OP
Pookeyhead
Suspended / Banned
- Messages
- 11,746
- Name
- David
- Edit My Images
- No
Why are all Macro shots in here of insects?
- Thread starter Pookeyhead
- Start date
I've never seen anything you've shot I don't think.
- Messages
- 25,725
- Name
- Yvonne, pronounced Eve...
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Having skim read the entire thread, I want to pick up on one point, which I agree might be a whole different discussion but is interesting none the less - are those members shooting macro other than insects put off posting by the sheer numbers of crawlies and also perhaps the thought that they won't get any comments on their photos because no one is interested? Now, from a purely moderator point of view, the macro section is one of the quietest forum sections, which would point to a general feeling that everyone is happy and friendly in there and we like that, obviously. I really don't want to rock any boats, so I really am just asking out of absolute curiosity, but do any of the regular members posting in that section worry that it can be a little narrow in the range of subjects? [yes, I know, there are millions of species of insects, but you know what I mean by narrow] Timmy has already pointed to several of his own non insect efforts and I am pretty certain that he and others could get even more inventive and creative.
I also share the opinion of David and others that there is a lot more to macro than insects and again, never shoot macro but love looking at everyday objects viewed from a different perspective. So, in an effort to move the discussion on, should there be more encouragement [whether from regular macro shooters or [and] interested parties] of a thinking a little broader?
I also share the opinion of David and others that there is a lot more to macro than insects and again, never shoot macro but love looking at everyday objects viewed from a different perspective. So, in an effort to move the discussion on, should there be more encouragement [whether from regular macro shooters or [and] interested parties] of a thinking a little broader?
Last edited:
- Messages
- 49,339
- Name
- Nod (UK)
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Since the section's title is "Macro and Close-up, I reckon you shoot more than you think, Yv - your recent explorations in LEGOLAND would (IMO) qualify on the close-up and head/shoulders portraits of the protagonists would (again IMO) be macro.
Personally, I don't now have the attention span for insects so rarely shoot them - TBH I don't do enough macro stuff either but maybe the winter months will se me dig out the 105 and play! FWIW, there are quite a few macro shots in other sections - few of which are of small invertebrates of any sort.
Personally, I don't now have the attention span for insects so rarely shoot them - TBH I don't do enough macro stuff either but maybe the winter months will se me dig out the 105 and play! FWIW, there are quite a few macro shots in other sections - few of which are of small invertebrates of any sort.
Tintin124
Suspended / Banned
- Messages
- 8,826
- Name
- Bryn
- Edit My Images
- Yes
@Yv
I know I said I would leave this thread but as you have asked so nicely not been patronising nor an
so I shall answer.
The macro section will be a changed area during winter, and when I joined in Jan it was mainly inaminate objects, oil on water, splash art. This is what I started on, but then started shooting spiders then bugs as I found more and more. As mentioned they are dynamic (believe me and @TimmyG mentioned it a number of times) and as such provide a better holding of interest and intrigue it's a learning experience too.
But I would suspect that lots of macro stuff is not being posted in macro section eg lego etc (maybe you could answer why you didn't post in there?) now is this because it's believed it's a nature section I have no idea. But since this thread lots more different things have started to show up watches etc. All have great responses.
I did think of starting a what is it type thread but that again also in another section of TP.
Hope I have given some answers or ideas I understand the broaden horizon thing but is it truly worth it if the interest is not there? Shots without passion or drive?
I know I said I would leave this thread but as you have asked so nicely not been patronising nor an
so I shall answer.The macro section will be a changed area during winter, and when I joined in Jan it was mainly inaminate objects, oil on water, splash art. This is what I started on, but then started shooting spiders then bugs as I found more and more. As mentioned they are dynamic (believe me and @TimmyG mentioned it a number of times) and as such provide a better holding of interest and intrigue it's a learning experience too.
But I would suspect that lots of macro stuff is not being posted in macro section eg lego etc (maybe you could answer why you didn't post in there?) now is this because it's believed it's a nature section I have no idea. But since this thread lots more different things have started to show up watches etc. All have great responses.
I did think of starting a what is it type thread but that again also in another section of TP.
