Get up close – Nature Photography

Get up close. In class we would rather unkindly mimic our school physics teacher who was constantly reminding us all to “Always remember the importance of detail, study and get up close to the facts.”, it was his mantra and I don’t think a lesson went by without it.

Whilst his words seemed insignificant and irrelevant to me at the time they have over the years taken on a greater significance and become ingrained in my philosophical approach to life and close up photography.

Applying this “importance of detail … get up close” to even the most commonplace of nature subjects can reveal extraordinary beauty. Looking closely we can see that shape, texture and colour combine to create patterns that require only an observant and discerning eye to enjoy.

As we get up close this vision instils a lasting appreciation of the beauty of the natural world bringing with it understanding, harmony and enjoyment. The natural world in all its glory has many close up photography examples. We can start to get up close with the common things that in our hurried lives we tend to overlook. In many ways because of their familiarity they offer some of the best opportunities for observation and discovery.

Here we can see patterns that can be circular, linear or random or indeed a combination of all three. Sometimes they are obvious to us whilst other times they require a little effort and imagination to search out.

Nature is full of patterns that interact and play off of each other, they offer a different view on our world, that if we are honest with our ever increasing hectic lifestyle we often overlook or take for granted. Get up close and developing an eye for detail, pattern and colour. This can be a rewarding close up photography experience enabling us to view natural objects as shapes composed of lines, curves and circles. When we get up close we can consider ways in which these shapes and patterns relate with one another.

It is this interaction that can provides such a rich diversity of patterns in nature photography and opportunities for unique photo subjects. As we get up close this attention to detail undoubtedly brings wonder.

Finding patterns in nature is not all that difficult. Though to derive the most pleasure it requires an open mind, childlike curiosity and imagination. Let us take for example the ubiquitous nasturtium that is so common in our summer gardens. It is such an attractive plant and yet one that is often overlooked.

Why not take little time for a closer look and consider some of the intriguing patterns that are revealed. In the case of the nasturtium leaf I see it resembling a wheel with the leaf veins representing spokes radiating from the centre. It portrays a solid and unified structure. One that is not dissimilar to the mechanics of a spider’s web with all the components working together for each other. Furthermore the interplay of light can create further patterns, accentuating textures and other intricacies within the leaf adding more definition to the subtleties and nuances contained therein.

A similar approach can be taken to look at a single rose which has long been recognised as one of our most loved and beautiful flowers. Pattern emerge as the petals radiate spirally outwards from the centre almost drawing you into its glorious depths, with this power it is little wonder it is the flower of love.

Often nature subjects contain patterns within patterns that are only reveal themselves by looking further and further into the subject. Indeed, nature is very generous and only too pleased to welcome us in, you will not disappointed and you can be assured that she will allow the very closest of inspections.

With renewed awareness a simple nature photography walk takes on new meaning. Just recently whilst walking on the beach I was attracted to the patterns of sand left behind as the water retreated down the beach with each wave. The patterns that were created suggested to me energy and motion reflecting both the fluidity and continuity of the ebbing tide. This happens twice a day and has done so for countless years but it is interesting that almost identical patterns can be found after each tide, I find this repetition intriguing as it shows consistency throughout the ages.

However, even though the patterns in nature may reoccur it is the changing light, time of day and weather conditions that dramatically changes the colours, reflections and ‘feel’ of the subject. So even a visit to the same place will always provide something new and fresh to contemplate and challenge the mind.

Patterns are everywhere, it may be fallen leaves that decorate the woodland floor in autumn or a simple feather that shows wonderful linear patterns with the shaft, barb and barbules all combining to provide strength and flexibility.

The natural world is a beautiful place, so let us get up close and approach our photography with renewed vision in the knowledge that satisfaction comes from the simplest of things.

“You don’t need eyes to see, you need vision” ~ Maxi Jazz