Close up nature photography ideas
In close up nature photography we occasionally need to take a fresh approach and concentrate on a small part of the view. Look hard and begin to see and appreciate the finer features of the individual parts of the landscape. See how they combine, fitting together like the pieces of a large jigsaw to make the complete picture.
If we now break it down into its basic components and take time to contemplate just the colours, shapes and textures. For those interested in nature photography we can take this notion further, that distant bright yellow patch becomes, on closer inspection, a rich, riotous stand of Broom. If we move closer still to the broom we see clearly the perfection and intricate detail in each flower and seedpod. Lets go close up, look at the fine hairs of the seedpod, each one an individual but reliant on its close neighbour this helps us understand how things fit together. Whilst this may not be a scientific approach it provides a raw and basic understanding, offers enlightenment and makes us feel an integral part of our close up nature photography. So by going close up, isolating a small part of the whole we have simplified our close up nature photography subject, making it memorable, basic and powerful.
Enter the world of close up nature photography, a world that lies just beyond the familiar that is so rich in detail and beauty. If we look through our macro lens with an open mind, a little imagination and an almost childlike curiosity there are many close up nature photography subjects for us photographers to pursue.
There is certainly no need to go far, indeed finding close up nature photography opportunities in nature should be seen more as a soul searching journey, a journey of inner vision and contemplation. Furthermore, the deeper we look into our close up photography subjects the more fascinating they become. They reveal their treasures without hesitation allowing us time to reflect and admire their majesty and with this awareness to close up nature photography the photographer is indeed privileged.
Close up nature photography; look closer, look harder
Clearly the whole is made up of many individual parts that are each unique, these parts inter-relate with each other and all have a vital role to play. Indeed, I believe it is only by appreciating the significance of the smallest parts of our planet can we start to make sense of nature as a whole. There is also emotion and drama to be found close up in these little cameos that we so often overlook, it may be something as simple as a single flower growing in a boulder crevice. Hanging on defiantly, its tenuous grip on life dependent on the sustenance that it draws from the crevice debris. Yet it lives on year after year, testimony indeed to its determination and resilience. It is this interrelationship that is so enduring, fundamental and compelling.
As a photographer getting close up to nature is a very important part of my life. It allows me a greater appreciation of beauty and a clearer understanding of the natural world in which we live. Take for example a clear cold winters day, crisp and breathtaking, when we start to look for close ups in nature in these conditions we are drawn to magical patterns in the snow, frosted ivy leaves and shimmering icicles. Ice patterns are a favourite of mine for winter photography, offering diversity and literally capture a moment frozen in time. There are gracefully smooth curves whilst others display harsh jagged lines depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
Light quality will also play a significant part in our close up nature photography allowing us to fully appreciation the finer details of shape and texture, if the light is too harsh then the increase in contrast will actually block out the very detail we are trying to photograph. It is far better to have the diffused light that occurs with thin cloud cover, it provides a much softer even light that allows the detail and texture to be clearly seen and recorded in our close up nature photography. Subject colour also influences our interpretation of the subject, for example vibrant colours suggest dominance and power, whereas muted shades like grey and brown convey more tranquil, earthy and basic feelings.
Early morning is a fine time to appreciate potential close up photography subjects and a stroll in the garden will pay dividends. Flowers and grasses, when covered with dew or fine rain make fascinating photographic studies, the fine hairs holding onto droplets of water that almost defy gravity. If the conditions are right there may be insects that have become encrusted with minute droplets of water following a nights inactivity, these can make rewarding close up nature photography subjects.
So, with a renewed vision and childlike wonder the natural world is without doubt a beautiful place that only requires a little time and an inquisitive mind to fully appreciate. Harmony, satisfaction and hopefully inner peace can be had from the simplest of things.
Phil McDermott - Photographer and Blogger, Isle of Mull, Scotland
