Find your subject
Macro-shooting opportunities are all
around you- here’s where to find a few.
Searching for subject
To take great macro images, you must first
be able to find great subject. Even when not searching for photos, it pays to
be aware of the miniature life all around you in the form or nature, mechanics,
food or even abstracts.
Look close to home
Magnificent macro landscapes can be found
in your lawn, your fruit bowl or even contained inside the watch on your wrist.
You can find beauty in the faces of insects and intricate perfection in the
inner workings of a flower.
Nature
If you’re particularly interested in macro
images found in nature, then do your research first. Just like flowers, insects
are more prominent at certain times of the year and are often attracted to
certain foliage or climates. Visit your local wildlife reserve and talk to the
rangers about when you can expect certain species of plants and insects to
crop up.
Insects
Typically, many insects are easier to spot
at daybreak as the cold night air renders them lethargic. Head out early in the
day to capture shots of sleepy subjects who are less likely to fly away at the
sight of your camera gear.
Patterns
Texture
plays a key role in the success of macro shots
Great macro shots rely heavily on repeating
patterns, symmetry, spirals and geometric shapes. Pay particular attention to
good composition and move your lens around the scene until you find what it is
that you are looking for. Composition should be as important in this genre as
it is for landscape, with the rule of thirds and the golden spiral coming into
play frequently. Moving the frame a few milimetres left or right is often
enough to make or break an image.
It’s not all about nature
The great thing about macro photography is
that there are limitless subject within your reach, no matter where you live.
Look out for snowflakes, frost on a window, beehives, patterns on a plant,
flower petals, food or the intricate technicalities of gadgets such as the cogs
in a watch or the springs in a lock.
Subject within subject
Often a large subject is comprised of
close-up elements that make great abstract macro photos. Think about the
feathers of a bird or the skin texture of a lizard. Animal eyes are arresting,
as are flower stamens or the gills of a mushroom. Abstract shots create
intrigue and hold people’s gaze, which equals success. You’ll be amazed how
many subjects are lurking within just a few feet of you.
Repetition
of shapes can catch interest and engage the observer
