Theme: “Macro/Close up”

Judge: Cory Hilz

Macro/Close-Up

The photograph should be taken from a position very near the subject. Generally, this means that the lens should be focused at or near its closest focusing position. The use of screw on close up filters, extension tubes and macro lenses is permitted.

Macro photography is the art of capturing extreme close-ups of small subjects, making them appear life-size or larger in the final image. It typically achieves a magnification ratio (or higher), where an object is projected as or larger on the camera sensor. This technique reveals intricate details, such as insect eyes or plant textures, that are often invisible to the naked eye. 

Key Characteristics and Techniques:

• Magnification Ratio: True macro photography starts at 1 to 1,(life-size), but many lenses offer up to 2 to 1 or even  5 to 1 magnification.

• Working Distance Because subjects are tiny, photographers often work at very close distances, necessitating specialized macro lenses, which usually have focal lengths between 50mm and 200mm

• Depth of Field: Macro photos often have a very shallow depth of field, which requires using narrower apertures to get more of the subject in focus.

• Essential Equipment: While dedicated macro lenses are best, beginners can use extension tubes, close-up filters, or even reverse a standard lens to start. A tripod is crucial to prevent blur caused by slight movements.

• Common Subjects: Insects, flowers, dewdrops, textures, and small products are popular subjects.

Cory’s Brief Bio:

Photography is my way of sharing with others how I see the world around me and provides me with an artistic escape from my day job as an aerospace engineer. My photos are mainly from adventures traveling the US and hiking in various parks, where I enjoy the challenge of finding interesting shapes and juxtapositions in nature and making the most of situations I discover.

I find that the little scenes often overlooked by others are the ones that fuel my photographic creativity. I am always looking beyond the obvious and photographing the things that others might not even notice like an acorn sprouting, the patterns made by rust and faded paint on an old automobile, or textures in the windblown sand on a local beach. Sometimes the most amazing images are right there under your feet.

I enjoy teaching others and sharing my passion and I am available to speak or judge at your camera club. I have been praised for my constructive critiques and ability to tailor my feedback to different levels of photographers.