Too Close For Comfort? by myautofocuslife

Too Close For Comfort?

While macro shots are fun, sometimes I wonder. How close is too close? Or is there no such thing as being too close?

This is a real flower. I stuck my lens in there as close as I could. But seeing it this close, it looks strangely plastic-like and unreal. What do you think?
gorgeous! be aware of your lighting too. that may eliminate the shine on the yelllow "buds".
January 24th, 2012  
Stunning! Amazing shot!
January 24th, 2012  
@yvnn Oh, I see! That's where the shine comes from? Thank you for pointing it out to me. I learned something new! 8D
January 24th, 2012  
As long as your camera still focuses, it's not too close. Then it depends on subjects, some work very well for close-ups, some work better with some context around. This one is great! The plastic look could also be water
January 24th, 2012  
Part of the unreal is in how we view objects in contrast to what is there in a closer view. I constantly see details, forms and tones in a macro that I did not when I snapped the pic. Yet, when I go back, many of those elements are visible without magnification.
January 24th, 2012  
Jo
So beautiful! It's amazing how our perspective can change.
January 24th, 2012  
Awesome close up the colours are gorgeous
January 24th, 2012  
WOW! Fantastic details and color! It's another elegant shot by you, Livia! Well done!
January 24th, 2012  
Macro is fun because you do get close to see things differently. I would say keep trying everything. If it is too close to create an interesting image, you will discover that but only if you get in there close, right?
January 24th, 2012  
I think it has a nice softness to it, that makes it very appealing. I don't feel like I'm looking at a fake flower when I see this. Beautiful!
January 24th, 2012  
its perfect! FAV
January 24th, 2012  
Stunning shot!!!
January 24th, 2012  
It's really beautiful! I like the shine on the yellow. Great shot!
January 24th, 2012  
The softness in the petals bring back the reality in the shot. Lovely close-up I'd say :)
January 24th, 2012  
i like the softness around the outside of your shot. nice details captured.i dont think you can get too close with a macro lens :) SOmetimes that is where all the magic begins :)
January 24th, 2012  
I think that's a gorgeous shot. The stamens are shiny, but the petals are soft. Personally I love that contrast and wouldn't change a thing. I don't think it looks plastic at all! :-)
January 24th, 2012  
love it ...beautifully done
January 24th, 2012  
I like how this close shot came out.
January 24th, 2012  
Love it!! Never too close!
January 24th, 2012  
Gorgeous ! Don't think its too close ! Amazing colours and details !
January 24th, 2012  
I don't think it looks unreal. Lovely shot.
January 24th, 2012  
Just think what a bee sees when he goes in for pollen!
January 24th, 2012  
As I'm in the midst of winter, it looks refreshing to me. It reminds me that there will be sunshine again. It's lovely. I think too close is when bugs are in the macro lens :)
January 24th, 2012  
Another very creative shot; I love that you just go out and try it. Lovely result, I really like the graduating colours, not sure if that is just the flower or your lighting, nice either way. I think lil buddha's comment is bang on. :0)
January 24th, 2012  
I think the detail and colours are gorgeous! Wonderful macro shot, Livia!
January 24th, 2012  
Jen
Wow! This is stunning!
January 24th, 2012  
Your flower pictures are so refreshing. It is winter where I live and most everything is pretty dry and brown. Love to see the burst of color. I personally love macro shots. Not too close for me. :-)
January 24th, 2012  
Amazing shot!!!
January 24th, 2012  
Gorgeous!
January 24th, 2012  
I so want a macro lens. Beautiful!
January 24th, 2012  
Absolutely wonderful LIvia. A definate fav for me.
January 24th, 2012  
eva
Stunning macro shot.
January 24th, 2012  
Not too close... just right! Pretty!
January 24th, 2012  
amazing capture, such gorgeous detail, texture and light, beautiful!!
January 24th, 2012  
What a beautiful shot!
January 24th, 2012  
Maybe the flower has decided to allow you to see it's softer side. It's gorgeous, Livia.
January 24th, 2012  
Excellent macro. No such thing as too close in my book.
January 24th, 2012  
i love the focus and soft tones!
January 24th, 2012  
I like this, but then, I love the different perspective afforded by macro shots... Lovely macro!
January 24th, 2012  
