Some inspiration for those trying to make sense of Macro Photography
Macro photography is always super fun but is crazy ridiculous to shoot because you have to keep so still!
When shooting macro photography, there are three main ways that you are able to nail getting sharp water drops on flowers, still life or even a dead fly.
- Dedicated macro lens – it’s best to have one that is around 85mm – 120mm… 100mm is the best focal length.
- Macro Extension Tubes – The purpose of macro extension tubes is to extend the distance of your lens to the subject. Macro extension tubes are my favorite to shoot with!
- Macro Close-up Filters – Macro close-up filters are lens filters that screw onto the front of your lens and magnify the area. They come in different strengths. I personally am not a fan of using close-up filters when it comes to macro photography because it produces some distortion and chromatic aberration.
With my macro extension tubes locked and loaded, I tackled the world of macro photography, one water drop at a time.
FLORA/FAUNA
This fly was actually trapped in a spider’s web! I love this macro photograph because you can see the small details on his antennae in addition to the delicacy of the wing structure. Plus he kinda looks like a wasp springing into action.
This is one of my favorite shots on this macro photography run! I love how there is a variety of depths, focus and colors in this picture. You have the beautiful foreground blurring and nice shallow depth of field that then sweeps into a nice sharp macro photograph of the violet and pink flower. Furthermore, I love the red berries off to the right because they’re so unexpected!
When you frame your subject you not only create interest but you also help showcase your focal point. With macro photography, bokeh and shallow depth of fields come naturally and when combined with framing your subject, you get a beautiful macro photograph thanks to the dynamic duo!
Check out these 55 Beautiful Macro Flower Pictures!
WET WITH WATER
Macro photography is ten times better when you involve water and water drops! When you involve water drops in macro photography one of two effects can be created:
- Fisheye-like lens: The water drop acts like a fisheye lens as it magnifies whatever’s in front of it (whether you put it there or not!)
- Morning Dew: Depending on how much water you add, the water drops can become like the morning dew
This macro photograph is a fisheye of a beautiful flower with a lime next to it.
I love the composition of this macro photograph because of how the stem is diagonally separating the flower, creating TWO focal points! The upper half’s focal point is the yellow center of the flower, while the lower focus point are the fisheye lens water drops!
This is a great example of the morning dew effect. The thing that I want to point out in this photograph is the contrast of the neutral colors in the background. The neutral tones help complement the beautiful colors of this flower.
Macro is great for Black and White. I love how the mood completely changes when compared to the color!
ABSTRACT AND STILL LIFE
Abstract art is one of my favorite things to create with photography. I love how macro photography allows you to take every day objects and find different and new perspectives!
Macro photograph of threads from a knitted scarf. I love how colorful this is and how the leading lines lead you into the bokeh!
The fine threads in this fur combined with the light blue in the background create beautiful abstract waves!
Macro photography also produces awesome results when you involve a contrast of textures! The beautiful shine of the broach against the blonde fur (it really is fur) is beautiful!
Alex, you are so talented. I love these macro shots with water drops! I especially love the ones of the magenta flowers with the light shining on them like sun! Really beautiful.
Check out Garrett’s indoor long exposure post, it’s pretty awesome!
http://www.garrettblanchard.com/light-painting-in-your-home/
These photos are awesome! I love how well you can see the flowers in the droplets. Also, is that fly in mid flight? If so, my hat is off to you because that is impressive!
Check out Brianne’s website
http://www.briannenicoledesign.com/blog/