Yes, this kind of people exists and I met them/spoke to them too many times (waste of time), the main complaints ? it is all about the gear, technical aspects, always the same subjects, no feeling/atmosphere/mood/connection and I think they are completely wrong. And to be honest some of these arguments could apply to others type of photography. Unfortunately, condescending people will always be part of this world. Just need to put them aside and continue having fun. I first tried macro photography during the first lockdown in France, two years ago, while I was stuck alone in my small apartment, it helped me so much to go through this 3 months.
What I don't get is that macro photography can be some of the most creative. You're able to completely change how we look at the world and create expressive, abstract art out of even the most common things in the world. What isn't creative about that????
Until this video, I didn't know macro was looked down upon. I enjoy it. People see sunsets and clouds and big things all the time but rarely see small things in detail.
Ppl that follow my photography say the same thing…They get to see things in my pictures they dont normally see. Or they get to see creatures in ways theyve never seen them before. Ppl love it in my experience.
I havn't met anyone yet who didn't like my micro photos. Actually people around appreciate my micro work because its not common and usually difficult for most people.
Wine snobbery, coffee snobbery, genre snobbery -- what a waste of mental processing time. I really like macro. That feeling grew out of spending hundreds of hours looking through microscopes during labs in college. I was initially introduced to macro photography in the mid-1970's by a friend who had an SLR. He taught me by removing and reversing the lens. What high tech. Keep up the great work Adam and thanks for all.
I'm surprised with how some people view macro photography. I didn't imagine such people even exist really. Macro photography is my get-away sometimes to get over my blockage of ideas. I've even gone distances to get over 1X magnification and even using macro to shoot things UNDER microscopes. There is a strange beauty to unseen things
I love macro and wanting to get better at it motivated me to learn more of the fundamentals of photography. The technical aspects of having to deal with such narrow depth of field, lack of light and shutter speeds fast enough to freeze insects and all this before thinking about composition. Plus it's not just insects and flowers, subjects like a bird's feather or the swirling surface of a bubble can give abstract or minimal images.
Same! I found macrophotography for me to be something challenging enough that it really requires to focus on the details of the shot while still being present enough IRL to find all of the little beautiful intricacies of our world. I find water drops and what they can end up on to be particularly interesting and I honestly might have lost interest in had it not been for macro.
I love macro photography. I have noticed it appears much more hit or miss when photographing insects and butterflies than other forms of photography were the photographer often has more (apparent) control over the shot. Some would interpret this hit or miss aspect as relying on luck rather than skill when macro photography really depends skill, patience, and going out very regularly to look for the photos.
I couldn't help smiling when your attention went from the ferns to the fly. The excitement in your voice and the twinkle in your eye said it all. Macro photography, especially in the field, can be so exciting. It's like being on a safari but in a more miniature world. For me, the attraction is about sharing what we often don't or can't see and maybe educating people that insects are beautiful and fascinating in their own way. I have been pleasantly surprised by the interest and feedback that non-photography people take in the photos I take of bugs and insects... I get so excited when I see something potentially unique when I'm wandering trails looking for a subject... One bit of advice I do give people (if ever they ask) about getting close-up photos of insects is not to wear repellant, but the downside is definitely getting bitten! All worth it in my opinion and even if we don't get 'that' photo, just being out in nature is a therapy people would pay money for.
Thanks for raising the topic, Adam. Can’t believe there’s so many snobs out there regarding macro. It’s a form of art and aesthetics in its own right. Just like landscape or portrait. You nailed the topic, thumbs up, all my respect! 🙌
I love shooting landscape but come summertime my macro lens is barely of my camera,the thrill of nailing that in focus shoot of a insect/butterfly in the usual swirling wind is quite addictive,plus the ability to get so much photography variety in a small local area for me makes it so worthwhile.
Seriously!? I had no idea that macro-snobbery was a thing. I can’t think of a single genre incapable of producing images that I might take aesthetic pleasure from or be inspired by, because I love the art of photography. Photographers, perhaps, not so much. People are the worst.
I think you met the wrong kind of photographers then, the photographers I met really dont care about what is the best or stupid type of photography. Just as me they just enjoy it. Some like street photography and others like nature we are all in the same boat in the end.
@@hettekloosterman16 No, the photographers I’ve met and observed online don’t argue much about their genre preferences, which is why I found the dig at macro photography so surprising. But they do argue about gear, and many of those arguments are far from good-natured. As if any of it mattered.
I’ve taken macro photographs of a flower, or a bug on a flower, and when I download it, notice there was a spider on the flower that I didn’t see when I took the picture. It usually makes the image more interesting.
Adam that was great. Seeing you wary of the bee yet laughing with enjoyment showed so clearly the fun and joy of getting outside to take photos. Thanks for posting.
Just got myself the Laowa 100mm f2.8, no stabilisation no auto focus. It is a real challenge with the wind, the lack of light and a depth of field being ridiculously shallow but when you get it right It's amazinng. This lens is amazingly sharp and half the price of many other dedicated macro lenses and is also 2:1.
People need to stop and think before they talk. Macro and close-up photography started started for me during COVID as something new to try, but soon became a passion. Bought some extension tubes to start with, and discovered a whole new world that I had been ignoring. You can never run out of subjects or ideas. Even dabbled with refraction photography. Great video and really appreciate the pure joy you show while shooting.
I love macro. Astrophotography is my biggest passion but especially in the summer, I take a lot of macro shots as the nights are short and the days long. You took some beautiful macro images, Adam. I also like very much your waterdrop photography. That's a genre I want to try out in the future.
