Are you having trouble coming up with amazing macro photography ideas? Do you need a little creativity? You’ve come to the right place.
Below, I share 5 of macro photographers’ favorite ideas for amazing macro shots taken from the digital photography school.
Eye photo
Photographing eyes up close is a captivating experience, and a great macro photography idea to try if you’re stuck indoors. To get started, find a desired subject (it could be anyone from a family member to a pet!). Make sure they are comfortable with the process, as this technique requires them to stay still for a while.
With your macro lens, get your subject’s eyes close, then look closely at what you see. Each eye has its own world, with different textures and colors. Experiment with different angles and lighting. Side lighting can highlight the texture of the eye, while front lighting can highlight small details. Remember, the key is patience and experimentation.
Take lots of pictures. Macro eye photography is a game of precision and luck. Be mindful of your subject’s comfort, and don’t overdo it. If everything goes smoothly, you’ll get stunning close-up images that reveal the amazing universe within!
Feather photo
I recommend purchasing some peacock feathers from your local grocery store, although you can always take photos of any feathers you find while walking around! (Just make sure to clean it well and hand wash – as with everything, it’s better to be safe than sorry!)
In any case, whether you collect them on walks or buy them, the key is to choose more colorful feathers that catch your eye. I also recommend choosing a larger feather, especially if you don’t have a dedicated macro lens.
Photographing feathers from different angles offers a variety of perspectives. The top-down view allows you to capture the entire feather in sharp focus, highlighting its symmetrical beauty and detailed structure. Alternatively, photographing feathers from a lower angle with a shallow depth of field will create an artistic blur with only a sliver of feather in sharp focus. This technique plays with the viewer’s perception, turning a simple feather into an abstract macro shot that emphasizes shape and texture.
Remember, lighting plays an important role in feather macro photography. Soft, diffused light can reveal fine details, while more dramatic, directional lighting can enhance texture and create interesting shadows. So make sure you try all sorts of different approaches until you get results you like.
Decide on a theme
Here’s an idea: Rather than limiting yourself to just one subject, take a themed approach. What if you choose texture as a theme to develop? Take a moment now to note anything that you think has texture. Take a deep breath, relax, close your eyes, and let go of your thoughts.
Use a mind map like the image below. This is simply a brainstorming method to generate creative possibilities. Here are four random examples. This could lead to other tangential ideas, so write down all your thoughts and edit your list later!
Shoot in sunlight for beautiful backlit macro photography
Nature photographers often shoot using front light – where the light comes from behind the photographer’s shoulder, and lands on the subject.
This often works well. But it can get boring after a while.
If you want to get creative, try using backlighting.
Backlight comes from behind your subject. This is great for creating silhouettes – and also great for producing creative lighting effects.
Try photographing ants
Ants, although often overlooked, are interesting macro photography subjects. These little creatures are full of character and surprisingly photogenic.
Your backyard or local park is an ideal location for this; Start by getting down on the ground and looking for ants crawling on leaves or blades of grass. The bigger the ant, the better for your macro shots.
Once you’ve found a subject or two, take out your camera and focus closely. Switch to manual focus, then shake the camera back and forth to maintain focus as you follow the subject.
Keep in mind that photographing ants requires patience. Ants can move very quickly at high magnification, so be prepared to take lots of pictures. It’s partly just a numbers game: the more photos you take, the higher your chances of snapping some amazing photos.
Catch the dandelion seed heads
Dandelion seed heads are a treasure trove for macro photographers. This common garden plant turns into an interesting subject under a macro lens. Start by selecting a large seed head (the larger, the better; larger subjects allow for a closer, more detailed view of each delicate seed).
Zoom in as far as your macro lens will allow. The goal here is to take advantage of the natural design of the seed head. Its flowing lines and repeating patterns can create visually interesting compositions. Try to arrange the seeds in a way that leads the viewer’s eye through the image.
