Macro and close-up photography generally consist of images at one-half life size and larger.  This can be accomplished through macro lenses, close-up adapters, extension tubes and even bellows, depending on the magnification.  Most common subjects for macro work are insects, flowers, snakes, lizards and other small animals.

Almost any subject can be photographed from a macro point of view.  Many subjects take on a entirely different appearance when viewed at life size or larger.

Almost anywhere you go there are opportunities to shoot flowers, whether it is a local park, arboretum, botanical gardens or just what is growing wild in your yard.

Many large naturally growing species, including sunflowers, can be photographed without any special equipment.  Other flowers, some only 1/4 inch in size do require some special equipment such as macro lenses to properly photograph the bloom.

Zoos provide an excellent opportunity to photograph a wide range of exotic animals in one location.  Really hard to photograph lions in the Masi Mara and tigers in India all in one day, although the frequent flyer bonus miles would be great.

Due to the feeding and veterinarian care most if not all animals look much better in zoos than they would in the wild, better body weight, less scarring, although some do develop some rather odd behaviors due to being in very small enclosures.