That made me giggle Adam.. "Or from Rankin 's point of view it just might've been a shit joke!" 🤣🤣 I personally love macro photography. It's actually my favourite genre.. in fact I'd go as far as to say I thrive on it! I think you ought to do more macro videos Adam, you're not bad at it! 😁😁😉😉
For a strange thing I love close-up/macro photography in autumn/winter, in home or walking outside as perfect companion of landscape photography. I love to shot what I call "micro-landscapes", searching, in the ground, for natural compositions with mushrooms, leaves, branches, stones and, when occurs, some bugs. My preferred lens is an old Canon EF 50mm 2.5 Macro (1:0.5 magnification) sometimes adding the dedicated Life-Size Converter to switch to 1:1
They hate it because they don't have the skill or understand it. But give me a 105mm macro and you'll see a man in his element. There's some new players in the game, namely Laowa with their wide choice of macro lenses and arguably the best macro lens in the business,, the 100mm 2x f2.8 macro. It's just a beast. For me though Butterfly make the best subject for close and macro work due to their wide variety of colours. I think it's something like 52 species of them in the UK, my favorite being the green and brown hairstreaks. Their under wing are incredible and they also rest with their wings up vertical which makes them appealing to shoot.
Macro is my happy place for all the reasons you mentioned! You have to really be present in the moment with all your senses engaged to find some of the smallest subjects. Wonderful, fun video! Loved it!
You’re absolutely right about some people that minimise the work of others to make themselves look good. People who’ve never done macro think it’s easy, just get close. I only dabble but it’s no walk in the park. Good show.
I’ve only recently fallen into the world of macro/nature photography, when a friend asked me to photograph the wildflowers of the local common for a book she is writing. It also happened to coincide with my switching from Canon to Olympus, and I’ve been finding it the perfect tool for the job. The cameras and lenses are lightweight, so no need for a heavy backpack or tripod as the IBIS is incredible, and it also offers built-in focus stacking and bracketing, which I haven’t tried yet. And shooting wildflowers couldn’t be further away from what I usually shoot, which is live music. So, from dark, noisy, crowded venues to the quiet, sunny solitude of nature is a real tonic. But shooting on windy days is a real pain in the arse, and I try to avoid them.
As a dedicated invertebrate macro photographer, couldn't help but notice you had a flesh fly on the fern and a bluebottle for the final image 😉 Great video! The invertebrate macro community on Instagram is one of the friendliest and supportive bunch of people you could ask for. Getting a cheap flash and a homemade/custom diffuser makes it even more rewarding in terms of the final output of your images. What I also love about macro is that the most effective camera system for it is the one many like to sneer at.. Micro Four Thirds!
I too had no idea that macro photography was viewed with such disdain by some, or possibly even by many. But, it does explain the response to it (or lack of it) on occasion. You probably hit the nail on the head in that it is a perspective that most simply cannot relate to or visualise. While they see the things we can photograph every day they cannot get into or perceive that closeness and magnification. That is a real shame because there is so much hidden detail and often unseen magnificence to be seen. Yes, it does need some technique, but equally, it is so readily accessible, often just a few feet away from your own door (or closer). I suspect that one of the reasons for people not liking it is they see things like the artistic role of composition as being happenstance. That isn't true. Getting great technical and visually appealing images from something that you have little, if any control over, is of itself, a skill. Maybe that is why some don't like macro - they see it as a form of photography where you, the photographer are not in control. Consequently, they think you haven't provided any artistic input in macro photography. Their loss.
I love macro photography mate, especially in the autumn time when the woods are alive with mushrooms - it's a whole new world down there mate. The bee shots were beautiful. Liked the fly too. Great stuff 👍👍
I didn't know people felt that way about macro photography. That's almost all I do. I love showing the beauty in things people may not look at a second time or even a first time.
I LOVE Macro Photography ! My most used Lenses are Macro Lenses, when there are nothing to photograph you can ALWAYS find something with a Macro Lens anywhere ! And Macro Lenses are the most versatile Lenses, very sharp and you can use them for any kind of Photography !
I absolutely love all your videos. My favourite genre is macro and it’s such a lovely feeling when you capture something different or a bug that you can see all it’s markings on. In fact macro is what I need most for my business as I’ve just set up a greetings card business using my photos which are mostly nature
Lovely video Adam. I'm in agreement with you about macro photography. A much maligned genre but one that I think is full of opportunity's for us photographers! Keep 'em coming!
I completely agree with (almost) everything you said! While my current passion is for nighttime photography, I've always had a yen for doing macro. Some of my best images, even before I had a DSLR, are macros. The only thing I disagree with was your theory about why some critics don't like macro - that it doesn't take us to a place we can visualize ourselves. That may be what critics think, but I think the nature of macro is exactly the opposite. Because of its invasive and almost obscene examination of the detail of textures, it's like a magical portal into everyday objects all around us. Everyone, at some point, stares intently at some object and becomes intimately familiar with every millimeter of it. And that's what macro photography gives us. My goal ultimately is to eventually hone my nighttime photography skills enough to be able to meld the two together... Thanks for your channel and content. It's great!
Glad to see you giving macro some publicity. It’s what I love and once you enter the world of the unseen it can become addictive. May I suggest trying some high speed bursts to maximise your chances.
Very nice that people think that at least TH-cam is not overrun with so-called macro experts! I think it's one of the most amazing forms of photography!
I do a fair amount of macro but sold my macro lens because it was a pain. Being a prime and having a ultra thin dof meant I was missing so many shots. So I use my zooms. A 150/600 and a 70/300 and get great results. It means you don't have to get so close, so you don't spook the critter and of course you can follow the beast from flower to flower. Yes you still have top have bright sunlight but that's when the bugs come out anyway. Great video thanks for posting.
Thanks for the video ! I have been in macro for more than 10 years. I have beautiful insects shots. Macro photography is very rewarding. These days I am more oriented in birds photography. Continue your good work !
We get March flies here in Aus in summer, aggressive little blighters. I love macro, takes skill & patience. Sometimes it’s not about big wide landscapes. Creating abstract images is great fun.
Great video Adam. Very cool pictures too. It seems some people just look for something to make fun of or belittle. I'm a log truck driver in Alabama and my primary hobby and interests are photography. But I rarely talk about it because of the sideways looks I get. But some people think its interesting. Oh, Btw. I think you came up with a subject for another video. "Are photographers the only people using computers anymore?"
