the magic of macro

Isn't that sweet? These bug friends are giving each other piggy back rides! Er...wait...a...second...

If I ever find myself in a photography rut, or need a break from shooting portraits I can always find inspiration by taking some macro shots. It's a nice change to focus on the tiny details in life whether they are beautiful, funny or strange (or a combination of all three!). Macro photography allows me to slow down and pay attention to my camera settings or composition a little more. 

Today, show us how you get up close and personal in your images. Express yourself!

...........

And in the spirit of self-expression, we're giving away another copy of our new book Expressive Photography: a Shutter Sisters Guide to Shooting from the Heart. Just leave your comment here between now and Sunday at midnight EST for your chance to win!

Updated to add: YAY Cindy! You won the book! Woot!

Comments

[Angela]

I would definitely love a chance to win this book!

[rachaelmarie]

i would LOVE to win this...thanks for the opportunity!

[cjaxon]

I have had some of the BEST surprises when I upload macro shots.

[Tammy Larson]

That is a really great shot!!
And thank you for sharing your talent and for the opportunity to win your book!!
SHUTTER SISTERS ROCK!! <3

[Irene]

piggy back rides. you crack me up Paige!

[Jessica]

Hilarious!!!
Here's a couple of macro shots:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27279362@N05/4978770708/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27279362@N05/4086593122/

I need to work on my macro skills quite a bit!

[Marni]

It is my favorite getaway! Here is a sort of macro, don't own a true macro lens anymore but here goes.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/haymarni/4975536126/

[sarah]

Oh, I would LOVE to get my hands on the new book! It looks divine.

Really wish I had a nice macro lens. On my list, though. My husband took some cool macros with our point-and-shoot a while back of a spider carrying a fly:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tygerlotus/1469090441/

[Bettina]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettina2/4978307483/

Thank you again for being my mentor <3

[sarah]

Fabulous photo! And exciting giveaway, thank you! This is one of the first sort-of macro photos I took with my new camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shorelinesphotography/4784500382/

[Leah]

I would love to win this! My copy came in the mail today!!! Yippee. But I would love to pass one on to someone else.

[Mrs. McFadden]

haha, great creativity. I would love to win this book.

[Karin van D.]

I love your photography. I recently found your blog and am enjoying it every day. Thanks for sharing all your gorgeous shots! And winning that book sound marvelous. I would love to join in for a chance :-)

[AngieS]

I would really love to win a copy of this book! Thank you for the chance...I love macro photography too, by the way!

[Jen at Cabin Fever]

Oh... tee hee... that's funny!

I've got a love for macro. Althought I think I could use a better lens. My advice, don't cheap out when it comes to a macro lens!

http://www.cabinfeververmont.com

http://www.nekphotography.blogspot.com

[Marcie]

Here's one of my recent up-close-and-personal images:
http://marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1285

[Karen]

Wow, I would be so excited to win this book. But even if I don't I plan to order a copy soon!

[DawnS]

I love my macro lens...it's like you're looking at a whole new world.

http://everyday-glimpses.blogspot.com/2010/07/abcs-of-lifen-is-for-nurture.html

[Karen]

I use my macro lens more than any other.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/karamello62/4950573723/

[That Crazy Mommy]

Cute photo, LOVE my macro lens! It always helps me to open my eyes and see things afresh.

[Tara R.]

I would love a copy of your book. It would be such wonderful inspiration.

I enjoy shooting macros too. Sometimes you see the most extraordinary things when you process the photo.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ifmomsaysok/4034354421

[Ileana C.]

I don't have a macro lense [yet]- but what a great shot! Would love to win a copy of the book :)

[Liz]

Good Luck to the winner, I bought a copy and it arrived yesterday. This book is FANTASTIC !!!

[Amanda]

I totally agree. When I get frustrated or stuck, especially since I typically photograph my toddlers who have better ideas than to look at Mommy so I can get that perfect shot! Sometimes it's heaven to snap a few shots of a flower who is nearly always a willing subject! :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/_cornwell/4958469267/

[melissa]

love your photo. and love your generous book offer...thank you, shutter sisters.

[yvonne]

oh! i'd love a copy. please throw my name in the hat too. thanx.
macro is my most favorite! i use extension tubes right now, some day...

[Joan]

Would love to have a macro lens and your new book. Love the piggy back ride too.

[cindy]

love the photo and would love to win a copy of your new book. not a pure macro, but i'm just happy to capture something in motion - http://www.flickr.com/photos/71443419@N00/4932656231/

[kristin]

HA! oh nature..... :))
i too love my macro lens.
getting up close and discovering all the little details.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/4946473707/

[Christian @ Modobject at Home]

Seeing something in detail reminds me how big the world is.

[Lindy]

Those are milkweed bugs. I got some earlier this season. I will post a macro later today. It's a perfect day for finding one.

[Mary]

I love macro photography, I always find that it's my go-to shooting mode as well when I'm not really sure what I want to photograph.

[Jennifer]

As you can see from my blog http://jennyinottawa.blogspot.com/ I would VERY much love to have this!!!

[Paula]

Would love this book! Thanks for all the great ideas.

[suzy]

would love that book!! love the bugs too..hilarious!

[Nancy K]

Thanks so much for hosting another giveaway... looks like a fabulous book!

[slmnontec]

I love the macro photography best of all. Hope I win....

[Ellen]

maybe shooting some macro will bring me some inspiration?
I would LOVE to win this book! :)
here's one of my macros from this Spring...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38920079@N08/4484714665/in/set-72157623724878417/

[Robyn]

Love, love, love this blog and all of the authors. It's always so inspirational.

[Terri]

I would love to win the book. I discovered this site just the other day and am finding so much inspiration here

[Christina]

I love macro. Some of my favorite shots! Here's a link to one of them. I would love to win a copy of your book!

http://rsvp-ink.blogspot.com/2010/08/sweet-shot-tuesday_10.html

[Shannon]

Fun! would love to win!

[Anna]

Please include me in your drawing. I would love to win!

[Shawna]

I'm all about the macro! When I take a break it's to shoot something else. :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawnac/4848222862

[Diane]

That's funny Paige! I don't own a macro so I do the best with my portrait lens:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27458974@N00/4972689575/

[Leslie]

You made my day because I often forget to play with my macro lens but this summer I took it to a baseball game and I must say this is one of my favorite shots from the entire summer season.

I would love to win your book. Congratulations on the publication!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thel-list/4975549307/

[Shonni]

I love shooting in macro!!! And would love this book!

[Naomi]

HA! I had to do a double take when I saw this shot! Great one! Looks like a great book too! :)

[Christineellen]

Would love to win your book!!!!!

[humbird]

Love the complimentary colors in your photo ~ I don't have a macro (yet), but I do have a 300mm zoom that lets me get up close and personal with otherwise skittish creatures.

Here's 'Eye of the Dragonfly'

http://humbirdhum.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/dragonfly-2170-sm.jpg
http://humbirdhum.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/dragonfly-21295.jpg

and some more complimentary colors (and realized I really NEED a macro):
http://humbirdhum.wordpress.com/2010/07/16/perfectly-complimentary/

Happy Weekend Hunting!