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

[Melissa M.]

Flower macro: http://melissamillerphotos.com/2010/09/rose/

[Meg]

i love my macro. in fact, if i could, I'd leave it on my camera all the time :) can't wait to get my hands on that book! http://www.flickr.com/photos/teaandbrie/4981279800/

[mama-pan | mary frances]

macro lens is the first on my list to buy after I learn my dslr + kit lens well.... thanks so much for all you do here at shutter sisters; I'd love to win the book!

[Robin]

love macro - got some great cupcake shots the other day!

[EmmyG]

I am definitely a Shutter Sister wanna be, try to be, gonna be! Can't wait to get my hands on the book.....one way or another!! Thanks for the chance.....

[Gail]

I don't have a designated macro lens...yet...but I do try to get up close sometimes...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22733432@N08/4981559332/

[spread your wings]

it would be wonderful to win that book.
i don't have a macro lens but like to use my 200mm to get up close and personal. this is last years but it fits the bug theme.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnsun/4046294923/in/set-72157613443592199/

[Valeria]

That would make my day, for sure

[Amy]

Oooh...cannot wait to read this book! Thanks for inspiring me! :-)
Amy in CA

[Dee]

I just found your blog and am loving it! I would be thrilled to win your book. :)

[Julia]

Seriously! YAY!

I was so excited to see this post. I am dying for a copy of that book.. They don't have it here in our small mountain town bookstore.

Well, I find that I have a complete love affair with Macro.

I am FAR from a master at it, but I happen to LOVE using it to capture the beauty of flowers and nature.

My girl Gracie and her flowers.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/julesinsearch/4666744087

Wild flowers growing in the grass.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/julesinsearch/4865091766

My baby peonies.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/julesinsearch/4798582353

Garden Sweet Peas.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/julesinsearch/4865092306

An finally, my own local bug LOVE...although, I think that mine were doing the ummmm...BUMP.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/julesinsearch/4694289243

XOXO, jules

[LynnL]

I would love to be inspired by this book!

[Leslie]

I do love a great macro shot...and I'd love a copy of this fabulous book!

[Sommar]

would love to have your new book. thanks for the chance to grab one. and thanks for all the inspiration!

[Susan R]

What a great shot!!! Would love to win your book, of course!

[christine]

Oh my, I have been ogling that book since it was announced. Pretty please with sugar on top pick me!

[sheri]

great photo - love it!

[kristen marie]

i love macros!

up close to an itty bitty flower - http://www.flickr.com/photos/kbanthology/4908170406/in/set-72157624761037408/

[Beth H]

a macro lens is definitely on my wish list.
as is the book : )

[Noemí.]

Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your new book!
Saludos.

[JenCK]

i would love a copy of your book!

[soupatraveler]

oh, i love macros...zooming in on the little details. here's one of my own:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46922592@N00/4982836482/

[Diana]

I love macro and someday I will own a good macro lens. For now I am only shooting with a kit lens. Here is a flower photo that I love, looks like the middle flower is floating. I am not a professional, but I am learning and following sites like yours just keeps inspiring me!! Thank you! http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdmsmith/4913916434/

[Jen L.]

Love macro photography it's always been a favortie....was a wonderful day when I purchased my 105mm =)

[Jaye]

I would love some creative inspiration!

[Jessica]

I've been taking a lot of macro photos this summer (which is something new to me). I really enjoy it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/4828958011
http://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/4833456114
http://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/4833457376

[Doris]

Me please!! thanks for the chance!

[Monika]

Just discovered your blog. I love photography and will be sure to stop by often. The shots here are beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration!

[blue elephant photography]

i wish i had a macro lens, i need to get one =) this is such a cool photo.
here's a photo that reflects on self-expression, the quote goes hand-in-hand with the photo =)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blueelephantphotography/4978939140/

[Kacky]

Would L-O-V-E to win the book! I can't wait to get it and also to get a macro lens... great shot.

[Christine]

I am not a professional photographer. I mostly keep my camera on automatic setting but did shoot a macro last night. I would love to win this book.

[Amanda]

Love taking macro photos... just haven't done it in a while! Would love to win a copy of your book, great giveaway!

[Gabrielle Smith]

I need a better macro lens - one that can focus at closer distances...

[Michelle]

I don't have a macro lens either, but if I hold my mouth just right, sometimes I get something good:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamatronic/4436575681/in/set-72157624857775714/

The book is on my list!

[Kat]

Great idea to get creative! (And amazing how many comments there are when there is a giveaway!!)

[Christa Allgood]

I have a macro on my wish list!! I would LOVE a copy of the book! It's on my wish list too.