THEPROINTERVIEW
Macro master Matt Doogue shares why close-up photography is good for his mental health, and how the latest Canon cameras are making it easier for everyone to try
In our busy, always-on world, the art of macro photography can be a balm for mental health. When you’re engaged in capturing the intricate details of flowers and insects, it’s harder to focus your attention elsewhere. For many photographers, macro lets them escape their everyday stressors – on top of being a rewarding and creative outlet in itself.
Canon pro photographer Matt Doogue has been photographing close-ups in nature for over a decade and has found comfort by immersing himself in the beauty of the miniature world. Based in the UK, he has become something of a mental health speaker, and he regularly gives talks on how the slowness of the genre can create a sense of calm and concentration. With a profound respect for the natural world, Matt often describes what he does as photo therapy and credits photography with being a life-saver in his darkest times.
Macro may help with mindfulness, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy from a technical point of view. For a start, you’ll need a lens that’s capable of focusing at close distances. And even then, it can be very challenging to precisely focus on extremely small subjects and manage a shallow depth of field at higher magnifications. One technique that Matt uses to increase the sharpness throughout his images is focus stacking, both manually and using the latest automated stacking features in Canon’s EOS R5 and EOS R7 mirrorless cameras.
In this interview, we discover how macro helps Matt to stay connected to the present moment, plus the technical skills he uses for the sharpest shots.
Hey Matt. What are you working on right now?
I am putting the final touches to my macro photography book, Close-Up: The Complete Guide to Macro Photography (title to be confirmed) and also looking at a new project that doesn’t involve arthropods. It’ll be a more abstract approach this time.
So, how would you describe your usual approach?
I’ve dabbled in various macro techniques over the years, but have found my sweet spot in a softer, more artistic aesthetic. It’s about capturing not just the subject but its essence, you know? I want to compose shots that reflect the character of what I’m shooting, along with some of its environment or habitat. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between artistry and showcasing the true nature of my subjects.
Why and how did you get into close-up photography?
I actually found photography during a tough time in my early twenties. I was dealing with some mental health battles and found solace in nature. There’s something
