Close ups

Close-Up Wonders is the theme of our new competition! Enter your marvellous macro shots at Photocrowd to be in with a chance of winning a Lowepro backpack

It’s time to get your macro lenses out and to look at the world close up.

Whatever and however you explore this theme, just make sure you take a creative approach. Anyone can get in close to a small object, but the real skill lies in noticing and drawing out the characteristics that make your chosen subject unique. A macro lens is like a magic microscope let loose into the wild, as it enables you to capture amazing details that you might not usually see. Great macro shots have shown us beautiful markings on insects that would leap off into the bushes if we held them that close to our eyes! Even plants gain an added dimension when seen through a macro lens, as shapely stamens are suddenly magnified and colours become more vivid once any background distractions are cropped out. If you don’t own a macro lens, by the way, try getting up close with your telephoto.

How to enter