From
wide open spaces to rugged mountains, rolling
meadows to dramatic coastlines they all play an
important part in the nature of landscape. However,
with such a view it is often hard to appreciate the
beauty because there is nowhere for the eye to
settle and concentrate on.
Why
not take a fresh approach to nature photography and
concentrate on part of the view and take time to
consider color, shape and texture to really
appreciate the finer features of the scene.
Enter the world of
close up photography
that lies just beyond the familiar but so rich in
detail and beauty. If we look through our close up
lens with an open mind, imagination and childlike
curiosity there are many close up photography
opportunities for us to consider.
As
nature photographers we can take this concept
further, for example that distant bright yellow
patch becomes on closer inspection a riotous stand
of broom flowers. Closer still we see clearly the
intricate detail in each flower and seedpod that we
can record in our close up photography.
Now
go really close, look at the seedpod with its
gossamer covering of fine hairs and we start to
appreciate how things fit together. Whilst this is
not a scientific approach it provides a raw and
basic understanding, offers enlightenment and lets
us become an integral part of nature. So by going
close up and concentrating on a small part of the
whole we have simplified our close up photography
subject, made it basic, powerful and memorable,.
There is no need to go far, finding close up nature
photography opportunities should be seen as a
journey of the soul, inner vision and contemplation
rather than visiting a far off place. Often the
deeper we look into our close up photography
subjects the more rewarding they become. Without
hesitation they reveal their treasures allowing us
time to admire their quality. With this awareness
the nature photographer with a passion for close up
photography is indeed privileged.
Appreciating that all these parts form an important
relationship with each other makes it is easier to
understand that the whole is made up of many unique
parts and like pieces of a jigsaw they combine
together to create a complete picture. Indeed, only
by appreciating the significance of the smallest
parts of our surroundings can we can start to make
sense of nature as a whole and incorporate this
awareness into our close up photography.
Emotion and drama and
be found in often overlooked close up photography
cameos, like a delicate flower growing defiantly in
a boulder crevice, its tenuous grip on life
dependent on the sustenance from the crevice debris.
Yet it lives on year after year, testimony to its
determination and resilience. It is this
inter-action that is so enduring and compelling that
makes these interesting subjects perfect for
nature photography.
As a
close up photographer getting close up to nature
allows a greater understanding and appreciation of
the beauty of the natural world. For example a cold
clear winter day with breathtaking crispness can be
ideal for close up photography, in these conditions
there are magical patterns in snow, frost and
shimmering icicles. Ice patterns make perfect winter
close up photography subjects; they literally
capture a moment frozen in time. Depending on the
prevailing weather conditions some have smooth
curves whilst others show harsh jagged lines
providing creative close up photography
opportunities.
Early morning in spring and summer can be a
wonderful time to find close up photography
subjects. Flowers and grasses covered with dew or
fine rain make fascinating close up photography
studies, the fine hairs hold onto droplets of water
almost defy gravity. In the right conditions there
may be insects that after a night’s inactivity have
become encrusted with minute droplets. Butterflies
make excellent close up photography subjects and
look stunning covered in dew as they sparkle like a
myriad of jewels.
Light quality plays an important role in our close
up photography, if it is too harsh the increase in
contrast will actually block out the very close up
detail we are trying to photograph. It is far better
to have diffused light that occurs with high thin
cloud cover. It provides a much softer quality of
light and allows the detail, texture and nuances to
be clearly seen and recorded in our close up
photography. Color also influences our
interpretation of the subject, vibrant colors like
red and yellow for example suggest dominance and
power, whereas muted tones like grey and browns
convey basic, earthy and tranquil feelings.
So, if
we approach our close up photography with childlike
wonder and a renewed vision the natural world is
undoubtedly a beautiful place. To fully appreciate
it requires a little time and an inquisitive mind,
it will reward you with the knowledge that even the
simplest of things can bring satisfaction,
contentment, harmony and inner peace.
By:
Phil McDermott
About the Author
Phil McDermott,
Scotland Commercial Photographer and Close up
Photography Workshops
Phil McDermott Photography.
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Photography Blog
for Photography Tips and Ideas.
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Close Up Photography, an Emotional Approach to
Nature Photography
