Macro Studies

There is a lot to like about this image – the detail, the colour and the composition, which makes great use of negative space. The use of three subjects adds to that well-known compositional trick, whereby the human brain reacts positively to elements that come in threes. The frame creates an unusual take on the macro brief. Well done!

What lovely bokeh! The choice to make a big feature out of the de-focussed background truly makes the subject stand out, with wonderful separation, while the spotlighting effect makes the mushroom glow. A very painterly lighting style and colour palette tie it all together to form a gorgeous macro study.

We love the muted colours in this shot. The image has an almost cinematic colour grade and the lighting forms a magical bokeh, as subtle as subtle as it is. This is a shot which demonstrates how, often, it is the simple scenes which are the most impactful.

The light in this shot is amazing, creating a glow that makes the most of the low sun. It must have been a tricky exposure to manage, however, and so the fact that detail has been retained in all the right places is a testament to the photographer's skill.

The tunnel-like effect in this image draws the viewer in and leads us directly to the subject. This choice of framing makes great use of the available environment, telling a story of the animal's habitat without this becoming a distraction. The fresh colour also demonstrates excellent white balance control.

The clean background to this image ensures the foreground detail is highlighted and we can focus on the three subjects. We really like the subtle light gradient too, demonstrating perfect exposure control. The focus is also expertly done, while depth-of-field is spot on.

There is an astonishing level of detail in this photo! The water droplets on the insect's head are like the cherry on a very finely detailed cake while the colours all work wonderfully together. It's a clean frame and a simple one, but it is brilliantly executed.

We received many shots of this type of subject for this round and this is one of the best. The composition places the viewer's focus tightly on the subject while making great use of the environment around it. The lighting is well-controlled and the focus is well-placed. A great macro study overall.

We received many shots of this type of subject for this round and this is one of the best. The composition places the viewer's focus tightly on the subject while making great use of the environment around it. The lighting is well-controlled and the focus is well-placed. A great macro study overall.

We received many shots of this type of subject for this round and this is one of the best. The composition places the viewer's focus tightly on the subject while making great use of the environment around it. The lighting is well-controlled and the focus is well-placed. A great macro study overall.

We all like a game of hide and seek, a theme which extends to the insect world, apparently. This is a playful image which makes perfect use of the rule of thirds, placing both subject's eyes on the ideal intersections. The calming green background produces a luscious colour theme and allows the eyes to pop. Nicely spotted.

We received many shots of this type of subject for this round and this is one of the best. The composition places the viewer's focus tightly on the subject while making great use of the environment around it. The lighting is well-controlled and the focus is well-placed. A great macro study overall.

We received many shots of this type of subject for this round and this is one of the best. The composition places the viewer's focus tightly on the subject while making great use of the environment around it. The lighting is well-controlled and the focus is well-placed. A great macro study overall.

We received many shots of this type of subject for this round and this is one of the best. The composition places the viewer's focus tightly on the subject while making great use of the environment around it. The lighting is well-controlled and the focus is well-placed. A great macro study overall.

We received many shots of this type of subject for this round and this is one of the best. The composition places the viewer's focus tightly on the subject while making great use of the environment around it. The lighting is well-controlled and the focus is well-placed. A great macro study overall.