The thing I love about Macro like you said walk out the door into the garden click away.. Landscape you have to drive there and wait for the right light and hope it is the shot you want. Macro 👍👍
I bought a secondhand macro lens to try out. Its great fun and I would recommend it to anyone to have a go. As a hobbyist photographer, i.e. I don't earn my living from it, I do not understand why there is so much snobbery and elitism in photography. This is meant to be fun. Really enjoy your videos.
I love doing macro photography, it has it's own challenges and results can be really astonishing. I never heard is directly, but I always had a feeling this kind of photography is more of a 'people love it or hate it'.
At a recent camera club comp, one of our ladies had submitted some macro insect images. The judge commented how seeing something so small blown up in superb detail makes you realise how monstrous these things look. Favourite comment... Imagine if creatures like this were the size of a cat or dog... Macro is great for showing the stuff that we wouldn't usually pay much attention to.
Thanks for the video. I have a 24-70 lens which has a macro setting, and never used it. To the point I had forgotten about it until this video. You've inspired me to have a go and see what it can do. Keep it up!
Just before the turn of the century, a job change made me give up photography. At the time, one of the most challenging photography subjects were Orchid species blossoms. I had to do this at remote locations, under primary school auditorium stage lighting, with a 15-30 minute time limit. The subjects in question were 5-15mm across, and could not be cut off to get the best vista. I had a Nikon PB4 attached to a Nikon FM or Nikon F2, topped with a reverse mounted 28-70mm zoom lens, which was tripped via double cable release, and lit with a Sunpak GX8R flash. The film in question was Kodachrome 25 or Panatomic-X. I had a film-tested exposure guide, which turned out good slides or prints. Most guides of the time suggested using micoscope lenses or reverse-mounted movie camera lenses, which were either not available or cost to much. But all that went away when digital cameras kicked film cameras into the trash can, and "Kodachrome" is now just a Paul Simon song. Oh well, it was something I got to do for a while, and the Orchid clubs thought highly of the slides I made.;)
i haven't heard it but maybe some people play it down because they're not good at it. macro is quite unique in some aspects thus transfering skills from other genres of photography is not so easy. macro focus stacking is quite unique, hitting critical focus at 1:1 if you're not stacking can be difficult, how to compose, clear busy backgrounds and modify light (because harsh light is ugly even in macro) can be confusing...
I had no idea macro was looked down on. I have seen many beautiful macro shots. So much so they inspired me to learn more. I first came to your channel because of your water drop photography. Love the video and love your enthusiasm about photography.
I started getting into macro photography a few months ago and I thoroughly enjoy the unique challenge it brings. Thanks for sharing this video. It has inspired me to push on to explore the possibilities of this particular genre.
I am gravitating more towards macro... or should I say close-up. As a wildlife and botany specialist I find 1:1 is often too much. However my 100-400 enables me to capture real detail at just under 1m. Having has all sorts of macro lenses, 100-400 definitely is now my go-to.
Agreed about the idiots who laugh off at others for example here, macro photos, yet I don’t see their work been shown as prize given work. Strange society we live in now. Just appreciate everyone’s efforts and might learn something too.
I shoot landscape and occasionally some astro but i have all respect for macro photography. Recently i switch from an ancient Sony a5100 to an old Olympus EM5 Mk2. On Olympus (micro4/3 system in general) you have so much potential for macro photography! That 60mm macro 2.8 is so light and sharp and only 185g and Olympus system has automatic focus bracketing and stacking in camera!Ad to this the Raynox DCR-250 add-on and you can take photos of grains of sand...literally.On this Olympus photo groups i have seen some absolute works of art on this genre of photography. Congrats for the video! Was a nice topic!
That was great fun, the joys of photography arise in all sorts of genre. I have to say the bees were smashing but I loved that photo of the fly, it was super. When I try my hand at macro and n particular capturing bees or flies in motion, my photos always turn out blurry or at best never sharp enough. I still try using faster shutter speeds and a tripod and anything I can to see if I can get that great image, hasn’t happened so far but I will keep trying and one day I will get it perfect. Great video, thoroughly enjoyed it so thank you Adam 😁👍
Sounds like it's a focusing issue if your shutter speed is fast enough. Have you tried manual focusing? eg focusing to the closest distance on the lens and then moving the camera back and forth to get the correct focus.
I love macrophotography and your photo of the fly to me is quite special In colour and space composition. And indeed, being able to do it in your garden, or on the balcony makes it easy accessible, but still difficult to master.
I have no valid reason for not using my Nikkor 105mm macro lens very often. It is difficult. I expected autofocus would help, but the magnification makes it useless when handholding. Still, this video joins a list that encourages me to just do it. I was looking at plants in my garden today and noticed one plant almost always attracts a bee. I think I’ll give it a try.
Autofocus are no go for macro photography, you focus the Lens to a certain distance and then you do not focus with the Lens but with your whole body, just move yourself a tiny bit back and forth until you nail the precise focus you want, very easy when you have tried it.
For 9 months of the year I am almost exclusively crawling through nature on the lookout for orchids and insects to photograph. It's hard at times because you are always on the edge of the exposure and DOF target conflict - what really is invaluable is a tripod setup with a good head and a equally good focusing rails...
Macro photography is something that wows me because the normal eye vision doesn't see things in this form. Macro is one of my favourite. So I'm with you 👍
There are a lot of prejudices and cliches in the photography comunity. I think is best to ignore them and be loyal to our passion. Going back to what drove us (at least most of us) into photography, it never was the intention to please others. For me macro is awesome and I will go for it any time I want to... Great photos, thanks for sharing.
