Wide-Angle Macro

Wide-Angle Macro is a photography discipline where Macro meets Landscape photography. The focus is no longer just on the subjects but the surrounding scene as well, providing for a more intimate look into the lives of these amazing creatures. I have been experimenting with it in recent months and I would have to say that it is highly addictive, albeit, a pain in the *** to get right! Here are some of my shots.

Pushing the limits of my budget lens. You can exaggerate the size of any subject, in this case a Camponotus gigas, with the simple application of forced perspective.

Camponotus gigas with missing antennas.

Female Trithemis cf. aurora in its natural habitat. This shot was taken at a lake just 5 mins from my home.

 Another shot of another species of dragonfly, against a different background.

This is a photo 6-7 weeks in the making. You see, prior to snapping this photo, I already had some rough ideas of what I wanted to include in the frame so I went around Singapore looking for a suitable location. After days of scouting, I finally found my dream location but there was a major problem - While there were many dragonflies around, none would perch on this branch long enough for me to take a photo! I tried everything from setting up the tripod to remote triggering, but week after week, I failed. 2 weekends ago, I decided to try my luck again. I was standing ankle-deep in water when this dragonfly (a male Spine-tufted Skimmer; Orthetrum chrysis), landed on the branch as if on cue, and not only did it perch on the exact spot that I wanted, it was highly cooperative, allowing me 16 handheld shots in total.

I cannot help but to think of the irony of it all - I worked so hard for this image and yet it still did not turn out as sharp as I would like it to be. I guess when working with nature, you can never be prepared enough. 

Marching termites.

Fingerprint ant, shot with a modified lens.

 Shot taken with my Rokinon 7.5mm lens and modified Extension Tube.

Nephila sp. with Sungai Buloh in the background.

 We spotted this Kopstein Bronzeback trying to cross a patch of forest clearing so we took the chance to snap a few photos.

What a gorgeous snake!

One of my first few attempts at wide-angle macro. It is so hard to get the subject in focus!

A Katydid shot with Natural Light.

A  shot of a 'fingerprint' ant with fill flash.

This snail is probably less than 2cm in length and as you can see, it was really tough to get all of it in focus.

 Wide-Angle Macro attempt with greater depth-of-field.

 Another experimental attempt. I personally prefer my wide-angle shots with clearer distinction between subject and background.

It has been a pretty interesting (and tough) learning-journey thus far but I remain hopeful.

If you are really interested in Wide-Angle macro, do check out Gil Wizen's wide-angle macro shots here. They are rather amazing!

Also, do check out the E-book by Paul Hardcourt Davies and Clay bolt, a must-have for those who are just starting out on Wide-Angle macro photography. Click here!