4/24/2008 8:02:56 AM

Thanks so much for taking the time to write - glad that you like the photo!
Kerry

Photo Tip: With flower close-ups (as well as portraits and many other scenes), the background is just as important as the main subject. Make sure distracting colors or bright "hot" spots don't detract from the foreground. In many cases, this means going for less Depth of Field - not more - in order to blur out details into soft colors.

For this image, I chose a wide aperture (low f/number) for minimum Depth of Field, and then moved the camera in order to place a diagonal yellow-flower strip so that it complements the diagonal slant of the foreground lupine. I also positioned the camera to get the left-background lupine to "balance" with the foreground lupine.

Working with such a narrow Depth of Field makes focusing a challenge. Since it's usually impossible to get an entire foreground flower sharp, that means you must carefully consider the best spot to focus.

To me, macro's inherent lack of Depth of Field means an opportunity for creating images that rely on soft colors, simple shapes, and selective focus.

4/24/2008 5:05:36 PM

Hi Kerry, I've become obsessed with this sort of photography and have been wanting to ask you whether your Creative Close-ups course includes this macro work. I MUST take that course soon. Thanks for your tips here in response to the previous commentator!

5/7/2008 5:24:22 AM

Hi Nancy,
Great hearing from you, and yes indeed, my Creative Close-ups course does cover macro, along with using regular lenses for shooting close-up. Thanks for taking the time to add your thoughts, Nancy, and hope to see you in class sometime soon! :-)
Kerry

5/7/2008 7:13:03 AM

spendid composition with excellent focus.
admire this

5/9/2008 9:42:17 AM

Hi Milan,
Thanks so much for commenting ... much appreciated! I'm pleased that you like the photo!!
Kerry

5/9/2008 1:36:58 PM

Lovely photo with great color, details, lighting and comp.

5/9/2008 1:40:38 PM

Hi Vladan,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I'm glad you like this image!
Kerry

Quick note: When shooting close-ups, nature is where you find it :-) In this case, a small - but colorful - field of wildflowers was just beside a 6-lane interstate freeway (about 50 yards in back of me)!

5/9/2008 3:20:51 PM

absolutely stunning in it's simplicity. so very much appreciate the wonderful tip on macro/florals. amazing that you took the time to do that. thank-you!

11/6/2008 12:25:30 PM

Hi Kea,
Glad you like the photo and the details on how I captured this scene. Thanks for the feedback!!
Kerry

11/6/2008 4:44:14 PM