Macro or Close up..... Understanding the term Macro.

Firstly lets define macro....it comes from a Greek word MAKROS which means large or long. therefore the subject in the photo appears large and takes a long time to shoot (long exposures) ...make some sense huh...but wait theres more. actualy most images we See are not true macro shots....what you say ...well let me explain myself here before you start thinking what a idiot. Technically macro is by photography definition is actually  1X magnification (life size)or larger. So size of the subject is actually life size or larger on the film .. so  your out shooting and you come across a  flower you quick draw the camera and shoot a wonderful picture take it home and check it out So lets say the center of the flower is 1.5  inches across..so it the photo the actual size of the center should be 1.5 inches  wow..that would be HALF THE PHOTO on a 3x5 picture....so yours is actual not that big ..say 1.1 inches...is your photo A MACRO SHOT??....NOPE....its a close up..so next time your out trying to get that macro shot...think to yourself....macro or close up...shoot away and have some fun...if you use a service like flikr please feel free link to your macro shots in the comments section so we can check them out.......HOBO