In many places, spring is on its way, if it’s not already here. Spring is a beautiful time to head outside to take photos of all the miraculous things that are happening.
Perhaps there are baby ducks in your local park or spring bulbs starting to bloom. Trees may be beginning to bud and the dirt is a deep brown. At my house, the bulbs are peeking out of the ground, but not yet blooming. I am amazed at all the tiny beautiful things just waiting to be photographed.
So let’s get moving! Since so many of the wondrous things about spring are tiny, it’s a perfect opportunity to practice using the macro mode. As you look through the lens, try to see what makes all the little things so remarkable. A single bud on an otherwise bare branch could become one of your favorite shots. Try doing a couple of things with the shot including:
* Look down the branch, and focus on the single bud. Everything beyond the bud should fade into the background. How did it turn out?
* Remember the rule of thirds. Some cameras show a grid on the display area that helps you keep this rule in mind. Place the bud slightly off center, using the grid to help you place it at an intersecting line on the grid. If your camera doesn’t have this feature, use your imagination. Divide your shot into nine squares, and place the bud in a square that isn’t right in the middle.
* Try the shot in black-and-white and color modes. If the lighting is good while you’re playing around, watch how the light hits the bud and branch, and choose a visually interesting angle. Or, if the bud’s color has attracted you, figure out how to enhance the color using the natural lighting.
Of course, you can try these suggestions with anything you find that captures your attention. Just be ready to shoot quickly if you’re trying to capture those baby ducks.