When you consider landscape or nature photography, do you think about beautiful scenery or sweeping vistas? If you "deconstruct" a typical landscape picture, what do you get? Details. You can capture some of those details for a different kind of landscape or nature photography. Macro-photography of nature can be strikingly beautiful.

Here are several tips for creating the best ones.

Color

Color can transform an image and macro-photography is no different. Rather than looking at your subject as a whole, break it down into smaller frames or scenes. For example, a pink rose is just pink until you look more closely and see secondary colors such as white or red.

Contrast

Contrast can create depth and interest, and macro-photography is ideal for capturing both because it hones right in on the details. If you want to shoot outdoors, make the best use of natural lighting by shooting just after sunrise and just before sunset. Light conditions are ideal then and less harsh. Cloudy days as well make good days for shooting.

Repetition in design

Nature is replete with patterns. Macro-photography allows you to get closer to these repetitive patterns and their beauty. Repetition, like groupings, capture the viewer's attention in ways that a less geometrical scene would.

Pattern, like contrast or color, adds interest. Don't just walk past plants or flora when you're out for a walk. Stop and take a closer look to identify repetition. Consider your composition carefully when you're shooting repeat patterns.

Groupings

Less isn't always more in macro-photography. As we stated above, repetition or groupings of patterns draw the eye. Look for clusters of similar or identical items while out on a walk and try shooting using your macro lens. Because you're shooting macro, it's likely you'll need to stick to smaller clusters or groupings of items unless they're particularly small items.

Final thoughts

Try some experimenting using the suggestions we mention above. Get used to shooting macro-photography regularly. Also, take the time while out on walks to train your eye to look at items from a macro-level. In other words, hone in on things around you. That could mean stopping, bending over, and observing a lot more closely. You don't have to go far to try macro-photography. If you have a back or front yard, you could start there.

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