Is it a digital camera? Most have a swappable setting in there for up-close photographs, it's usually in the menu and is sometimes a little icon like a flower.
I've had a few digicams and all of them used a little flower icon to show that it's in "up-close" mode.
Are you using a digital? If so, try experimenting with the macro mode thingy - it seems to produce the best pictures, close-up. Also, if you have a 10x loupe, try taking some shots through that.