Nature in Macro

The most pristine, photogenic fungi always seem to grow in the most dark, inaccessible places, which can make photographing them a challenge. Here, however, the photographer has come well prepared – packing an LED light panel and a water spray! Timing the spray just right must have been tricky, but the result is stunning.

A fern has been transformed into something quite beautiful here. The light really emphasises its intricate shape, while the choice of black & white helps the viewer to concentrate on texture and form. The black background brings attention to the subject, while playing down any distracting elements. It’s a wonderful shot.

There are so few elements in this composition that each one has to play its part faultlessly. The muted colour palette, the organic shapes, the wonderfully controlled depth of field – they all work perfectly together. The viewer’s eye travels along the edge of the petal resting on the dew drop like a full stop. It has been fabulously executed.