Why I Like Macro Photography
Before I started shooting macro photography, I was mainly shooting landscape. Oh yes, I once shot a wedding and I was cured of making that part of my portfolio <wide grin>. Like almost all photographers starting out, I read “how-to” books and went online to view popular professional images. From this I would think: “I want to shoot like this person. I want to learn how to take an image like this photo. In fact, I want to go shoot that specific scene.”
Awhile back it hit me that most of the images I see today, I’ve seen a hundred times. Sure there may be a slight difference, but there is very little “surprise” when I view another image of the San Francisco Golden Gate bridge, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite Park, or the Palouse area in eastern Washington state where I reside (About 1 1/2 hour drive south from Spokane).
Most photography workshops are usually in one of the many popular locations here in the United States and around the world. Year-after-year, thousands of people take part in workshops to improve their skills and to take pictures of the most often shot scenes. After seeing nearly the same image time after time, these images have lost their mystique for me. People are shooting images of something very popular that everyone else has already shot and will continue to shoot.
I don’t want to shoot images that everyone else has already shot. In fact, I want to shoot images that are my own.
With macro floral photography the image I’m shooting may only last a few minutes, an hour or a day, and then it is gone from that spot. It dies, or matures into something else, or blows away - but that original image can never be regained or shot. I realize that I was the only person to find and shoot the macro images published on this website. One could say that all of the images I show and sell are my own original artwork.
What is your original artwork?
I’m not saying it is wrong to model yourself after a professional photographer you really like. Professional run workshops are great for increasing your skill level. The question is:
What is your original artwork?
I know exactly what you are talking about Rick. I’ve taken inspiration from other, more established, photographers, but I really try to have my own style and way of seeing. In this day and age, if you want to be seen above the masses, above every other “John and Jane photographer”, your work needs to stand out.
Hi Jeff. You are correct! It takes work. Sameness is boring. There is a photographer, and he is pretty good, that is showing 30 images of the Golden Gate Bridge on one the major websites. Really?
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comments.
Breath-takingly beautiful, Rick. Really stunning.
Thank you for viewing the images and your generous comment!
Beautiful shots, Rick.
Thank you! Oh, loved the en masse yoga images.
I love this post Rick…and its message. I do like to look at other photographers’ work as it often sparks something in me…but I do not want to become another clone. I guess that is why I like to play with some images, changing them, building them in to a piece of art rather than just another shot.
There are more tools available today to be artistic and creative: PS keeps evolving, Nik Software, HDR, textured backgrounds, lensbaby, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Your photos take my breath away!! I could really relate to this post too because I have started taking a lot more close up shots lately looking for a different take on the same old same old. It opens up so many more possibilities. Thanks for sharing this with us Rick
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Great! Shooting at different angles, high, low, tilt the camera, fill frame, all add a slightly different take on how an image can be captured. Being aware of things that may be distracting is important also. Even moving a couple of feet can make a difference.
If anyone shoots with a tripod your last step is placing you camera on it. First, walk around and try difference angles. Then, after finding your shot, pull out the tripod. Why? I you use your tripod from the start think how you may be limited in how you shoot.
Wow….I am completely moved and entranced by your macro photographer. GORGEOUS…..I definitely think this genre fits you.
I am still learning, but more and more my heart is pulled to nature, wildlife, and landscapes.
Of course, I still do people too. But I have decided to move away from that. You should have your own magazine! I’d subscribe.
Thank you for visiting and your wonderful comments!
>> You should have your own magazine! I’d subscribe.
Thanks and this comment made me smile (-:
I am stunned by your pictures rick. It is very clear, close, and apart. I love it very much. Yeah, you must have your own magazine.
I completely agree with you. Yeah, I bored to see one place again and again, but still I want to take a picture it myself. Of course I want to have my own piece that cannot be compared to others, but maybe I still on the phase to learn, to imitate others.
Thank you for your comments and your vote for a start up magazine (;
I think it is ok to take pictures of popular, well-known, scenes. Just work to make them your own, to be different from the most common capture. In most cases this could shooting at a different time of year. Or, at dawn or dusk shot. Also, waiting out for that ine awesome light situation.
Although we strive for originality, sometimes the similarities of subjects that two photographs find in nature, or the photographers’ approaches to portraying them, lead to images that are at least partly similar. The photographs you’ve posted on this page remind me of these two:
http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/yucca-rupicola/
http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com/2011/06/06/sunflowers-new-leaves/
Thanks for stopping by and your comments.
There may well be partial similarities within the same category of images. What I strive for and what you see in my two images here are: Significant contrasting features, some of which are: Texture, lines, visual weight, lighting, pairing (Using a 2nd & different subiect, usually in the backgroumd or behind my main subject.) and depth of field.
Great pictures and good post.
I love “I don’t want to shoot images that everyone else has already shot. In fact, I want to shoot images that are my own.”
I’m not a professional photo chick, but I feel the same way. Good quote.
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to leave a comment. Good luck in your training and completing in the event.
Inspiring post and beautiful photos! You’ve got it right, follow your own inspiration. I’m a beginning photographer and have been seriously considering macro, but now I’m itching to try my hand at it! Thanks.
Go for it! That is, shooting macro (-: The neat thing is you can shoot year around and if the weather is bad, you can shoot indoors after picking out flowers from the store.
Thanks for your comments.
Great shots and interesting article. I overcome my lack of photographic ability by providing a venue for my brother to show his talent!
Janine… Thank you for viewing the images and your comment. A good sister your creating a photography sets for your brother (-:
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beautiful lines, and great color. workshops and the study of master photographers is a great way to learn, every collaborating with other photographers or artists (ie dancers) can enhance learning and growing. We all need to find our own eye, express our own sensitivities and own the work we are doing. You have produced some wonderful macro images and I look foward to following your blog.
I don’t see anything wrong in taking workshops in areas that has already been photographed again and again – and where it’s hard to capture anything new. It’s still rewarding to feel the inspiration through the participation of a workshop. But then the next step is to take what you learned or was inspired by and turn it into your own work. I basically agree with you, too many pictures we have already seen before, but it’s part of the development as photographers, although many never develop their own vocation, unfortunately. What makes photography original? When you put yourself and your passion into the making of pictures. That’s when you start to develop your own distinct style.
Otto…
You said: “It’s still rewarding to feel the inspiration through the participation of a workshop. But then the next step is to take what you learned or was inspired by and turn it into your own work.”
I agree with your comments. There is a great deal of reward and inspiration when one takes part in a photography workshop. In fact, there are five or so professional photographers I follow that I would love to meet up with in their workshops. But holy cow! The prices are beyond my reach, plus there’s the $$$ laid out for round-trip flight, hotel, food, etc.
Yes, find your own inpiration and style. Explore and don’t get stuck in shooting just one way, one subject matter, or with just 1-2 lenses.
Thanks for your comments.