Thoughts on close up photography

Close up photography in nature is a very important part of my photographic life. It helps concentrate the mind, gives a greater appreciation of natural beauty and a clearer understanding of the world. During the winter Scotland can experience clear cold winter days with breathtaking crispness, nature close ups in these conditions can be magical, creating Close up photography patterns in snow, frosted leaves and shimmering icicles.

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.