Optimizing Your Camera Settings
While the default camera app on your Android phone will work just fine, you can take your macro shots to the next level by switching to Pro Mode if your device supports it. Pro Mode lets you shoot RAW files, which store more data than JPEG and allow for greater flexibility when editing
On many Samsung phones, you can enable RAW shooting by tapping the cogwheel in the camera app’s settings and heading to Advanced Picture Options. If you also want to save space, turn on High Efficiency Mode, which can help manage file sizes without compromising quality.
Another aspect to consider is resolution. On a Galaxy S24 Ultra, shooting at 50 megapixels can give you detailed images while still utilizing the 1x camera that the Macro 10x Lens requires.
If you’re after a wider field of view, you can switch to a native 3:4 ratio. If you want a slightly zoomed-in perspective, the Full setting might be your preference.
Editing Your Macro Photos
Once you’ve captured your images, you can make quick edits in your phone’s default gallery or try a dedicated mobile editing app. Snapseed is a popular choice for RAW processing, especially if you want to tweak the white balance, exposure, or color profile. Sending a RAW file to Snapseed gives you the opportunity to bring out more dynamic range and detail than you would with a simple JPEG. This makes a difference when dealing with the nuanced textures that macro photography tends to highlight.
Quick Tips to Remember
One key thing to remember is that macro photography means you should be very close to your subject. If you’re struggling to get the entire scene in focus, it often helps to experiment with distance or manually adjust focus points in Pro Mode.
Remember to use the removable diffuser when dealing with reflective surfaces, as it can dramatically reduce glare.