I love a video made out of spite. Your water drop shot was really good! Rankin didn't need to make a slight at your image! Macro is my field of skill as well and I'm not big on bugs and plants of macro but it was good seeing your process into this one and they turned out really well
Firstly, congratulations - what an achievement! You have given some tremendous tips. I love macro , it gives wildlife a completely new perspective and teaches respect to Nature.
Ive had the opposite happen. Ppl freaking LOVE my bug close ups snd I dont even have a macro lens yet. Its on its way, I already ordered one but havent used one. I have a 12x60 lens that Im able to get super good close ups w and I get nonstop compliments on those pics.
My macro lens is easily my most loved and most used lens. First time I've heard that macro is looked down on. If anything I've had it the other way, with people insisting to me that "real" macrophotography absolutely must be focus stacked using a focus rail on a tripod, and how dare I suggest that a great way to get started with macro is to buy a cheap set of extension tunes, go outside, and start shooting whatever catches ones interest. Although I will say that macro photos tend to be less popular. I shoot about half landscape and half macro, and my pictures that get the most enthusiastic responses are almost always landscapes. Thankfully, I shoot almost entirely for my own enjoyment, and macro is IMO one of the most enjoyable genres to shoot.
I will admit I haven't delved into Macro photography and other genres like portraiture but that doesn't stop me from admiring the work of others who do and respecting the skill required to create these types of images. Find it disappointing that a professional would put down the genre choice of others rather than using their influence for positive messaging. Nice images today Adam and good demonstration of what can be achieved literally at the fingertips 🙂
Interesting as I would have thought that people would want to see things that they cannot already see. I am quite surprised by to hear this perspective some folk have about macro photography.
I love your work and your openness, Adam. I’ve enjoyed Rankin’s photography for sure, but I can also see that elitist mentality slip in with him in some of his interviews. His photography is incredible, and reaching that level can (not always) make people look down on what they see as lesser crafts. But your photography is INCREDIBLE, and you’ve stayed open, humble, and a pleasure to watch. I’m looking forward to experiencing more of your work.
I love photographing bees, and I wouldn't worry about getting stung (and I get a bad reaction to bee stings). Your bee needs to be seriously threatened before resorting to stinging you (unlike the wasp) as it means certain death for the bee.
I absolutely love macro photography, however in the absence of a dedicate macro lens (hopefully someday) I don't practice it often. I have a cheap set of extension tubes, but it's not the same and is very cumbersome. With that said, I have been please with many of my images and have been wanting to play around with it even more.
Have always been fascinated by macro photography and even microscopic photography (Martin Baily here in Japan has some wonderful examples). Had no idea is was looked down on by the establishment. Some of the most beautiful shots I remember from reading National Geographic as a boy were some of the macro shots of plants and insects! I am inspired by your video to try my hand at making such shots on the these hot sultry summer days when the light is to harsh for landscape photo shoots. I don’t have a macro lens, but I can still use the long end of my telephoto to the same effect right?
I shoot macro myself and I honestly can't say I've encountered many people looking down on macro. Also, as a macro photographer I have to disagree with you about shooting macro in sunlight. At least if we're talking midday sun the light is just too harsh and you get ugly hard shadows. Although this is of course true for most types of photography. I'm not saying you can't get good images in midday sunlight, but in general it's a pretty bad light for it. I shoot flowers, insects and mushrooms and most of the time I shoot in bright overcast because then you get a soft and even light and you can still get decently fast shutter speeds. When I shoot flowers and mushrooms I actually often shoot at quite large apertures, though.
That bee was remarkably placid compared to the bees in my yard. They dart around from flower to flower so quick you only get a few seconds to try and capture them.
I honestly didn't know people did look down on macro photography, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Like any hobby or profession, there seem to be more and more gatekeepers who want to belittle other's work, which is find incredibly sad. There is a lot of amazing macro photography out there, and anyone being a gatekeeper is just limiting themselves for the sake of being a snob. I think you hit upon the beauty of macro photography in your video. You can do wildlife photography without a gigantic expensive telephoto lens and all the other gear that goes with it. Only difference is instead of capturing a majestic eagle landing, it's a majestic dragonfly. Both are perfectly valid photos, if taken well.
I can get pretty decent macro shots with my little Lumix fz300. Not as sharp like the canon camera as the image quality and the macro lens on that is fantastic but still good.
Yes, this kind of people exists and I met them/spoke to them too many times (waste of time), the main complaints ? it is all about the gear, technical aspects, always the same subjects, no feeling/atmosphere/mood/connection and I think they are completely wrong. And to be honest some of these arguments could apply to others type of photography. Unfortunately, condescending people will always be part of this world. Just need to put them aside and continue having fun.
I first tried macro photography during the first lockdown in France, two years ago, while I was stuck alone in my small apartment, it helped me so much to go through this 3 months.
Perfect. Love it.
What I don't get is that macro photography can be some of the most creative. You're able to completely change how we look at the world and create expressive, abstract art out of even the most common things in the world. What isn't creative about that????
Until this video, I didn't know macro was looked down upon. I enjoy it. People see sunsets and clouds and big things all the time but rarely see small things in detail.
Ppl that follow my photography say the same thing…They get to see things in my pictures they dont normally see. Or they get to see creatures in ways theyve never seen them before. Ppl love it in my experience.
I do all sorts though. I do action, landscape, sunrise and sunset, wildlife, flower photography and bugs lol.
I havn't met anyone yet who didn't like my micro photos. Actually people around appreciate my micro work because its not common and usually difficult for most people.
Wine snobbery, coffee snobbery, genre snobbery -- what a waste of mental processing time. I really like macro. That feeling grew out of spending hundreds of hours looking through microscopes during labs in college. I was initially introduced to macro photography in the mid-1970's by a friend who had an SLR. He taught me by removing and reversing the lens. What high tech. Keep up the great work Adam and thanks for all.
I'm a big fan of macro shots of insects and flowers. They're some of my favorite images that I've taken.
Getting my macro lens in the next 2 weeks. Ive had some pretty amazing close ups w my 12x60 though.