Hope I have given some answers or ideas I understand the broaden horizon thing but is it truly worth it if the interest is not there? Shots without passion or drive?
- Messages
- 25,725
- Name
- Yvonne, pronounced Eve...
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Sensible answers guys and I think there is a certain amount of cross over between sections, whether its macro with creative, or with nature, etc. My Lego stuff has been mentioned and I will admit to feeling a little unwilling when I posted it in creative, because I genuinely don't think something that has been done so much already can necessarily be called 'creative' unless you really are getting outside the norm and I certainly don't think I am. I was very tempted to post in general tbh, but as most lego stuff is in creative already, keeping it all together also makes sense. So why not macro and close up then? Well, because you could argue its close up, but I am deliberately using perspective and composition to make the lil guys appear somewhat bigger than they are [ok, not always succeeding] so almost trying to achieve the absolute opposite if that makes sense. I guess it all comes down to interpretation too, and that can be a very subjective and individual thing.
I certainly look forward to seeing how the section changes over winter and would love to see some real in depth macro from those that have the kit and will to do it, but yes, I guess more 'close up' could be included too. However as you say Bryn, there has to be the will there from a few people to want to do do it and we can't force that.
I certainly look forward to seeing how the section changes over winter and would love to see some real in depth macro from those that have the kit and will to do it, but yes, I guess more 'close up' could be included too. However as you say Bryn, there has to be the will there from a few people to want to do do it and we can't force that.
TimmyG
Suspended / Banned
- Messages
- 4,775
- Name
- Tim
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Judging by @tracybradbury 's response all the way back on page one, it could indeed be an issue that people aren't posting non-insect in the macro section for fear of a poor response. I think that fear is unfounded, but that doesn't resolve the problem. How widespread the problem is should probably be addressed (maybe through a quick survey) but its probably not worth the effort.
The search option reveals large numbers of non-insect related posts, but again, people don't use the search option as much as they should and really only look for threads on the first page or two. You can't ask people to post a particular type of image just because you feel certain subject areas aren't being addressed; or rather you can, but the request is likely to be (and should be imo) ignored.
One way forward is to create a sub-genre beneath the Nature section for "Invertebrates and other small things" or similar. I don't think everyone who currently posts bug shots should be posting in the main Wildlife section, I think that whole thread will become too active, particularly over the spring/summer months and people will soon be picking up pitchforks against the macro shooters when they find their images disappear off the front page after a short period. As stated previously, I think the techniques used to obtain these images differ sufficiently to warrant a separate section anyway, particularly when you get into extreme macro studio stacks. There is sufficient crossover with subject matter and general "style" of images to put it as a sub-section of wildlife, rather than create a sub-section of the macro forum.
I'd be happy with that solution. As I said I don't mind where I post but try and align with the categories defined by the forum. This would clear up any remaining confusion and remove the need for threads such as this one (the question will surely crop up again before too long) at the same time opening up the macro section to those who don't feel comfortable posting alongside insects.
Hmm... now where should I post my fungus shots?
The search option reveals large numbers of non-insect related posts, but again, people don't use the search option as much as they should and really only look for threads on the first page or two. You can't ask people to post a particular type of image just because you feel certain subject areas aren't being addressed; or rather you can, but the request is likely to be (and should be imo) ignored.
One way forward is to create a sub-genre beneath the Nature section for "Invertebrates and other small things" or similar. I don't think everyone who currently posts bug shots should be posting in the main Wildlife section, I think that whole thread will become too active, particularly over the spring/summer months and people will soon be picking up pitchforks against the macro shooters when they find their images disappear off the front page after a short period. As stated previously, I think the techniques used to obtain these images differ sufficiently to warrant a separate section anyway, particularly when you get into extreme macro studio stacks. There is sufficient crossover with subject matter and general "style" of images to put it as a sub-section of wildlife, rather than create a sub-section of the macro forum.
I'd be happy with that solution. As I said I don't mind where I post but try and align with the categories defined by the forum. This would clear up any remaining confusion and remove the need for threads such as this one (the question will surely crop up again before too long) at the same time opening up the macro section to those who don't feel comfortable posting alongside insects.
Hmm... now where should I post my fungus shots?
Last edited: