Monday
Mar152010
In the wonderful world of macro photography
March 15, 2010 * * * * * Posted by: Frida 
I have always liked to take photos. But since I had to make some changes in my life about 10 years ago I started to take more and more photos. In the beginning it was mostly pictures of family and friends on different occasions. I also started a flower bed and kitchen garden at our summer cottage. This led to more and more pictures of the flowers, birds and insects. I got more and more interested in all the particular details in everything I saw. Then I started to explore everything into the tiniest detail.
As I use my photography to unwind and load my batteries it’s a slow process for me. That’s were the macro come in. You have an image in your mind and try different angles to get the perfect shot. Suddenly there is a gasp of wind moving the flower and the moment is gone. Not to worry there is plenty of time to rearrange and try again….. and again. I must admit that perhaps 75 % of my pictures are nature pictures.
Bees and insects are a challenge because they fly away as soon you move an inch. But when the image is there and you see all the small details on the legs, wings and body when you look at it on the computer it’s very rewarding. I have learned a lot about different insects thanks to this. This summer I will try to photograph butterflies. I have planted different flowers that butterflies like in my flower bed. I hope they'll like them and give me many opportunities to take nice pictures.
For about a year ago a fellow photo blogger (Kevin) introduced me to Georgia O’ Keeffe. Her paintings were something I instantly loved and it was a wonderful aha moment. I have read several books about her and her life. The above picture is inspired by her. Can you see all the small details? The different color tones, the wavy lines and the water droplets. Like something from a different world.
I mostly take my pictures on late afternoons when the sun is low and gives a beautiful warm light. In the woods behind our cottage you’ll find the scene for all this. It is there my family finds me lying in the middle of the lingonberry and blueberry plants with ants crawling on my jeans with my camera in front of me……. It is there I find my peace and inner harmony.
That is why the winter is so tough to endure.
Reader Comments (12)
I can totally relate, Frida! My mom couldn't believe it when I got down on the ground, on my belly, in Seattle no less, to take some photos of some black mundo or mondo (or something) grass. I know my neighbors think I'm nuts. You go, girl!! Fantastic shot!
You and Toni have much to teach me about macro phtography, Frida, now that I have a macro lens. I'm sure I still do not use it correctly, so don't be surprised if I ask you questions one day. I have been enthralled over your images for a long time now and know you have a lot to teach me, like in your image above. You go, Girl...indeed! I wish warmer weather for you very quickly. It's almost here.
Such a stunning image. Love the softness and exquisite detail. And - I have to agree - there is a certain unexpected challenge and surprise to finding these exquisite details thru a macro lens!
Looking forward to more crawling around in the bushes and grass....:-)
Love the shot and I love the passion you have about macro and I smile, because I can really relate to the passion, but where you find peace and harmony with your passion, my passion gives my just the opposite
Wishing you warm sun on your back and dry grass beneath! Beautiful
Oooo....we have so very much in common! If I could get by with it, I would ONLY use my 100mm macro lens! I love macro photography AND Georgia O'Keeffe too! And, I really enjoyed today's featured photo. Such an artistic presentation.
i know just what you mean!! i am always lying on my stomach in the woods behind the cottage taking photos of mushrooms. endlessly. i never tire of them. great essay and beautiful photo frida.
Stunning photograph Frida! With the details in the flower and the delicate water droplets, a simply stunning photo indeed. And better still your beautiful words granting us a glimpse of your vision through not only your lens but through your eyes as well. Truly lovely - you and the photo!
a stunning macro.
very O'keefe-ian! and just truly lovely...
I was never very interested in macro or shooting flowers until I moved to Cornwall, England. After a visit in May I was hooked on photographing almost anything tiny. Even the grains of sand on the beach fascinate me when seen through the lens of my camera with a bit of sunlight.
simply stunning!