Close up Photography, an emotional approach to Nature Photography

Photo by : Home Photography
Story by: Phil McDermott

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.

About the Author
Phil McDermott, Scotland Commercial Photographer and Close up Photography Workshops Phil McDermott Photography. See our Photography Blog for Photography Tips and Ideas.
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4 Tips To Building A Career With Digital Photography

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It is always exciting and fun when you can make money with what you enjoy. Imagine that going to work is like spending your time with your favorite hobby. Doesn't that put a smile on your face? This article is going to focus on how being different, learning photography, having a portfolio and the right equipments can help.

Imagine that you are online, reading newspaper or watching TV. Have you ever had a moment that you fail to see a picture? And ever since photography went into digital, it has sparked more people to become professional photographer.

Often, how the pictures turn out depend on the photographer's experience. That is why famous photographers' pictures are more outstanding. Think about how much money you can make when your pictures stand out from the crowd.

Continue reading when you want to build a career with digital photography:

1. Learn the art

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that photography is an art. Like a professional artist, you need to know your profession. Professional photographers get their reputation today through continuous learning.

When you are starting out to make money with digital photography, make sure you learn the art through books, clinics and practice how to shoot right.

2. Equipments

You need to start looking at professional DSLR camera when you want to become a professional photographer. The compact digital cameras are just not meant to build your career with digital photography.

Luckily the DSLR cameras nowadays are getting more affordable. Today, you can get a DSLR camera and extra lenses with investment less than $1000. That just feels great doesn't it?

3. Portfolio

Now, you must have an impressive portfolio in order to make money with photography. This is to show your potential clients what you have achieved.

Put your best work in the portfolio as that is what your potential clients are going to judge you with. Your skills and creativity will determine whether you can land the job or not.

4. Being different

You need an identity in the market. Express yourself with how you capture your subject. Your potential clients will appreciate something different yet aligned to their needs.

The bottom line is Find Article, you need to be unique.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Do you enjoy taking photos? Do you want more digital photography tips and techniques? Michael Wong is happy to share his knowledge about digital photography with you and hope you enjoy them. 

How To Handle Cold Weather Photography

Cold weather presents a few unique challenges to digital photographers. In this post, Peter Carey offers some suggestions to keep you photographing when the mercury drops.

cold weather photography - Copyright Lachlan Hardy When the weather outside turns cold, there are a few precautions every digital photographer should take.

First, give your camera time to acclimate!

This one is very important and it’s a two way street. If you’re heading outside from a nice warm house, or if you’re coming back in from a shoot out in the cold, give your camera lens time to adjust to the temperature change. Going either direction will fog up your lens and viewfinder. Leave your lens cap on when going either direction and give your camera plenty of time to adjust to the temps. The amount of time depends on the the difference in temperatures from inside to outside. The larger the difference, the more time you should allow. 15 minutes is usually fine but more may be needed depending on how humid each environment is. You want a slow, gradual change so if you can, leave your camera in a camera bag as it gets used to the change. While this may take a bit longer, it does help ensure condensation won’t become a problem.


Next, you’ll want to protect your batteries.

Cold weather presents a few unique challenges to digital photographers. In this post, Peter Carey offers some suggestions to keep you photographing when the mercury drops.
When the weather outside turns cold, there are a few precautions every digital photographer should take.

First, give your camera time to acclimate!

This one is very important and it’s a two way street. If you’re heading outside from a nice warm house, or if you’re coming back in from a shoot out in the cold, give your camera lens time to adjust to the temperature change. Going either direction will fog up your lens and viewfinder. Leave your lens cap on when going either direction and give your camera plenty of time to adjust to the temps. The amount of time depends on the the difference in temperatures from inside to outside. The larger the difference, the more time you should allow. 15 minutes is usually fine but more may be needed depending on how humid each environment is. You want a slow, gradual change so if you can, leave your camera in a camera bag as it gets used to the change. While this may take a bit longer, it does help ensure condensation won’t become a problem.

Next, you’ll want to protect your batteries.

Besides the lens of your camera (even worse, your sensor) getting fogged over, batteries are the lifeline for digital photography. Unlike traditional film (with another set of cold weather challenges), digital cameras obviously rely on working batteries. The problem is cold saps batteries of energy even when they aren’t in the camera. Carry spare batteries in pant pockets where they are close to your body. The warmer the battery, the better it performs. Even when your camera indicates a battery is dead, warming it up in a pocket (especially one with a hand warmer!) can bring it back to life for a few dozen more shots. Get used to rotating batteries in this manner and you’ll be able to stay out shooting longer.


Let’s not forget your hands!

Once your camera has adapted to the cold, holding it for long periods of time can cause frost bitten fingers. Just having your hands exposed to subfreezing temperatures for more than a few minutes can make your digits fumble and feel quite painful. Obviously gloves are a requirement for outdoor photography, but what works well? You’ll need both the warmth of a puffy winter mitten but the dexterity and tactile feel of a thin, thin layer. Enter the Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Glove! I’ve found these gloves to provide the best warmth while still maintaining all the feel of the camera I need. They keep the wind out and while they are no extreme winter glove, they get the job done.

Lastly, keep your camera out of the elements

While the snow may be falling and seem so much better than a rainy day behind the lens, be aware that snow can cause just as much damage. Carry a soft, water absorbent cloth to help dry off your camera while out and about. Also consider investing in a rain hood for your camera if it’s a DSLR, which allows you to keep shooting in the heaviest of downpours. In a pinch, wrapping a towel around your camera will keep the snow off.

There’s no reason to let the cold weather keep you inside or away from your camera. With a little preparation you can ensure great photo opportunities don’t pass you by this winter!

Are you looking for daily photographic inspiration? Peter hosts a Photo Of The Day RSS/Atom/email feed on his site, The Carey Adventures. Get inspiring photos from the world of travel and adventure delivered daily to your mailbox!