Macro — A seasonal addiction

from Camera Talk-June 2022

by Photographic Society of New Zealand

Macro photography

My great love is flower photography, and I love to create more pleasing soft ethereal-looking compositions. I avoid using strong colours; for me, soft colours work best for this type of photography. I try to keep the backgrounds simple, with no glaring features that can take away the beauty of the flower. When photographing flowers, it is not unusual for my husband to see my head rocking back and forward, in and out, with my finger poised on the shutter button, finding the sweet spot of focus and providing lovely background bokeh. But, in saying that, many of my compositions don’t have much of anything in focus.

Triptych of Lavenders

Agapanthus Dahlia

Not having a multiple exposure function on my camera, but liking the multiple exposure look, I create them in Photoshop, giving me control of the final outcome.

...Macro—a Seasonal Addiction

Peony A pear

A seasonal addiction is hunting out fungi; hard work for these old bones but worthwhile when viewing the tiny and often colourful fungi that come to life on the computer screen. Using a tripod is essential, as the forest floor can often be very dark. Getting down low to show the gills is worthwhile, and a small aperture (f/16 to f/32) gives a greater depth of field and sharpness. Apart from knee pads and tweezers, to remove unwanted debris, I always have a small piece of card covered with tinfoil in my kit to reflect light where needed. This simple tool can make such a difference when lighting up the gills of the fungi.

Orange Pore Fungi Split Gill Fungi

Quince

...Macro—a Seasonal Addiction

I love still life photography, especially in the cooler months when outdoor photography isn’t so appealing. I prefer simple, minimalist compositions, generally using what is available within my home. I use a lightbox and a light tent, but the floor (the less traditional Flat Lay Still Life), kitchen table or bench works well too. Keeping the backgrounds simple and unobtrusive is the key. My husband made a set-up against which I can drape plain or textured fabrics, scarves, wallpapers, or thin metals or wood. Very handy, but there are many options; even a plain wall can be a successful backdrop. Subtle lighting can make or break a composition, with shadows providing depth and interest. Adding a texture can enhance a composition; when doing this, I use a layer mask at varying degrees of opacity to keep the subject free or partly free of texture.

Plated Flowers

I also enjoy working on landscapes, but I’m just as happy pressing the shutter release in my garden. I gain satisfaction from seeking out abstract images in man-made and natural objects, and my latest passion is ICM (in camera movement) photography.

Now retired, I live in a rural area just south of Timaru. I’m blessed to have a garden that keeps on giving, the Pacific Ocean at my doorstep, our amazing Mackenzie Country and beautiful lakes within a short driving distance.

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