Manmade macro

I can see why the photographer was attracted to this rusty bolt, nut and washer – there’s plenty of texture and colour here. Unfortunately, the execution is a little lacking. Firstly, the flower jutting into the frame is distracting. Secondly, the high ISO has resulted in quite a lot of noise. Thirdly, the composition could be improved by moving in closer and shooting the subject in portrait orientation. I’m assuming the shot is handheld, in which case I would suggest using a tripod, selecting a lower ISO and zooming in for a tighter crop. There’s the potential for quite a sculptural picture here, so keep at it!

The beautiful design and symmetry of a pair of glasses is not something most of us would notice, but viewed through a macro lens every curve and shape is celebrated. Choosing to focus on the arms works, and the balance between positive and negative space feels exactly right too.

Liquid art requires patience, precision and a fair amount of perseverance! This image is the perfect mixture of colour, shape and movement. The line of green up the centre contrasts beautifully with the organic shapes around it, and gives the arrangement a great sense of height. It’s a wonderful capture of a moment never to be repeated.

When you look at an everyday object with fresh eyes, and communicate what you discover using solid technique, it’s amazing what can be achieved. This spaghetti looks like a firework exploding in the darkness, and it has fantastic impact. The way the light falls away adds to the idea of a ball of energy, and the level of detail (thanks to the low ISO and f/22 aperture) is perfect.