It is a great time of year for colorful backyard photography. Chances are you can do this kind of thing with almost any camera you own. Many zoom lenses for DSLRs now have a macro setting for shooting close-ups. Standard lenses, such as the one used for this Fuchsia picture, can become macro lenses by attaching a close-up filter to the front of the lens. Of course, if budget permits, macro lenses can be purchased for any interchangeable lens camera today.  These open up a whole world of sometimes unnoticed small things close to home. This is what I have always enjoyed about macro photography. It can be done without taking trips to exotic places. There are many exotic small things in our own backyards. Do you have questions, or suggestions? Contact me at dansphotophile@hotmail.com.