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.

Ice patterns are amongst my favourite winter close up photography subjects, they offer diversity and literally capture a moment frozen in time. Depending on the prevailing weather conditions we can find smooth graceful curves whilst at other times we will see harsh jagged lines. So something as simple as a puddle icing over is heavily influenced by its immediate surroundings.

Abstract, jagged ice patterns

Quality of light is a fundamental part of close up photography ensuring we can fully appreciation the finer details of the shapes and textures. If the light is too harsh the increase in contrast will virtually obscure the very detail we are trying to photograph. It is much better to have diffused light, the quality of light that occurs with high thin cloud cover. This cloud cover diffusion creates a softer light allowing detail, texture and colour to be recorded.

Colour can also influence our interpretation of the subject, vibrant colours like reds and yellows will suggest dominance and power. In contrast muted shades greys and browns will portray a more tranquil, earthy and basic feel to the images.

Throughout spring and summer the early morning is often an ideal time to appreciate close up photography subjects and a stroll in the garden can pay dividends. Flowers and grasses covered with dew or fine rain, for example, make fascinating close up photography studies, the fine hairs holding onto droplets of water to almost defy gravity. If the conditions are right dew covered insects provides opportunity for some fascinating close up photography, dragonflies in particular look stunning covered in dew as it makes them sparkle as if covered with a myriad of jewels.

Early morning dragonfly, narrow depth of field creating out of focus dew covered wings

So, with renewed vision the natural world is a beautiful place, only requiring a little time and an inquisitive mind to appreciate. Indeed, satisfaction and contentment can come from the simplest of things and this brings harmony and hopefully inner peace.