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

[Heather]

Great shot! I love using my macro setting, it's yielded some great shots that I am really happy with. Thanks for the chance to win!

[bridge]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ridethewavesoflife/4978704692/

I love your photo. Lately, most of my photos seem to capture the billions of sunflowers in full bloom against a blue SW Colorado sky.

Thanks.
B

[Playcrane]

Yellow flowers often seem to remind me of the birds and the bees! :)

[Nikki]

I do adore macro! I felt a huge hole in my life until I got a macro lens :) And I could definitely use some inspiration these days.

Here's my latest macro shot:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/94807212@N00/4962072090/

and some from the archives:
http://nemens.redbubble.com/sets/91845/works

[sarai]

I love how shooting in macro helps me notice the small details of life.

[Molly]

oh yes please please please please!!! We saw some flies in the same type of configuration the other day, and the kids go "WOW! That is a HUGE fly!" mmmmmhmmmm. yeaaaahhhh.

[Mary Casey]

I absolutely love your blog and am inspired by all of your wonderful postings. I look forward to owning a copy of your "Expressive Photography".

Continue to change lives by your incredible visions!

Peace to you...
Mary Casey
Boston, MA

[WorthIt!]

Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your new book - so exciting!

I so enjoy finding the wonder in small details...am considering making a macro lens my next lens. Here's some detail I managed to capture without it. It's an oldie but I love the light and the texture.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52055227@N07/4980027006/

[michel]

I have a total love affair with macro. I have to stop myself from shooting with my macro lens exclusively I just get too carried away. I love to get low and and shoot with my camera in some precarious angles some times. love your humping er I mean hugging bugs. great shot!

http://www.wishfulthinkingblog.com/wishful-thinking/2010/9/9/embrace-change.html

[Romy]

I've been eyeing the book on Amazon for some time already! :-)) It would be great to have it!!

[Lindsey (aka modchik)]

would love a copy to give away on my blog during Big Picture month in OCT.


here's my latest macro shot I took this week when I was bored and just needed to get out of the house for my own SANITY!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/modchik/4971146001/in/set-72157624785327269/lightbox/

[Gillian]

I love Macro! It is like entering a new little world that we forget to investigate. Real or imagined the macro world can take you to places we pass by everyday without thinking.

Here are a couple of my favorite macro shots:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43269059@N07/4515659164/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43269059@N07/4521530728/

[Becky Sue]

Bug love! Thanks for this prompt, I haven't used my macro in too long! My macro makes me slow down which if you knew me you'd know how hard that is!

Here was a nice surprise:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rslaflam/4979473125/

And here's some pretty color:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rslaflam/4980080974/in/photostream/

[Patty]

I love macro shots - both taking and seeing them. The ones posted above are all great!

Here's of few of mine:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/closetartist/4949231429/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/closetartist/4887786179/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/closetartist/4888385750/

[DebraP]

Congratulations on the new book!!

[patricia]

To me, macro-photography opens up a new world that we do see in any other way. I love it. I too would be thrilled to get a copy of your new book. You ladies have also opened up a new world for me.
Have a good weekend

[Jeanne]

I am always looking at textures, intricate details. I think I might have a macro lens installed in my eye... :)

http://bostongirlontheverge.blogspot.com/2010/09/little-macro-in-my-day.html

[rachel]

pretty much just commenting to share a bug-mating story. my little sister once encountered 2 box elder bugs mating when she was quite young and asked what they were doing. i dead-panned for a moment before responding, "they're just... making a train. that one is pulling the train." my family has since referred to the creatures as "train pullers"...

[leanne]

love the photo! can't wait to see the book, and be inspired!

[katie]

I would love love a macro lens!! Almost as much as one of your books!

[jan]

Love macro photos and look forward to getting a macro lens. Would love to win your book. Thanks.

[Jen Smith]

Gorgeous photo!

Thank you for inspiring this crazy momma of two to take time to enjoy the little things in life! A cup of tea while reading your book would be a perfect afternoon! Thank you for the opportunity!

[Aubrey]

1) I totally have this book on my wish list...and unfortunately ,my wishl ist falls way behind car repairs and um, the mortgage payment. :-{
2) I LOVE MACRO SHOTS! Hidden treasures that you only have to look for....
this one is one of my favorites

http://365daysofnormal.blogspot.com/2010/01/day-12.html

[Kylie]

I love the surprises i find when shooting macro!

[Tiffany]

I'd love to win this book! Thank you!

[Traci Reynolds]

I would love the opportunity to learn more about macro so to win this book would be awesome thanks for this chance...T

[Penelope]

Hahaha piggy back rides! That's the best!

[Erin in Kona]

Nice shot!

[Arin S]

Pick me!

[Amarie]

*crossing fingers*
:-)

[C.D. Beatrice Clay]

fingers and toes and EYES crossed...i want this book so bad :)

[Diane]

I would love to have that book.

I find that I am going backwards....away from my DSLR and back to my toy camera or my Pentax K1000. My next purchase is going to be a vintage macro for my Pentax. Then I can take pictures of bugs playing. "piggy back" too!

[cigi]

Great shot. I'm so looking forward to seeing the book! To win a copy would be wonderful. Thanks for the opportunity. :-)

[Meghan]

I am REALLY wanting to get a macro lens, just not sure what mm to get. Love the effect of macro and shallow depth of field. And I would LOVE a copy of the book. I adore Shutter Sisters. xo

[Jennifer]

I feel like I'm in a bit of a rut right now, but this was the best macro shot I've taken in the past couple of months:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cardboardsea/4805642225/

Nothing like new inspiration to get the creativity going again.

[Kathleen]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/4980079697/

[joey]

I got a macro lens at the beginning of the summer. Tons of fun.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/19379573@N06/4980913688/

[Susannah]

I prefer the Macro setting above all others. I think it's because I like to get up close and personal with what I'm shooting. Flowers that I never liked before, when under a microscope, take on an almost ethereal quality.
You see the detail that you normally miss and makes you pay attention to the little things. It has, in all honesty, made me start paying attention to the little things in life. Who knew?!

Also, would LOVE to win a copy of your book!

[Morgen]

I have always been obsessed with the little details of things. I love using the macro setting on my point and shoot. I would sell my kidney for a macro lens for my SLR :) Here are a few of my favorites

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bearsefamily/4960922797/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bearsefamily/4872170328/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bearsefamily/4975376186/in/photostream/

I could keep going, I have too many favorites, but I'll stop :)

[Lisa K.]

great photo! your book looks so good!!!

[Denise]

Sadly, this poor college student can't yet afford a macro lens (or ANY extra lens, for that matter)...But I do try to get up close to my subjects and still keep them in focus.

Here's a close-up...I do like how you can see the texture of the ball, though. It's an "almost macro." =P
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deniselivingston/4980392881/

[angie]

love, love to get my hands on this. xoxo!

[Lisa]

I would love a copy of this book!

[Denise Tanaka]

Such an inspiring post and site! I can't seem to stay away, and will order the book soon anyways!

[Christie]

Your book looks beautiful! Thanks for the chance!

[Sharon]

I can't wait to have a copy of this book! I hope I win it!

[Joyce Roberts]

Fabulous photo! Thanks for another chance to win your new book!

[Kim S.]

I need to get a macro lens.

I would love to win your book.

[Danielle Weaver]

Congrats on being published, Paige! It looks like a fabulous book.

[Claudia]

I'd love to be considered for this giveaway! Thank you.