Personal Photo Challenge: Taking a Closer Look

Greetings, friends!
I hope everyone has had a good week!

Today, I'm excited to be linking up to Donna's Personal Photo Challenge!
When I saw that her challenge this time was for macro shots, I decided to join in the fun.
Many of the photos I shoot are close-ups.
It's amazes me...the minute details unable to be seen with the naked eye...
...and how it opens up a whole new world that we may have missed otherwise.

I have had my trusty little point-and-shoot,
a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 7.2 megapixel camera since about 2008.

It has been (and still is) the best little camera I have ever owned.
 It only took me about 4 or 5 years to realize that it has the ability to get in really close...
...that is, after I read about macro photography on the web.
I guess I didn't read that part of the manual. :)

Of course, my dream is to one day (soon, hopefully) own a DSLR...
...with a few bells and whistles...but I have the feeling that I will keep my little Sony too!

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All of the photos below were shot using the macro setting, without a flash.
I'm pretty sure that most P & S cameras have the capability to shoot in macro mode...
...look for the little flower icon on your dial.
Also, do not zoom out...keep the lens at it's widest setting.

 This photo is of a darling weed that I came across while out looking for beauty.
I think I found some.

The tiny, lavender flowers were only about 1/8" in diameter...
...and the dew drops on them were not visible to the eye when I took the shots (no tripod).

The key to macro photography is having a steady hand...or a tripod, which I do sometimes use.
Many times the camera can be set atop a steady object or even braced against your own body,
inhale, hold steady and don't exhale until you snap the photo.
 Also, always push down the shutter only halfway at first to focus,
then gently push the shutter down all the way to capture your subject.



This photo is from my post entitled September, where the goldenrod was at it's peak...
...and so were the bumble bees :)

I always take several shots of my subject and like to experiment with different angles.
Many times, you will find me lying on my tummy on the ground or the floor...
...or standing on my head taking random shots up from underneath...of maybe flowers for instance..
Sometimes, my best close-ups are discovered only after I get the pics on my computer.
Often, I just snap-snap away, randomly, not seeing what's in the view finder.


This is a photo of a vintage amulet given to me by my mother-in-law.
The intricate detail in this beautiful piece just makes my heart go all a-flutter :)

The actual size is an oval of about 2" x 3".
I noticed the tiny spot of greenish patina on it afterwards...too tiny to see normally.

Natural lighting is pretty much always the key.
Using a flash most often will create an unnatural glow to the pictures, resulting in losing the detail.
There are very few times when I use a flash...and never for macro shots.

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So, there you have it!
My very first effort at posting to Donna's Personal Photo Challenge!
I'm really looking forward to seeing the photos that others will be sharing too!

Spring is nearly in full bloom here and I just might get out and get a closer look!
May your weekend be blessed!