Still Life - Macro Photography Session

Hi everybody :)

The two pieces of plants I once collected and preserved in a vacuum reveal an intriguing contrast of textures and tones, evoking the essence of a still life. The first piece, with aged leaves, displays toasted and yellowish tones, as if time had imprinted the memory of autumn on them. The edges of the leaves are slightly curved and brittle, with small veins that still retain a faint shade of green that is barely perceptible to the camera lens. The leaf surfaces have a rough texture, with small wrinkles and folds that suggest the passage of time.

The second piece, in contrast, features a palette of gray and purple tones. The leaves of this plant appear more robust, with a velvety texture and a slight shine that subtly reflects light. The purple tones are concentrated in the central areas of the leaves. There is a certain translucency to these leaves, allowing you to glimpse the intricate pattern of veins that branch out like a delicate network. Even aged, the leaves of this plant still maintain an aura of vitality, as if the deep purple retained a remnant of the original color.

These two pieces of plants, placed side by side, create a harmonious contrast, where natural decay meets careful preservation, resulting in a composition that celebrates the ephemeral beauty of nature.

Let me present today’s model:

Before moving onto the result...

• My introductory thoughts about macro photography:

The field of macro photography is a domain replete with limitless possibilities and boundless creativity. It is truly remarkable how the use of macro lenses, with their capability to produce beautifully blurred backgrounds, can yield such a diverse array of images rich in contrast and texture.
Macro photography unveils a world of intricate details that often escape the naked eye.

It is as if an entirely new universe unfolds before the lens, inviting us to explore and appreciate the beauty inherent in the minutiae of everyday life.
What makes macro photography so captivating is its ability to offer a new perspective on the world around us. With the right technique and vision, even the most mundane subjects can be transformed into works of art, each image telling its own unique story.
There are no limits to what can be captured. Each object becomes a potential subject, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, where even the smallest details can evoke a feeling of surprise.

Among the numerous techniques available for macro photography, this method is arguably the most cost-effective and efficient for individuals possessing a camera with a removable lens. By simply detaching the lens and reversing its direction, and employing an inversion ring, the process becomes more manageable and streamlined.

Used equipments

Camera: Canon EOS 600D Digital SLR with CMOS sensor
Lens: EFS 18-55mm with f/3 maximum aperture, allowing shallow depth of field and capturing fine details.
Used inverter ring
Tripod: not used
Lighting: Adjustable LED lights to provide soft, even lighting, avoiding harsh shadows and highlighting the details of structures.

Camera Settings

Focus Mode: Manual focus to ensure precision in specific details of the structure.
Aperture: Variable aperture between f/2 and f/3 for adequate depth of field, ensuring all important details are in focus.
ISO: Low ISO setting (800) to minimize noise in images.
Shutter Speed: Adjust shutter speed as needed to avoid underexposure, while maintaining a value that allows you to capture sharp details.

Let's now move onto the result:

_{F-stop: F/2 | Exposure time: 1/700 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800}

_{F-stop: F/3 | Exposure time: 1/900 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800}

_{F-stop: F/2 | Exposure time: 1/700 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800}

_{F-stop: F/2 | Exposure time: 1/1050 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800}

_{F-stop: F/3 | Exposure time: 1/900 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800}

_{F-stop: F/2 | Exposure time: 1/700 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800}

_{F-stop: F/2 | Exposure time: 1/1050 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800}

_{F-stop: F/3 | Exposure time: 1/900 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800}

_{F-stop: F/2 | Exposure time: 1/700 sec. | ISO speed: ISO 800}

To finish, i leave you with some considerations regarding these photo sessions:

Examining miniature subjects through macro photography reveals a compelling domain where minute details assume significant importance. Immersing oneself in the intricacies of these diminutive objects allows for the recognition of the often-overlooked beauty within this microenvironment. Each image captures a fleeting moment, showcasing the complexity hidden within the small-scale elements of nature. The essence of macro photography lies in its ability to elevate ordinary subjects to extraordinary levels, offering an intimate and captivating perspective.

The session is closed for today.
Hope you like it :)

These photos weren't taken with a tripod

Photo by @aleister
Camera - Canon EOS 600D
Lens - EFS 18-55mm
Location - Portugal

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Never forget
The price of anything is the amount of life you trade for it.
Time is life... value yours, make every fraction worth it.