Create bubble flowers

From Lensbaby optics to binoculars and sandals, 27 photographers talk to CUPOTY co-founder Tracy Calder about their go-to gear for prize-winning close-up pictures

Colourful leaves are quintessential autumn. Here’s how to photograph them at home with a macro lens and a makeshift lightbox

10 things you can shoot and create this month, from toadstools and hockey to medieval mansions

Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Three, Close-ups and Details, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge

10 things you can shoot this month, from guitars and wild heather to kestrels and harbours… and yourself

I want to pass on my expressive approach to painting still lifes from observation using mixed media. I find this way of working freeing and fun. When a painting is started with an attitude of freedom