Are you talking about my pics? If so, then yes they are taken in macro mode. I am very new to being able to take decent pictures. I got a new camera in May, and it helps tremendously. My main tips are to make sure you have good lighting and to take LOTS of pictures! Believe me...for 1 good picture, I take at least 20 bad ones! It can be especially hard to photograph snakes since they don't like to be still for the photo shoots!