Craig Jensen, inventor of the well-known Diskeeper defragmentation software, enjoys photography. His interest in the subject includes the techniques of macro photography--shooting small objects such as flowers and insects.

2.  Craig Jensen, inventor of the well-known Diskeeper
defragmentation software, enjoys photography. His
interest in the subject includes the techniques of
macro photography--shooting small objects such as
flowers and insects.
Many compact (point-and-shoot) cameras have
macro settings, usually identified with a flower
symbol. Choosing this mode ensures a small aperture
to place the background out of focus, where it will
be less distracting. If your camera has a manual
focus, use that to pinpoint the subject.

3.  Tripods are useful in macro photography; they
enable you to arrange the shot first and then
try different settings. To prevent camera shake
caused by pressing the shutter switch, use the
self-timer. Position the camera so there is no
competing background material.
A good macro picture may require the use of
a flash. Flash units on compact cameras are
generally unsophisticated; try diffusing their
light with a piece of tissue paper, or use a
reflector. Shooting with plenty of natural light
may also help.