This paper describes the process of nanoparticle synthesis by laser ablation of microparticles and consolidated sample. We have generated nanoparticles by high-power pulsed laser ablation of AI, Cu and Ag microparticles using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (wavelength 355nm, FWHM 6ns, fluence $0.8{sim}2.0J/cm^2$). Microparticles of mean diameter $18{sim}80{mu}m$ are ablated in the ambient air. The generated nanoparticles are collected on a glass substrate and the size distribution and morphology are examined using a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope. The effect of laser fluence, collector position and compacting pressure on the distribution of particle size is investigated. To better understand the process of laser ablation of microparticle(LAM), we investigated the Nd: YAG laser-induced breakdown of Cu microparticle using time-resolved optical shadow images. Nanosecond time-resolved images of the ablation process are also obtained by laser flash shadowgraphy. Based on the experimental results, discussions are made on the dynamics of ablation plume.