What do you enjoy most about macro ?

[LordV]

Just musing over what I like about macro shooting and came up with this list of possibilities:-
( I was actually getting bored processing pics :) )
1. Watching/looking closely at the wonders of nature- spotting, looking at the subjects even if it is through the viewfinder
2. Actually taking the pics
3. First view of the pics on the PC
4. Processing the pics
5. Final finished masterpiece
6. Praise from other macroshooters on your masterpiece

For me it's 1,3, 6 and 5 in that order.
Just wonder what others here like about it?

Brian V.

[Dalantech]

I think that it's amazing how much something changes when viewed through a macro lens! The little details (like hairs) that you don't notice from a distance are just incredible -the way that I think about insects has completely changed. I'm also seeing a lot more of the critters that are around me now. Their numbers haven't increased, but my awareness of them has...

[ashdavid]

Actualy taking the pics and then seeing them for the first time, and even better feeling when they are spot on!

[bandit 1]

Hiya Brian,
1. 2. 4. 3. 5. 6. in that order, I'd also like to add all the advise & help given on here as without it personally I'd have struggled a lot more.
Cheers for now
Mark

[racketman]

Enjoy all but the processing which I find tedious; maybe if I studied Photoshop a bit more I might start to enjoy it? It has put me off buying 1GB cards and going for quality in the field rather than quantity. I delete at least 75% in camera.
Sounds like someone has asked you the dreaded Q. 'what do you DO with all those photos?'

[Powershot_S2]

I would say #3 is the only one for me because #1 is frustrating at time stalking the insect, hoping it sits still long enoughfor you to get a shot. And #2 just comes naturally (something wrong with that sentence). As for #4, well I feel bad having to crop the shot because it takes the size down but its still ok I guess. And I guess I would take #5 as it is refreshing to see a good clean close up shot.

As for #6, I can't say I don't like the praise on the shot, I just know that every here has that moment when it all falls in place. But for me it's nature and I like seeing other peoples pictures to see what the bugs look like on their side of the world as I assume they want the same from mine. For me, the praise comes from nature, because it paints a pretty picture at f/2.8, 1/1600 ;)

[pxl8]

Over the years I've done most types of photography from pack shots in a studio to aerial work hanging out the window of a plane over London. But natural light close-up shots of nature I enjoy the most because of the simplicity - once you've got the technical side sorted it's just down to finding the right composition of shape and light.

[liza]

I guess for me it's more the thrill of the capture. Insect macros can be challenging and sometimes exasperating. To actually walk away with well composed images is the best reward to me.

[Hatch1921]

For me... the thrill of the hunt and all the challenges inbetween. I gave up hunting wildlife (big game) years ago and this is as close as it gets for me. I get the same rush of clicking the shutter button as I do/did with a rifle. Sounds crazy...but it is the only way I can describe the feeling. Sneaking up on the insects…seeing just how close I can get without disturbing them… trying to remember all the settings to use...and so on. Everyday objects look so different under extreme magnification. Insects are from another world! Just the common housefly ...although a pest... is amazing to me when magnified.
I enjoy post processing. I'm trying to shoot better photos to avoid having to make major corrections…but, I like the challenges post processing presents.
I can't say there is one thing and only one thing which keeps me shooting macro. So many things about it keep me interested. The learning aspect is a major factor...

Okay...enough babble...I'm addicted and that is all there is to it. LOL
Hatch

[dpastern]

Brian - you summed up the list pretty well. My order is 1,3, 5 and then 6. Well, if I've done a good job I'll get #6 lol. Processing is very tedious, I'm one of these people who very rarely deletes shots in camera, and even duds don't get deleted once they're uploaded to the PC. I really *need* to get into the habit of deleting duds...it's my junk collector nature coming out in me lol!!!

Dave