I'm surprised with how some people view macro photography. I didn't imagine such people even exist really. Macro photography is my get-away sometimes to get over my blockage of ideas. I've even gone distances to get over 1X magnification and even using macro to shoot things UNDER microscopes. There is a strange beauty to unseen things
I love macro and wanting to get better at it motivated me to learn more of the fundamentals of photography. The technical aspects of having to deal with such narrow depth of field, lack of light and shutter speeds fast enough to freeze insects and all this before thinking about composition. Plus it's not just insects and flowers, subjects like a bird's feather or the swirling surface of a bubble can give abstract or minimal images.
Same! I found macrophotography for me to be something challenging enough that it really requires to focus on the details of the shot while still being present enough IRL to find all of the little beautiful intricacies of our world. I find water drops and what they can end up on to be particularly interesting and I honestly might have lost interest in had it not been for macro.
I love macro photography. I have noticed it appears much more hit or miss when photographing insects and butterflies than other forms of photography were the photographer often has more (apparent) control over the shot. Some would interpret this hit or miss aspect as relying on luck rather than skill when macro photography really depends skill, patience, and going out very regularly to look for the photos.
I couldn't help smiling when your attention went from the ferns to the fly. The excitement in your voice and the twinkle in your eye said it all. Macro photography, especially in the field, can be so exciting. It's like being on a safari but in a more miniature world. For me, the attraction is about sharing what we often don't or can't see and maybe educating people that insects are beautiful and fascinating in their own way. I have been pleasantly surprised by the interest and feedback that non-photography people take in the photos I take of bugs and insects... I get so excited when I see something potentially unique when I'm wandering trails looking for a subject... One bit of advice I do give people (if ever they ask) about getting close-up photos of insects is not to wear repellant, but the downside is definitely getting bitten! All worth it in my opinion and even if we don't get 'that' photo, just being out in nature is a therapy people would pay money for.
Thanks for raising the topic, Adam. Can’t believe there’s so many snobs out there regarding macro. It’s a form of art and aesthetics in its own right. Just like landscape or portrait. You nailed the topic, thumbs up, all my respect! 🙌
I love shooting landscape but come summertime my macro lens is barely of my camera,the thrill of nailing that in focus shoot of a insect/butterfly in the usual swirling wind is quite addictive,plus the ability to get so much photography variety in a small local area for me makes it so worthwhile.
Seriously!? I had no idea that macro-snobbery was a thing. I can’t think of a single genre incapable of producing images that I might take aesthetic pleasure from or be inspired by, because I love the art of photography. Photographers, perhaps, not so much. People are the worst.
I think you met the wrong kind of photographers then, the photographers I met really dont care about what is the best or stupid type of photography. Just as me they just enjoy it. Some like street photography and others like nature we are all in the same boat in the end.
@@hettekloosterman16 No, the photographers I’ve met and observed online don’t argue much about their genre preferences, which is why I found the dig at macro photography so surprising. But they do argue about gear, and many of those arguments are far from good-natured. As if any of it mattered.
I’ve taken macro photographs of a flower, or a bug on a flower, and when I download it, notice there was a spider on the flower that I didn’t see when I took the picture. It usually makes the image more interesting.
Adam that was great. Seeing you wary of the bee yet laughing with enjoyment showed so clearly the fun and joy of getting outside to take photos. Thanks for posting.
Just got myself the Laowa 100mm f2.8, no stabilisation no auto focus. It is a real challenge with the wind, the lack of light and a depth of field being ridiculously shallow but when you get it right It's amazinng.
This lens is amazingly sharp and half the price of many other dedicated macro lenses and is also 2:1.
People need to stop and think before they talk. Macro and close-up photography started started for me during COVID as something new to try, but soon became a passion. Bought some extension tubes to start with, and discovered a whole new world that I had been ignoring. You can never run out of subjects or ideas. Even dabbled with refraction photography. Great video and really appreciate the pure joy you show while shooting.
I love macro. Astrophotography is my biggest passion but especially in the summer, I take a lot of macro shots as the nights are short and the days long. You took some beautiful macro images, Adam. I also like very much your waterdrop photography. That's a genre I want to try out in the future.
I love both also especially macro videos of insects-very challenging.
@@toanthai Regarding macro, I also prefer taking images of plants and insects.
@@beatriceheinze2294 jumping spiders are my favorite subjects :)
That made me giggle Adam.. "Or from Rankin 's point of view it just might've been a shit joke!" 🤣🤣 I personally love macro photography. It's actually my favourite genre.. in fact I'd go as far as to say I thrive on it! I think you ought to do more macro videos Adam, you're not bad at it! 😁😁😉😉
For a strange thing I love close-up/macro photography in autumn/winter, in home or walking outside as perfect companion of landscape photography. I love to shot what I call "micro-landscapes", searching, in the ground, for natural compositions with mushrooms, leaves, branches, stones and, when occurs, some bugs. My preferred lens is an old Canon EF 50mm 2.5 Macro (1:0.5 magnification) sometimes adding the dedicated Life-Size Converter to switch to 1:1
They hate it because they don't have the skill or understand it. But give me a 105mm macro and you'll see a man in his element. There's some new players in the game, namely Laowa with their wide choice of macro lenses and arguably the best macro lens in the business,, the 100mm 2x f2.8 macro. It's just a beast. For me though Butterfly make the best subject for close and macro work due to their wide variety of colours. I think it's something like 52 species of them in the UK, my favorite being the green and brown hairstreaks. Their under wing are incredible and they also rest with their wings up vertical which makes them appealing to shoot.
+1 shout-out for the Laowa 2x macro! Love mine 🙂
Macro is my happy place for all the reasons you mentioned! You have to really be present in the moment with all your senses engaged to find some of the smallest subjects. Wonderful, fun video! Loved it!
You’re absolutely right about some people that minimise the work of others to make themselves look good. People who’ve never done macro think it’s easy, just get close. I only dabble but it’s no walk in the park. Good show.
