Macro is a fascinating and challenging photographic genre; it’s a blend of science and artistry, combining the functional with the decorative. Photography is a powerful scientific tool, enabling us to study the world around us in precise detail, an area where macro photo gear excels. It can reveal features we would never otherwise be aware of, and so can be an enlightening medium for those researching the natural world. Flowers, colourful insects and natural patterns are not only points of interest for botanists, entomologists and geologists, and they also happen to look rather beautiful, making them the perfect subjects for gallery display.
Of course, the approaches we should take to creating macro images will differ, depending on the end-use of the resulting photographs. If simple record shots are the name of the game then a standardised compositional technique will help save you time and ensure clear views of the important details you want to capture. However, if you’re looking at the subject from the point of view of a creative photographer, then ‘standard’ is rarely going to provide the engaging story that viewers might expect.
Similarly to wildlife photography, it can be tempting to think of macro as functional. Many photographers entertain the philosophy that closer is better, and that beyond the basic colour and detail of the subject there’s little to experiment with in terms of composition, focus and camera settings. Over the next few pages we’ll explore the missed opportunities this can result in, and look at how you can craft the physical elements to produce captivating multi-layered artworks.
KIT BREAKDOWN
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 27, 2021-Ausgabe von Photography week.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 27, 2021-Ausgabe von Photography week.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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FUJINON GF 30MM F5.6 T/S
A stunning tilt-shift optic for Fujifilm's medium-format GFX system
HOW TO...ADD A TOUCH OF FLARE
Create lens flare effects in Affinity Photo, and master shapes, live filters, and colour tools with James Paterson
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Mike Harris shows you how to capture stunning portraits on location and in golden light
CREATIVE WAYS TO USE SHUTTER SPEED
Master the art of controlling shutter speed to create beautiful works of art
ASTRHORI UNVEILS BUDGET PORTRAIT PRIME FOR NIKON
Super-affordable 85mm F1.8 Full-frame AF lens is now available for Z mount
POLAROID I-2
With full manual controls and a huge price tag, is this instant camera worth the big bucks?
HOW TO...GO MONO WITH PROFILES
James Paterson shows you how to create brilliant black-and-white images with ease using Profiles
UNDERSTAND COLOUR THEORY
Adam Waring takes you back to art class with a primer in colour theory
MEET THE YOUNGSTER WITH A EYE FOR A WINNING PHOTO
Jamie Smart won a top contest aged just eight, and she's only just getting started
FAMILY BUSINESS
Pro portrait photographer Catherine O'Donnell passes on her top tips and techniques for capturing sponateous and engaging family photos in the studio