Macro Photography the Overlooked Key to Slowing Down
The whole process of taking photos really begins with noticing something special around you. This is especially true for macro photography. Since macro photography focuses on tiny details, things we usually overlook when rushing through our busy lives, it asks us to slow down, focus and be fully present in the moment.
For me as a fine art macro photographer, this happens in two stages: first, paying close attention to notice those tiny details, and then observing them carefully to decide which ones deserve to be shared in my online gallery or printed as beautiful wall art.
How Macro Photography Helps You See the Extraordinary in the Everyday
For the person who owns the macro art photo print or simply stops to look, a macro photo often sparks curiosity and wonder. Here’s why:
- You get to see something ordinary from a new angle, and it can make you say “Wow!”
- Tiny details that usually go unnoticed become surprising when blown up into a large print that fills the space.
- Looking at one macro photo can plant a seed, encouraging you to pay more attention to the small things throughout your day.
This idea of focusing and paying attention is close to what mindfulness means. Mindfulness is all about being aware of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and the world around you, without judgment. It means tuning into the present moment rather than getting caught up in worries about the past or future. But instead of calling it mindfulness, you can simply think of it as practicing the art of noticing, being curious about what’s right in front of you.
When you take the time to really notice, macro photography can help you:
- Reflect on moments in your life in a new way.
- Spark fresh ideas because the details are new and unexpected.
- Appreciate nature, something we see every day but often stop truly seeing.
- Explore familiar things like plants and flowers from an unfamiliar viewpoint.
How Noticing Tiny Details Can Improve Your Focus
Here’s a little exercise you can try: Grab a cup of tea, wine, or your favorite drink. Put on some music you love, and spend a few minutes just looking at a macro photo. Don’t worry about the random thoughts that pop up, let them come and go. Focus on the photo itself. Afterwards, write down or record whatever comes to mind.
In our busy lives, we often forget to just be, to relax and give our minds the space to wander and create new thoughts and ideas.
The only way to take an interesting macro photo is by paying close attention to small things. And by decorating your space with macro photo prints, you train your mind to notice these details too. This practice helps you see the extraordinary in the ordinary — the kind of noticing that can bring calm, curiosity, and a fresh perspective to everyday life.
All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!
Elevate your decor with my Elegant wall art prints
Jason
You have some wonderful macro photography there!
Elena
JasonThank you for your kind comment!