Which photographic technique is primarily used to capture extreme close-ups of small subjects?

Macro photography is specifically designed for capturing extreme close-ups of small subjects. This technique enables photographers to focus on intricate details that are often invisible to the naked eye, such as the textures and colors of a flower petal, the features of an insect, or the fine lines on a leaf. Macro photography typically involves using specialized lenses that allow for high magnification and a greater working distance, which is essential for achieving the level of detail required in these close-up shots.

The other photographic techniques do not focus on extreme closeness. Portrait photography centers on capturing the likeness and personality of individuals or groups, landscape photography encompasses wider scenes of natural or urban environments, and aerial photography captures images from an elevated point of view, which is unrelated to the close-up examination of small subjects.