Macro photography allows us to explore new worlds—and create our own
Text & Photography By Don Komarechka
A small ladybug feasting on pollen from a dandelion. Which way is up? Is the dandelion vertical—or the small plant on which the ladybug is perched? Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo. Exposure: 1/200 sec., ƒ/7.1, ISO 100.
The natural world has unending beauty to explore through photography. It’s easy to conjure up images of stunning waterfalls, landscapes and night skies in exotic locations. With an infinite travel budget, you can explore it all. But as near as your backyard, an unexpectedly vast collection of otherworldly subjects is right at your feet. With a few simple techniques and the right equipment, you can begin to discover the enchanted realm of macro photography.