2019 WEEK 13: Nature Macro

Thanks to Stephanie Adams for suggesting this week’s theme.

It’s time for another macro challenge! This week’s goal is to take a macro shot of anything found in nature: Plants, insects, rocks, or (small) wildlife could all be great choices. As long as it’s something found in nature, it’s fair game. As always, we love creative, out of the box ideas 🙂

Backlit Leaf
Backlit Leaf – Eric Minbiole

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 natural subject, 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.

The Challenge

  • Take a macro (or near macro) photo of anything you can find in nature.
  • Post your photo during the week of Sunday, Mar 24 and Saturday, Mar 30.
  • Please remember to comment on at least FIVE photo submissions this week by answering the question “why?” in your comments. In other words, “why do I like (or not like) this photo?” or “why did this photo catch my eye?” Thank you!

The friendly community guidelines are pretty simple:

  • Take a new photo for the current weekly theme, not something from your back catalog or someone else’s image.
  • Post your photo each week to our active communities on Facebook or Flickr (or both). Tag the photo:  #2019photochallenge #photochallenge #tempusaura
  • Don’t leave home without your camera. Participating in the 2019 Trevor Carpenter Photo Challenge is fun and easy.

About Eric Minbiole

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been absolutely fascinated with anything technical– electronics, computers, cameras, gadgets, etc. Growing up, I loved taking things apart to see what was inside. While I couldn’t always put things back together, I loved trying to figure out how things work. Because of my love for all things technical, I pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering, and currently work as a Software Engineer. I’ve been fascinated with photography ever since borrowing my parents 110 film camera when I was young. It’s been a great hobby ever since: I love experimenting with photos, and trying new things. I especially love technical and/or trick photography. (“Gimmicks!”, as my wife jokingly calls them 😉 ) While I’m comfortable with the technical side of how to shoot, I struggle more with the artistic side of what to shoot in the first place. This is one reason I quite enjoy this group: There are fun, interesting ideas each week. I joined PhotoChallenge as a participant in 2014, and am amazed at how much this group has helped me learn. Each week, I look forward to the fun, creative challenges that Steve, Trevor, Gary, and Jeremy put together. Most importantly, the weekly challenges give me the motivation to get out there and take photos each week. (Otherwise, I suspect my camera might be gathering dust on the shelf.) As well, interacting with the fantastic members of the group– discussing suggestions, techniques, what works, what doesn’t– has been an invaluable help. I am absolutely thrilled to join the PhotoChallenge team– I’ve learned so much from the group, and hope that I can give back a little bit. If you’d like to see some of my photos, please check out my flickr page.