It was disappointing to know that the reason they were able to capture such beautiful pictures was because of the camera and equipment.

Then I discovered that an expensive camera wasn't all you needed. I would have to buy a macro lens that cost nearly as much as the camera itself.

I bought the Kodak Pixpro because it is an amazing camera. It has 36X zoom, lots of features, and takes amazing photos.

What I didn't know when I bought it was that it has a macro feature. Now I can take awesome up close photos of flowers, and, best of all, I don't have to buy a special lens.

The All-Knowing Pixpro

It can read my mind!

As soon as I opened the box, I was running outside with my Pixpro to take pictures of our flowers in the yard.

Still used to using my flat digital camera, I got as close as I could to the blooms to take a picture. It was frustrating because all I kept getting were blurry shots. 

To be honest with you, I was getting pretty upset at this point. I had just paid more than I ever had for a camera and it couldn't take a simple picture of a flower?

Sometimes it really pays to be observant. Or at least read the manual.

I finally noticed a small flower blinking in the corner of my LCD screen. I pressed a few buttons, and like magic the macro menu popped up.

The Kodak Pixpro is so smart, it knew I was trying to take an up close shot!

I switched over to macro mode and I have been taking great photos ever since.

How to Use the Macro Feature

A Rose. Taken Using the Kodak Pixpro
A Rose. Taken Using the Kodak Pixpro
Author
It's as easy as pressing a button

 Using the Kodak Pixpro to take macro shots is so much simpler than using a camera that requires a separate macro lens.

With this camera, you can take a great macro shot of a flower, then take a picture of the whole garden without switching lenses.

  1. The macro feature is accessible on the LCD screen. If you see no icons on your screen, press the DISP. button on the lower right hand corner until icons appear.
  2. To the right side of the screen, press the flower symbol. A menu will appear on the screen with the option to turn the macro mode on or off.
  3. Press set to turn the macro feature on or off.
  4. That's it! That's how easy it is to use the macro mode on the Kodak Pixpro.

A Great How-To Book For Flower Photography

This book is gorgeous and helpful
Photographing Flowers: Exploring Macro Worlds with Harold Davis

Capture stunning macro floral images with this gorgeous guide by acclaimed photographer Harold Davis. You'll learn about different types of flowers, macro equipment basics, and ...

Only $35.06

View on Amazon

Tips For Beautiful Flower Photos

A Photo Taken Using the Kodak Pixpro
A Photo Taken Using the Kodak Pixpro
Author

 I haven't stopped using my Pixpro since I got it. Practice makes perfect they say.

In doing so, I have discovered a few helpful tips that can help you take beautiful flower pictures with your new camera.

  • Always remember to turn the macro feature on. I have wasted a lot of shots just to realize I had never turned it on.
  • Although using the macro feature allows you to focus on an object 5cm from the lens, it is not necessary to be as close as you can to your subject. Sometimes a better shot can be taken by being further back and zooming in.
  • If your shot is still blurry, turn the mode dial to manual (M) and then turn the macro feature on. This prevents the camera from auto focusing on something other than your intended subject.
  • There is a selection on the Pixpro that will enable the macro mode automatically. Turn the mode dial to SCN, then select and set the icon ASCN. This will turn the auto scene feature on, as well as detect any other scene you want to photograph, portrait, landscape, et cetera.
Updated: 12/29/2016, AbbyFitz
 
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Guest on 04/17/2013

Good to see someone else with a Finepix, Hollie! The one thing I would love to do but can't is to take decent pictures in a low light scenario, such as capturing images on a projector screen when all around is dark. I've fixed the issue of how to photograph the older computing screens - use my phone rather than my camera as the phonecam copes better with the cycling on the screen, although it does produce a grainier photo. But the digital arts scenario is a challenging one!

AbbyFitz on 04/16/2013

Yeah. It sure makes things easier. If all else fails, read the directions!

BrendaReeves on 04/16/2013

I didn't realize that Kodak made the more expensive cameras. I have a canon. I know how to use the macro feature. I think it's time I read the directions and learn how to use the other features.

AbbyFitz on 04/16/2013

Yes. Just take pictures of everything. People now run when they see me with my camera. Even the dog. Lol

HollieT on 04/16/2013

I want my pics to be of the same quality as yours (they're nowhere near) a little more learning and then a new camera is the way forward, me thinks!

AbbyFitz on 04/16/2013

I know the feeling. I was on the fence about buying this camera but I'm so glad I got it. Thank you!

HollieT on 04/16/2013

These are lovely pics, Abby. I also have a point and shoot finepix, but it's limited. I keep telling myself that when I learn more about photography I'll invest in a better camera. I have the books, now just need the time!

AbbyFitz on 04/16/2013

It's easier to use than you think. But I've used little digital cameras for years and they did just fine. Sometimes you just want to upgrade lol

Guest on 04/16/2013

What wonderful photos! I've had really good results with macro settings on my FujiFilm Finepix too. We went to the Eden Project a few years ago and the combination of great summer light and what I (non-photographer extraordinaire!) consider to be a really good camera allowed me to take some amazing shots. Your camera's about 4x the price of mine, which is the digital equivalent of a point-and-fire job. That's how much I am not a photographer. I don't have the patience to fiddle around with buttons and settings and lenses, so I'd probably be wasted on an expensive camera like yours.

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