garden photography: get a little closer

It’s April and time for a new theme. This month I want you to get closer to your subject, which can be a little tricky. When getting up close to your subject you need to make sure that the key elements are in focus. Using a dedicated macro lens you will find that only a millimetre or two from front to back will be pin sharp. If you are struggling to keep key elements in focus try shooting from a different angle and keep the background out of focus.

Look for natural subjects with eye-catching textures and then concentrate on the finer details. When you are doing macro photography those small details become the subjects of attention. This applies to flaws as well, so try and select a perfect subject. Get into the habit of moving in to examine the subject close up before setting up your camera (and tripod) which may be essential to avoid excessive camera shake.

Create shadows by shooting in low-angled bright sunshine or use a flash. Leaves in particular look good when backlit as this emphasises the pattern of their veins.

Concentrate on colours or shapes or patterns and remember this is not exclusive to flowers, you can choose to focus on anything that you might find in a garden.

In April I’m looking for Macros or Close-ups in the Garden

(This month I want to see Macro photography or close-ups of anything you’d find in a garden –  so look out for unusual details)

Migrant Hoverfly – Eupeodes corollae on a Japanese Anemone

If you would like to join in with Garden Photography then please take a look at my Garden Photography Page. No complicated rules 🙂

• Create your own post and title it April: Macros in the Garden
• Include a link to this page in your post so others can find it too
• Add the tag “GardenChallenge” so everyone can find the posts easily in the WP Reader
• Get your post in by the end of the month, as the new theme comes out on the first Sunday in May.
• Please visit the sites in the comments to see what others are posting.