Macro & Abstract Photography

Ernst Haas

Macro photography refers to a style of photography where the subject is close-up (usually of small objects). Since many of you have standard lenses (or prime lenses), you must move close to your subject in order to zoom in but may not be able to get close enough to actually make the image macro—in this case you'll want to think about how to make images more abstract. Frame your subject and create an interesting composition out of a very ordinary object; think about how you can make ordinary objects look extraordinary. Look directly up or down, change the angle and create some abstract imagery. 

Assignment:

You must photograph one roll (24 frames) of “close-up” and/or abstract objects. You are responsible for making something appear unique and interesting, even if it isn't. Think about color, shapes, black and white tones, line, texture, light, and shadow. 

Steps:

• Look around you. Most often you will notice that even ordinary and everyday subjects can have interesting or abstract qualities. 
• Look closely. Sometimes the texture of something small and insignificant becomes really interesting. Think about stacked towels, or clothing lined up in your closet, or a head of lettuce with its many layers. Try to fill your entire frame with your subject (or object). If it is a head of lettuce, get close enough so that you can focus on the ripples in the layers, not just a small part of your frame. 
• Use correct exposure and FOCUS. DO NOT GET SOOOOOOO CLOSE THAT YOUR CAMERA CANNOT FOCUS. MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE FOCUSED ON YOUR SUBJECT AND IT IS NOT FUZZY IN THE FRAME. This project will only be interesting if everything is in focus, a soft image will not captivate your audience.    

*Check out the Pinterest abstraction board for more inspiration