Today’s exploration of close-up images in nature, is round one of three or so. They will not necessarily be consecutive. I may change subjects to other things just so we all can have a break.

Most of today’s images were created with a macro, or close focusing lens. Some were garnered with telephotos, and a couple were made in standard style with a non macros lens, but then cropped to macro in the editing process.

I have sent much of my photographic life on my knees making close-ups of a myriad of subjects. I loved nothing more than being close to a spider or a flower or a piece of ice, with my camera and tripod, as to visually explore the natural world in detail.

Certainly one subject that is known for its “macro appeal”, is that of flowers.

One of my favorite views of flowers, is the top down look. We can get nice “telling” views of specific flowers for ID purposes, but we can also photograph groups of blossoms at one time, and we can shoot with a somewhat minimal depth of field, because so many subjects are on the same plane.

Unlike animal subjects, flowers are not going anywhere, so we can take some time to search for artistic or at least pleasing compositions.

While we are down there on our hands and knees, how about deep, dark forest backgrounds to accent a flower with some streaking sunlight, in just the right place.

Flowers up close can be turned into silhouettes, showcasing only their shape.

To me, the perfect moment with these wild Sunflowers was at sun set.

In many ways, butterflies are the flowers of the animal world.

In the shot below I used electronic flash, or so it appears, to bump up the exposure in a deep, dark forest.

Our choices are almost endless.

This rare and endangered Karner Blue butterfly, was a welcomed addition to my files. There is no end to the value of butterfly images. If memory serves, I have had images of this species published in books and/or magazines.

The beat goes on with this Swallowtail.

May God Bless,
Wayne

Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus, from the law of sin and death.

John 8:44
You are of your father the Devil (Satan etc), and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning (the originator of sin) and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him, when he speaks a lie he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it.(he created the lie)

Remember that Satan was Lucifer and an angel. He rebelled and when we rebel against God, we are in lockstep with him.