Macro photography means different things to different photographers. For some it's the quest of the ultra closeup -- a wasp's face, dandelion petals, a jumping spider's whiskers. Of course macro photography isn't always centred on the natural world. Collectors the world over use macro photography to record coins, stamps, and other collectibles that are very small.
What makes macro photography seductive is the level of detail that you see, sometimes for the first time. A macro shot needn't always be ultra closeup to display detail you've never noticed before.
Maple Leaves after a Rain
(click on image for a larger, clearer view)This photograph of fall maple leaves lying on a deck railing after a November rain is one of my favourite macros. Taken with a 35mm camera and 50mm macro lens, it records texture and pattern that you normally only see if you look closely. I've taken the liberty of exaggerating the contrast to bring out more of the inherent texture. The film is Tri-X, rated at ISO 400.
Hosta Leaf
(click on image for a larger, clearer view)It's the sense of exploration that makes macro photography so compelling. This hosta leaf, viewed from the underside with the sun shining through it, is an insect's view of the world. Or maybe a squirrel's. Taken with a Canon G2 digital and a CUL +3 lens.
Some macro shots are easy and some are extremely challenging to achieve. On the whole I found I started with the easier scenarios, like the two photographs above, and am now working my way in closer where DOF, lighting, motion and composition have critical tolerances. As difficult as it is to achieve good results, a single success makes it worthwhile.
Additional Macro Photography Tutorials:
- Macrophotography.org has tutorials, tips and member galleries.
- Kodak flower photography guide has simple but effective tips.
- Outdoor Eyes has tips, tutorials and a great interactive forum in which members post macro shots and offer help to anyone starting out.
(29-Sep-2003, Revised 16-Jun-2004)
www.NorthernJourney.com -- gene@wilburn.ca