It doesnt look unreal at all. Love the softness of the petals. Maybe the yellow is shiny, I think the strong contrast is attractive. Its all in the eye of the beholder.
January 24th, 2012  
Gorgeous!!
January 24th, 2012  
Great detail in the centre and I love the softness of the petals. Great macro. I think sometimes I just don't need to see things (like the eye of a fly) that close up.
January 24th, 2012  
wow! that is really gorgeous and very intricate. I love the crispness ofthe center and the blurring of the outer petals.
January 24th, 2012  
gorgeous, lovely colour and focus. Fab
January 24th, 2012  
Its beautiful, really beautiful
January 24th, 2012  
very pretty colours, nice shot.
January 24th, 2012  
I have the same problem when I get to close. I think your shot is beautiful and I love the colors - they magnify each other! Great focus!
January 24th, 2012  
Love it!
January 25th, 2012  
Excellent depth and colors.
January 25th, 2012  
awesome macro shot! love the cropping too
January 25th, 2012  
Really pretty. gorgeous colour!
January 25th, 2012  
Beautiful!
January 25th, 2012  
looks like a painting! Lovely!
January 25th, 2012  
I like the shot, not too close for me. Beautiful colors.
January 25th, 2012  
beautiful!
January 25th, 2012  
Looks gorgeous and love the colour.
January 25th, 2012  
great shot!
January 25th, 2012  
This is very pretty, I don't think its too close at all. Your focus and composition are perfect.
January 25th, 2012  
Wonderful colours, geat detail. No such thing as too close the wonder is in the detail.
January 25th, 2012  
I love this! Awesome focus.
January 25th, 2012  
Kim
Beautiful!
January 25th, 2012  
Nat
The petals look plastic while the centre looks like its been knitted together. It's amazing how viewing things closer can make them appear so different. Look forward to seeing more interesting subjects viewed in different light =)
January 25th, 2012  
I love the details that the lens picks up when you get close as they are often details we simply can't see with the naked eye. Lovely shot.
January 25th, 2012  
Lovely shot nice colour
January 25th, 2012  
Beautiful sharp capture and great colours.
January 25th, 2012  
seeing all the parts but accepting the whole.. this is how I see the macro photos.. and the shapes of the yellow parts.. is so beautiful.. I would never know this..
January 25th, 2012  
Love the detail!
January 25th, 2012  
Gorgeous focus and detail - lovely macro :)
January 25th, 2012  
I do a lot of macro, and no it doesn't look like plastic, it just shows the flower in a totally different light, the detail Nature puts in it's creations is amazing
January 25th, 2012  
I think the softness of the pedals keeps it from looking like plastic. I love the colors you captured and your focus is wonderful!
January 25th, 2012  
Very pretty! Great close-up shot! :D
January 25th, 2012  
Heavenly macro! Just beautiful!
January 25th, 2012  
Excellent detail.
January 25th, 2012  
I see what you mean with "plastic" but I really enjoy the colors and the patterns - very beautiful!
January 25th, 2012  
Wow, just stunning! Never to close, always more interesting details to find!
January 25th, 2012  
not too close; love the pillowyness of this
January 25th, 2012  
Love it :o) x
January 25th, 2012  
A big, wet, sloppy, macro-type "THANK YOU!" to everyone! Thank you so much for your feedback and opinions. It's good to know that you can't ever get too close in a macro shot. Thank you so much for taking the time to encourage. I am very grateful.

Again, thank you!
January 26th, 2012  
I kinda like the shiny yellow because when you look closely that's generally what it looks like and I love capturing as close to 'what it is' as possible, but I like the arty stuff too. I guess it depends what you're trying to portray. I think it's lovely, I love the softness of the petals due to your focus. I think it's a beautifully executed image...
January 26th, 2012  
No such thing as too close! I love macro shots and this is no exception!
January 27th, 2012  
The details are just too beautiful! fav
January 27th, 2012  
another great macro shot. yay!
January 27th, 2012  
Awesome macro shot, I love it.
January 29th, 2012  
print this one, it is gorgeous
January 29th, 2012  
Gorgeous, and there is no such thing as too close!
January 29th, 2012  
beautiful :) there's no such thing as too close!! it's maybe a little dark is all, but that's easily fixed
February 1st, 2012  
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