Week 5

This week is all about getting as close as your camera will possibly allow, filling the frame and finding interesting design all at the same time.  Most point-and-shoot cameras have a small tulip icon that needs to be turned on in order for the camera to focus in macro mode.  Once in that mode, press the shutter button halfway down and move your body carefully noticing what's in focus and what is not.  Once you have aligned the focal point with the sharpest area, continue to squeeze the shutter button gently take the shot.

Here is what I've written in the syllabus...

God is in the Details: Altered scale: Large images from tiny object(s) (The macro project)

Read The Photographer's Eye, John Szarkowski, Introduction to the Catalog of the Exhibition

Most of your digital cameras have the wonderful ability to get really close to things and keep it in sharp focus. This is called "Macro" photography. Find out how close your camera can get and shoot everything this week from this distance. My Nikon coolpix can get to within 3/4" of the subject and keep it really sharp. Each camera is different so look it up in your manual. Generally there is a "tulip" icon that you need to press or see in the lcd screen to know you are in macro mode. If you have a scanner at home, consider using it as you digital camera for the week. Scanners capture remarkable detail... better than digital cameras....

Browse through this gallery of amazing macro shots.

Technique: Use your scanner, leave the lid open and place a flower bud side down.  Scan it at fairly high resolution... When scanning a flower, leave the lid of the scanner up. Preview the bed of the scanner then select just the area you want. Only then click scan. Here is where you choose how large a scan you'd like. Since most of our work is posted online, this won't matter... If you'd like to make prints, go back and reread my article on resolution.

If you don't have access to a scanner take a look at:

Take a look at this Google images search for  "scanned flowers"

Chrissie's macro picture a day from Belgium. Simple, do-able....
More Florals.... Visit a greenhouse... how's your garden? Mariam El-Mofty from Egypt. Use the macro setting on your camera, move in close!

Submit your best  images on the class blog...