I tend to think of “macro” as indicating “super close up” photography. Technically, though, “macro” refers to a photographic setup which is capable of reproducing something on the sensor at or larger than its original size or 1:1. In other words, if you are shooting pictures of a bug which is 1 inch long, your lens should project a focused image that is 1 inch long on the camera sensor.
To shoot in the wild is also very challenging. And like all challenges, it is extremely rewarding. Shooting outdoors in an uncontrolled environment is significantly harder than shooting in a controlled environment, such as a studio. In nature you can’t tell the sun when and where to shine, or tell the wind to stop blowing.
I recently tested a few of my nature photos on metal. I’ve tried the horse work on metal before but I personally don’t think that work lends itself to metal as well as colorful landscapes and flowers and other nature photos.
I chose a bright orange flower for my metal image. The link attached gives some fun tips for photographing flowers. I’m stopping to notice the small things more and more often. I don’t need a large moving 1500lb horse to catch my eye, although it is my favorite subject. I’m having fun with the new macro work too.
Taking the time to notice.
I think that’s what I like the best about trying to shoot macro, it causes me to really stop and take time to notice all the details. Photographing the smaller things around us with such detail brings a connection with the flower or the bug or a connection with mother nature in general and all the wondrous sights around us. In July I am joining fellow photographer, Christy Garavetto for a special guest show at Arts Prescott Gallery. My contributions will be a series of macro shots I’ve done of flowers to food. Stay tuned for more information as the date gets closer.
