Macro is not simply about filling the frame. Explore new ways of composing your shots so you can create close-up images that stand out from the crowd
Don’t get so carried away with getting close to your subject that you overlook the importance of composition. The art of composition – arranging the elements within the image space in the most aesthetically pleasing way – is just as important when you’re shooting miniature things as it is with other subjects. If you overlook the artistic side of macro photography, your images – while they may be technically competent – will lack balance and impact.
The ‘rule of thirds’ is still the best-known and most widely used compositional tool in macro and closeup work. By placing your subject, or a key point of interest such as its eye, at or near the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines of the rule of thirds grid, your composition will be more compelling. However, subjects boasting strong symmetry, like a flower or a head-on portrait, often work better when placed centrally.
The ‘rule of odds’ is also worth remembering, with an odd number of subjects providing better results – three subjects work well in composition, particularly if the focus is on the middle subject, framed by the others on either side. Try using outof-focus grass and foliage to create a ‘dirty frame’ and help direct the viewer’s eye to your point of focus.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to discard or break the rules entirely. Try not to overthink the process: keep some guidelines in mind, then frame your images instinctively, which will become easier with practice.