I’ve only recently fallen into the world of macro/nature photography, when a friend asked me to photograph the wildflowers of the local common for a book she is writing. It also happened to coincide with my switching from Canon to Olympus, and I’ve been finding it the perfect tool for the job. The cameras and lenses are lightweight, so no need for a heavy backpack or tripod as the IBIS is incredible, and it also offers built-in focus stacking and bracketing, which I haven’t tried yet. And shooting wildflowers couldn’t be further away from what I usually shoot, which is live music. So, from dark, noisy, crowded venues to the quiet, sunny solitude of nature is a real tonic. But shooting on windy days is a real pain in the arse, and I try to avoid them.
As a dedicated invertebrate macro photographer, couldn't help but notice you had a flesh fly on the fern and a bluebottle for the final image 😉
Great video! The invertebrate macro community on Instagram is one of the friendliest and supportive bunch of people you could ask for. Getting a cheap flash and a homemade/custom diffuser makes it even more rewarding in terms of the final output of your images.
What I also love about macro is that the most effective camera system for it is the one many like to sneer at.. Micro Four Thirds!
I too had no idea that macro photography was viewed with such disdain by some, or possibly even by many. But, it does explain the response to it (or lack of it) on occasion. You probably hit the nail on the head in that it is a perspective that most simply cannot relate to or visualise. While they see the things we can photograph every day they cannot get into or perceive that closeness and magnification. That is a real shame because there is so much hidden detail and often unseen magnificence to be seen. Yes, it does need some technique, but equally, it is so readily accessible, often just a few feet away from your own door (or closer). I suspect that one of the reasons for people not liking it is they see things like the artistic role of composition as being happenstance. That isn't true. Getting great technical and visually appealing images from something that you have little, if any control over, is of itself, a skill. Maybe that is why some don't like macro - they see it as a form of photography where you, the photographer are not in control. Consequently, they think you haven't provided any artistic input in macro photography. Their loss.
Indeed. Theyre definitely losing out
I love macro photography mate, especially in the autumn time when the woods are alive with mushrooms - it's a whole new world down there mate. The bee shots were beautiful. Liked the fly too. Great stuff 👍👍
I didn't know people felt that way about macro photography. That's almost all I do. I love showing the beauty in things people may not look at a second time or even a first time.
I bloody love it. I find it the most mindful, relaxing form of photography. I can get lost in it for hours.
I LOVE Macro Photography ! My most used Lenses are Macro Lenses, when there are nothing to photograph you can ALWAYS find something with a Macro Lens anywhere ! And Macro Lenses are the most versatile Lenses, very sharp and you can use them for any kind of Photography !
I love macro, so rewarding and there is always something to concentrate on even when there is nothing else doing.
I absolutely love all your videos. My favourite genre is macro and it’s such a lovely feeling when you capture something different or a bug that you can see all it’s markings on. In fact macro is what I need most for my business as I’ve just set up a greetings card business using my photos which are mostly nature
Lovely video Adam. I'm in agreement with you about macro photography. A much maligned genre but one that I think is full of opportunity's for us photographers! Keep 'em coming!
Thanks. Much appreciated.
I completely agree with (almost) everything you said! While my current passion is for nighttime photography, I've always had a yen for doing macro. Some of my best images, even before I had a DSLR, are macros. The only thing I disagree with was your theory about why some critics don't like macro - that it doesn't take us to a place we can visualize ourselves.
That may be what critics think, but I think the nature of macro is exactly the opposite. Because of its invasive and almost obscene examination of the detail of textures, it's like a magical portal into everyday objects all around us. Everyone, at some point, stares intently at some object and becomes intimately familiar with every millimeter of it. And that's what macro photography gives us.
My goal ultimately is to eventually hone my nighttime photography skills enough to be able to meld the two together...
Thanks for your channel and content. It's great!
Glad to see you giving macro some publicity. It’s what I love and once you enter the world of the unseen it can
become addictive.
May I suggest trying some high speed bursts to maximise your chances.
Very nice that people think that at least TH-cam is not overrun with so-called macro experts! I think it's one of the most amazing forms of photography!
Same here
I love macro ! During lockdown I would venture into my garden and indulge in a bit of miniature wildlife photography.
I do a fair amount of macro but sold my macro lens because it was a pain. Being a prime and having a ultra thin dof meant I was missing so many shots. So I use my zooms. A 150/600 and a 70/300 and get great results. It means you don't have to get so close, so you don't spook the critter and of course you can follow the beast from flower to flower. Yes you still have top have bright sunlight but that's when the bugs come out anyway. Great video thanks for posting.
I agree with all of this. I put drama and feeling into my macro photography and try to convey the feeling and wonder of the subjects!
Thanks for the video ! I have been in macro for more than 10 years. I have beautiful insects shots. Macro photography is very rewarding. These days I am more oriented in birds photography. Continue your good work !
We get March flies here in Aus in summer, aggressive little blighters. I love macro, takes skill & patience. Sometimes it’s not about big wide landscapes. Creating abstract images is great fun.
Macro with a telephoto that has image stabilization is fun, I get great shots of flowers and bees while standing.
Great video Adam. Very cool pictures too.
It seems some people just look for something to make fun of or belittle.
I'm a log truck driver in Alabama and my primary hobby and interests are photography. But I rarely talk about it because of the sideways looks I get.
But some people think its interesting.
Oh, Btw. I think you came up with a subject for another video.
"Are photographers the only people using computers anymore?"
Ha yeah. that would be interesting to look into. Appreciate the comment also.
The thing I love about Macro like you said walk out the door into the garden click away..
Landscape you have to drive there and wait for the right light and hope it is the shot you want.
Macro 👍👍
I bought a secondhand macro lens to try out. Its great fun and I would recommend it to anyone to have a go. As a hobbyist photographer, i.e. I don't earn my living from it, I do not understand why there is so much snobbery and elitism in photography. This is meant to be fun. Really enjoy your videos.
