N-photo POTY
Take a closer look at our majestic macro photo competition
1. Lady in Red BY MUSTAFA ÖZTÜRK
We were immediately drawn to the colour grading of this superb macro image. Notice how the turquoise background complements the deep red ladybird and how the soft lighting gently illuminates the insect’s glossy shell without causing any glare. The dandelion seed head is the perfect backdrop, adding depth as the seeds gradually blur into the background.
Camera: Nikon D7100
Lens: 90mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/200 sec, f/10, ISO100
2. Face of an Ant BY ABU ELIAS
The insane level of detail in this photograph was captured via focus stacking. A whopping 70 images were blended together to create the final shot. The subject is a type of carpenter ant called Camponotus maculatus and was found in the Sultanate of Oman. We particularly like the brown gradient in the background, which complements the ant’s golden brown hues perfectly.
Camera: Nikon D5300
Lens: 105mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/200 sec, f/4.5, ISO100
3. Nature’s Jewel BY MIKE TRAVERS
The water droplet provides this abstract image of a leaf with a clear focal point, and the photographer took care not to encroach on the reflection in the bead of liquid. Cropping into the leaf has created a fractal-like pattern, which appears to continue beyond the frame. Light also appears to be shining through the semi-transparent surface, producing plenty of contrast and amplifying the leaf’s texture.
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: 90mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/60 sec, f/11, ISO1600
4. Chilling on a Tulip BY IAN ASHLEY
This studio image of a tree frog sitting on a tulip is beautifully composed. The purple flower complements the frog’s green skin and its petals envelop the subject, creating a frame within a frame. The eye closest to the camera is crisply focused, and the lighting helps the photogenic amphibian pop against the background.
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: 105mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/160 sec, f/22, ISO64
5. The Fly BY BIBHAS DEB
This incredible close-up of a fly was photographed in a garden in India’s Kalimpong district. The dreamy green and pink blurred background and razor-sharp eyes make this a magnificent macro, but what really elevates this image are the water droplets, captured just after rainfall. The droplets on the insect’s head are crisply captured and the droplets in the foreground add depth.
Camera: Nikon D500
Lens: 105mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/125 sec, f/18, ISO200
6. Splash in Lockdown BY MUHAMMAD AL-QATAM
Water drop photography requires plenty of patience at the best of times, but capturing this perfectly symmetrical reflection takes this technical genre to a whole other level.
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: 105mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/250 sec, f/18, ISO125
7. I’ll Rest Here BY SALLY HOLMES
The common blue is a popular close-up subject, and the soft lighting and beautiful bokeh in this image puts it right up there with the best of them!
Camera: Nikon Z 7
Lens: 105mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/500 sec, f/3.5, ISO800
8. Flower Bee BY ANDY NEAL
This stunning focus-stacked image of a green-eyed flower bee might look like a studio shot, but it was photographed snoozing in the garden.
Camera: Nikon D500
Lens: 100mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/250 sec, f/16, ISO100
9. My Own Planet BY GLYN WILLIAMS
Last issue we featured a tutorial on photographing soap-bubble planets and this is a superb example of this tricky close-up technique. A flashgun and a DIY diffuser were used to light the subject, and the moving surface of the bubble was captured just as it started to display this mesmerizing pattern.
Camera: Nikon D810
Lens: 105mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/250 sec, f/22, ISO100
10. Damselfly Portrait BY STEVE JAMES
A focus rail was used to capture roughly 60 images of this damselfly, which were then stacked in post. The result is a super-detailed portrait that’s incredibly sharp. Focus stacking requires a perfectly still subject. This insect was found having been the unfortunate victim of a dog.
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: 25mm f/2.8
Exposure: 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO100