For this very reason, sometimes it’s hard to find good subjects for macro shots. We just don’t normally look at things up close, and even when we do, it’s hard to see detail with the naked eye.
Sure, you could just pop on your macro lens and look everywhere, but it’s hard to see things through that tiny viewfinder.
The solution? Well, one of the great tips I learned from Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography Book (volume 2) is to carry around a magnifying glass and do some exploring! Simple, huh?
When you start to look more closely at nature through a magnifying glass, you’ll begin to notice the most intricate little details. And, when you find a detail that especially draws your interest, that’s when it’s time to put on the macro lens and snap a photo 
Where to start looking
I think it’s most rewarding to look everywhere, but here are a few things I’ve found to look very interesting up close:
- backlit leaves
- moss (especially when it’s wet)
- tree bark
- weathered wood
So, go pickup a cheap magnifying glass today and begin exploring a whole new microscopic world!
If you enjoyed this article, and would like to read more, please signup for free updates by email or RSS.
About the Author: Steve Berardi is a naturalist, photographer, computer scientist, and founder of PhotoNaturalist. You can usually find him hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains or the Mojave Desert, both located in the beautiful state of California.
That’s an interesting idea.
Scott Kelby has some great practical tips, doesn’t he? This is a goodie for sure. I’ll have to try it.
very good idea!! I’ll have to try that