I love doing macro photography, it has it's own challenges and results can be really astonishing. I never heard is directly, but I always had a feeling this kind of photography is more of a 'people love it or hate it'.
At a recent camera club comp, one of our ladies had submitted some macro insect images. The judge commented how seeing something so small blown up in superb detail makes you realise how monstrous these things look. Favourite comment... Imagine if creatures like this were the size of a cat or dog...
Macro is great for showing the stuff that we wouldn't usually pay much attention to.
Thanks I really enjoyed coming along with you on today's lesson 👍🙂
Thanks for the video. I have a 24-70 lens which has a macro setting, and never used it. To the point I had forgotten about it until this video. You've inspired me to have a go and see what it can do. Keep it up!
Didn't know that they did, but my guess is : because it's hard?
Just before the turn of the century, a job change made me give up photography. At the time, one of the most challenging photography subjects were Orchid species blossoms. I had to do this at remote locations, under primary school auditorium stage lighting, with a 15-30 minute time limit. The subjects in question were 5-15mm across, and could not be cut off to get the best vista. I had a Nikon PB4 attached to a Nikon FM or Nikon F2, topped with a reverse mounted 28-70mm zoom lens, which was tripped via double cable release, and lit with a Sunpak GX8R flash. The film in question was Kodachrome 25 or Panatomic-X. I had a film-tested exposure guide, which turned out good slides or prints. Most guides of the time suggested using micoscope lenses or reverse-mounted movie camera lenses, which were either not available or cost to much. But all that went away when digital cameras kicked film cameras into the trash can, and "Kodachrome" is now just a Paul Simon song. Oh well, it was something I got to do for a while, and the Orchid clubs thought highly of the slides I made.;)
i haven't heard it but maybe some people play it down because they're not good at it. macro is quite unique in some aspects thus transfering skills from other genres of photography is not so easy. macro focus stacking is quite unique, hitting critical focus at 1:1 if you're not stacking can be difficult, how to compose, clear busy backgrounds and modify light (because harsh light is ugly even in macro) can be confusing...
I had no idea macro was looked down on. I have seen many beautiful macro shots. So much so they inspired me to learn more. I first came to your channel because of your water drop photography. Love the video and love your enthusiasm about photography.
I started getting into macro photography a few months ago and I thoroughly enjoy the unique challenge it brings. Thanks for sharing this video. It has inspired me to push on to explore the possibilities of this particular genre.
I am gravitating more towards macro... or should I say close-up. As a wildlife and botany specialist I find 1:1 is often too much. However my 100-400 enables me to capture real detail at just under 1m. Having has all sorts of macro lenses, 100-400 definitely is now my go-to.
Looking for inspiration this week and now I have decided macro. Have a second hand macro nikon lens. Its getting a workout this week
Agreed about the idiots who laugh off at others for example here, macro photos, yet I don’t see their work been shown as prize given work. Strange society we live in now. Just appreciate everyone’s efforts and might learn something too.
I've been thinking about getting a macro lens for a long while now. You've inspired me to go with it! Thanks :)
The Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 is an option well worth considering.
I shoot landscape and occasionally some astro but i have all respect for macro photography. Recently i switch from an ancient Sony a5100 to an old Olympus EM5 Mk2. On Olympus (micro4/3 system in general) you have so much potential for macro photography! That 60mm macro 2.8 is so light and sharp and only 185g and Olympus system has automatic focus bracketing and stacking in camera!Ad to this the Raynox DCR-250 add-on and you can take photos of grains of sand...literally.On this Olympus photo groups i have seen some absolute works of art on this genre of photography. Congrats for the video! Was a nice topic!
+1 for macro from me. I love photographing the wildflowers in the summer. The colours can be fantastic and they can be found anywhere.
That was great fun, the joys of photography arise in all sorts of genre. I have to say the bees were smashing but I loved that photo of the fly, it was super. When I try my hand at macro and n particular capturing bees or flies in motion, my photos always turn out blurry or at best never sharp enough. I still try using faster shutter speeds and a tripod and anything I can to see if I can get that great image, hasn’t happened so far but I will keep trying and one day I will get it perfect. Great video, thoroughly enjoyed it so thank you Adam 😁👍
Sounds like it's a focusing issue if your shutter speed is fast enough. Have you tried manual focusing? eg focusing to the closest distance on the lens and then moving the camera back and forth to get the correct focus.
I love macrophotography and your photo of the fly to me is quite special In colour and space composition. And indeed, being able to do it in your garden, or on the balcony makes it easy accessible, but still difficult to master.
I never in my life heard anyone says Macro photography is looked down upon! I always found it very fascinating! Your work is brilliant :)
I have no valid reason for not using my Nikkor 105mm macro lens very often. It is difficult. I expected autofocus would help, but the magnification makes it useless when handholding. Still, this video joins a list that encourages me to just do it. I was looking at plants in my garden today and noticed one plant almost always attracts a bee. I think I’ll give it a try.
Autofocus are no go for macro photography, you focus the Lens to a certain distance and then you do not focus with the Lens but with your whole body, just move yourself a tiny bit back and forth until you nail the precise focus you want, very easy when you have tried it.
For 9 months of the year I am almost exclusively crawling through nature on the lookout for orchids and insects to photograph. It's hard at times because you are always on the edge of the exposure and DOF target conflict - what really is invaluable is a tripod setup with a good head and a equally good focusing rails...
I love macro and on TH-cam it is largely unexplored territory. Please do more!
Awesome, macro is very challenging. A real art form, as you say ‘Not for everybody’. 👏👏
Love macro.. It would be great if you could let us know the focal length as well please
Macro photography is something that wows me because the normal eye vision doesn't see things in this form. Macro is one of my favourite.
So I'm with you 👍
There are a lot of prejudices and cliches in the photography comunity. I think is best to ignore them and be loyal to our passion. Going back to what drove us (at least most of us) into photography, it never was the intention to please others.
