The term "macro photography" is often used to describe any close-up shot. However, in DSLR photography, it should really only be used to describe a photograph with a 1:1 or higher magnification.
Macro photography is commonly used by still life DSLR photographers to capture small details of objects. You'll also see it used to photograph flowers, insects, and jewelry, among other items.
To learn more about how to shoot macro photos with a DSLR camera or with a point-and-shoot camera, just click the link to answer the question: What is macro photography?
Photo courtesy Suvro Datta/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Comments
One of the cheapest way, of macro photography (without compromising the quality) is this: buy an old manual focus regular 50mm lens (costs about $10 on ebay). Set it in full open aperture, then hold or attach it, in reverse way, on top of the existing normal lens of your camera (like 50mm or 18-55mm lens). That will let you shoot stunning close up photos, and that is now the insect shot was taken.
Great idea – thanks for sharing it!