WEEK 6: Macro Texture – 2018 Trevor Carpenter Photo Challenge - The 2022 Trevor Carpenter Photo Challenge

This week, we’ll revisit one of my favorite types of photography: Macro Photography. In particular, we’re going to use macro photography to emphasize the texture of the subject.

One of the best parts about macro photography is that it allows you to see an object in far greater detail than you would normally see. Subjects that might look mundane to the naked eye can look far more interesting when we can zoom in, where we can appreciate the interesting detail in their texture.

As always, let’s look at some examples:

it’s big and it’s hairy – Jon Bunting

When we see a moth in our everyday lives, we likely don’t give it a second thought. We probably dismiss them as boring, and unattractive. However, when seen as an extreme macro, as above, you can see the moth in a completely new way: It has beautifully colored, fine hairs, giving it a soft-looking texture. I almost want to reach out and pet it.

Rope Texture – Eric Minbiole

There may be few things more mundane than a piece of rope. However, when zoomed in to this level of detail, we can see all of the smaller, textured strands that make up the larger rope. Even though the larger rope appears very smooth and symmetrical, the macro shot reveals a much more chaotic texture.

Objectif 12 – goued120

Naturally, texture can be found in everyday objects. We would normally think of a lens as a smooth, sterile, and (hopefully) clean object. However, when viewed through the macro lens, we can see that this lens has a much more interesting (and somewhat messy) texture than we might have expected. In particular, my eye is drawn to the gritty corrosion along the dial.

Painted Picnic Table – Cindy Jo Bennett Csomo

Here’s another great example of an everyday object made more interesting when examined more closely. We can see the great, rough texture in this picnic table– I love the combination of the wood grain and the peeling paint. All of the wear makes me wonder about all the many years of use the table has seen.

Portobello Texture – Eric Minbiole

The Challenge

This week, I want everyone to take a macro shot that emphasizes the interesting texture of your subject. You can pick most any subject that you want, as long as you get close enough to show the detail of the subject’s surface. Some of the best subjects may be ones that look mundane at first glance, but are far more interesting when viewed close up. As always, creative, out-of-the-box ideas are encouraged.

Get your camera, be creative, and have fun

A Note on Macro Photography

I realize that not everyone has access to a macro lens. If not, don’t worry about it: For this challenge, we won’t require any special equipment, nor are we going to worry about any strict rules about what exactly qualifies as a macro shot. Instead, I want everyone to find a subject with interesting texture, and get as close as your camera allows. A few thoughts / tips:

If you happen to have a macro lens: Great! Use it.
Some cameras or cell phones have a “macro mode” that lets you get closer to your subject.
You can use an inexpensive “Clip On” macro adapter for your cell phone. Many are available for under $10.
If you don’t have a macro lens, but are feeling adventuresome, you can try the “Reverse Lens” technique, which allows you to take macro shots by reversing your lens.
Finally, if none of the above apply, you can still take great macro shots! Just zoom in your lens as far as it will go, and get as close as you can, while still staying in focus. If you pick a subject with a “larger” texture (such as a tree trunk, etc), you can take some fantastic shots.

The friendly community guidelines are pretty simple:

Post one original photograph (Your Image) shot each week per theme posted on this blog to our active community on our Facebook Group, Flickr Group or 500PX group (or all three). Tag the photo: #10thanniversaryphotochallenge #2018photochallenge #photochallenge #tempusaura
The shot should be a new shot you took this week, for the current weekly theme, not something from your back catalog or someone else’s image.
Don’t leave home without your camera. Participating in the 2018 Trevor Carpenter Photo Challenge is fun and easy.

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