For me macro is awesome and I will go for it any time I want to...
Great photos, thanks for sharing.
Out here in Utah while I'm hiking around with my camera I shoot macro often. It's still nature. But seeing the beauty up close!
Exactly!!
I shoot macro because I enjoy it. If others do as well that is great! Yours was spot on.
Some outstanding images! Loved the bees! What lens were you using?
I love a video made out of spite. Your water drop shot was really good! Rankin didn't need to make a slight at your image! Macro is my field of skill as well and I'm not big on bugs and plants of macro but it was good seeing your process into this one and they turned out really well
Firstly, congratulations - what an achievement! You have given some tremendous tips. I love macro , it gives wildlife a completely new perspective and teaches respect to Nature.
Great video Adam
Thanks James. much appreciated
Were you over in Hull for this one? Always a nice shot to be had down by the Humber Bridge.
Thank you 🙏
Ive had the opposite happen. Ppl freaking LOVE my bug close ups snd I dont even have a macro lens yet. Its on its way, I already ordered one but havent used one. I have a 12x60 lens that Im able to get super good close ups w and I get nonstop compliments on those pics.
Nice watch. Great shots 😃
Hi,
My self Sachin. Could you please tell me what kind of liquid you have used to capture a droplet picture? Thanks in anticipation.
I really enjoyed this Adam and it’s made me want to go out and shoot some macro ASAP, so thank you for that! :)
Great video, I love macro the little things make me smile and you dont have to move very far. That fly shot hade you smile.
My macro lens is easily my most loved and most used lens.
First time I've heard that macro is looked down on. If anything I've had it the other way, with people insisting to me that "real" macrophotography absolutely must be focus stacked using a focus rail on a tripod, and how dare I suggest that a great way to get started with macro is to buy a cheap set of extension tunes, go outside, and start shooting whatever catches ones interest.
Although I will say that macro photos tend to be less popular. I shoot about half landscape and half macro, and my pictures that get the most enthusiastic responses are almost always landscapes. Thankfully, I shoot almost entirely for my own enjoyment, and macro is IMO one of the most enjoyable genres to shoot.
Sticking up for the underdogs. You're a good man, Adam.
I will admit I haven't delved into Macro photography and other genres like portraiture but that doesn't stop me from admiring the work of others who do and respecting the skill required to create these types of images. Find it disappointing that a professional would put down the genre choice of others rather than using their influence for positive messaging. Nice images today Adam and good demonstration of what can be achieved literally at the fingertips 🙂
Interesting as I would have thought that people would want to see things that they cannot already see. I am quite surprised by to hear this perspective some folk have about macro photography.
I love your work and your openness, Adam. I’ve enjoyed Rankin’s photography for sure, but I can also see that elitist mentality slip in with him in some of his interviews. His photography is incredible, and reaching that level can (not always) make people look down on what they see as lesser crafts. But your photography is INCREDIBLE, and you’ve stayed open, humble, and a pleasure to watch. I’m looking forward to experiencing more of your work.
I love photographing bees, and I wouldn't worry about getting stung (and I get a bad reaction to bee stings). Your bee needs to be seriously threatened before resorting to stinging you (unlike the wasp) as it means certain death for the bee.
I absolutely love macro photography, however in the absence of a dedicate macro lens (hopefully someday) I don't practice it often. I have a cheap set of extension tubes, but it's not the same and is very cumbersome. With that said, I have been please with many of my images and have been wanting to play around with it even more.
I had no idea macro was seen as inferior! One trick pony celebrity photographers are not on my radar tbh 😎
Loved it. Especially the last few shots
Macro photography is amazing. I love it.💖
Have always been fascinated by macro photography and even microscopic photography (Martin Baily here in Japan has some wonderful examples). Had no idea is was looked down on by the establishment. Some of the most beautiful shots I remember from reading National Geographic as a boy were some of the macro shots of plants and insects! I am inspired by your video to try my hand at making such shots on the these hot sultry summer days when the light is to harsh for landscape photo shoots. I don’t have a macro lens, but I can still use the long end of my telephoto to the same effect right?
I love ma ro as well, it's the genre that I'm not very good at , always a challenge, beautiful shots btw 😀
Nice!! Did you use a regular zoom lens? Also I'd like to one-up the "unpopular photography" category with "stereoscopic 3d photography"
It looks like a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L macro lens that Adam used.
It seems like too many people only look at the big picture when there is an amazing smaller world all around them. There is always something to see.
I shoot macro myself and I honestly can't say I've encountered many people looking down on macro.
Also, as a macro photographer I have to disagree with you about shooting macro in sunlight. At least if we're talking midday sun the light is just too harsh and you get ugly hard shadows. Although this is of course true for most types of photography. I'm not saying you can't get good images in midday sunlight, but in general it's a pretty bad light for it.
I shoot flowers, insects and mushrooms and most of the time I shoot in bright overcast because then you get a soft and even light and you can still get decently fast shutter speeds. When I shoot flowers and mushrooms I actually often shoot at quite large apertures, though.
That bee was remarkably placid compared to the bees in my yard. They dart around from flower to flower so quick you only get a few seconds to try and capture them.
I honestly didn't know people did look down on macro photography, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Like any hobby or profession, there seem to be more and more gatekeepers who want to belittle other's work, which is find incredibly sad. There is a lot of amazing macro photography out there, and anyone being a gatekeeper is just limiting themselves for the sake of being a snob.
I think you hit upon the beauty of macro photography in your video. You can do wildlife photography without a gigantic expensive telephoto lens and all the other gear that goes with it. Only difference is instead of capturing a majestic eagle landing, it's a majestic dragonfly. Both are perfectly valid photos, if taken well.
I can get pretty decent macro shots with my little Lumix fz300. Not as sharp like the canon camera as the image quality and the macro lens on that is fantastic but still good.
I enjoy macro and have done for the past couple years