Closer than close

Strange new worlds are revealed under a microscope. Amy Davies talks to three photographers taking macro photography to the next level

- Amy Davies

While we typically think of macro photography as having a 1x magnification, microphotography can reach the scales of 20x magnification, showing off not just small objects like we might see with typical macro work, but subjects with details that are generally invisible to the naked eye. Beyond that you’ve also got microscope photography, which can go even further.

It’s a niche area of close-up photography, but produces stunning results. Getting that close can offer up extraordinary points of view – scenes which look like alien planets, with striking colours and patterns you’d never know existed.

Here, photographers Jan Martinek, Don Komarechka and Marek Mis all explain why they love the subject, and offer some tips for those brave enough to give it a go themselves. If you’ve tried everything there is to try with macro photography, it’s something you might consider, too.

Don Komarechka 

Don is a nature, macro and landscape photographer originally from Ontario, Canada. He teaches workshops on macro and microphotography, and his work has been featured on the BBC and Discovery. He has also written books on the subject, including his latest Macro Photography: The Universe at Our Feet and Sky Crystals: Unraveling the Mysteries of Snowflakes.

AP: Why do you photograph such small subjects?