PLAY WITH FOCUS
Experiment with differential focusing methods to make the most of abstract colour and light
As we’ve discussed previously, macro photography can become a somewhat routine process, whereby we stick rigidly to a style of shooting, to produce formulaic images. Perhaps it is because of the association with scientific photography that we tend to become preoccupied with technical perfection when shooting macro images, seeking tack sharp detail in every frame. This is certainly a useful skill to have, since accidental out-offocus images are impossible to cover up in close-up photography, but there are many more artistic possibilities to explore beyond this.
Focus can be manipulated to convey depth in the subject’s environment. When combined with careful arrangement of the composition, it is possible to create images which pop with fields of colour in multiple distance planes from the camera. Using a shallow depth of field we can diffuse both foreground and background details, to create attractive negative space. We can also use this technique to introduce impactful, but undistracting natural frames, using foliage or other environmental elements, close to the camera position.
Venturing even further into the unusual, why not remove sharpness altogether? Go against the grain and blur all sharp detail to produce abstract images. There is something incredibly satisfying about defying convention in this way and using the core elements of photography to produce a unique style. Either use a slower shutter speed outside, incorporating wind blur instead of trying to beat it, or intentionally defocus the scene to turn the image into creative blobs of colour and light.
The key is to observe the environment first to discover the best combination of subject and background. If the colour of an object is all that will remain, it needs to fit with its surroundings. Look for contrasting colours to introduce harmony and adjust your composition to optimally align all areas of the scene.
One thing to be aware of however is image noise. This is a technical aspect that can be easily forgotten. When blurring large areas of your image, you are flattening out detail, making image grain more visible. At higher ISOs in particular, graininess in out-of-focus areas can become a problem, so zoom in and check as you shoot.