Practical Photography Series #6 - Using Digital Camera's Macro Mode to Capture Nature's Small Wonders

BIG SURPRISES come in small packages, so they say.

It is very true in photography.

As my latest installment in this practical photography series, this hubber spent the last two weeks of February 2013 compiling interesting subjects that can vividly capture your imagination as I share with you the 'small wonders' frolicking at the backyard of my home.

As I greeted my dog, Brownie, around five in the morning, I carried my point-and-shoot digital camera and proceeded to do my morning jogging spree.

I was amazed by the beautiful hue of the sky as I awaited the sunrise.

Summer is approaching and tropical rain shower is already scarce at this time of year.

Local residents wonder why a slight change in the weather and climate is now apparent. Here in Bicol, Philippines (where I reside), people seldom experience the torments of typhoons the whole year round.

So, I am now enjoying a typhoon-free vacation even if it's not summer or the wet or rainy season is approaching.

And with the passing of idle times as I spend my shore leave after I disembarked from my latest ship's contract, my uncomplaining overused Canon digital camera endured the point-and-shoot episodes as I recorded awesome shots of the local flora and fauna just inside the backyard of the house.

Since the magnifying capacity of my cam is only up to 12 times the size of the original subject, let's say a panoramic view, I switched into the 'macro' mode of the digital camera.

Most of us will always ignore such mode since we can also have a clear shot of the subject using the 'normal' mode.

But using the macro will give a more ample details on the part of the subject being magnified.

This will always be applicable to 'small wonders' and an attention to details will give you an edge once you tap the use of this mode on your digital camera.

Most of the birds frequenting to visit our backyard often choose to sip the nectar of the wildflower that I captured above.

I am not familiar with other wildflowers that are available for photo-shoot, with the exception of the shy 'mimosa flower'.

I forgot to ask my mother about its local names, but the attractive colors of those tiny beauties captivated my attention to pursue my 'floral expedition' before someone intrude my concentration each time the morning comes or other things occupy the rest of my day doing other household chores.

Now, enters the 'macro' mode.

Although, the pulse of my hands may fail me, I always shoot a subject twice or thrice so that I can select the best shot whenever possible.

Once you open the digital camera, the 'normal' mode will always be the automatic setting.

If you want to change it to macro, click the icon, then focus on the subject, about 5-10 centimeters at a distance.

The magnified feature will look great as you diligently work on every subject you shoot.

Tiny insects, flies, mosquitoes or spiders...you name it (I can't distinguish it), almost have it here at home.

From the tiny spider that you can find, I also found out that there are other species that enjoy trapping flies, mosquitoes and other insects that will be lured to land on its webs (cobwebs). For the first time, I captured this yellow spider which is rare from the array of homey ones that usually occupy the dark corners of the house.

Included in this set of photos was the tiny baby rat that fell from the iron roof of our kitchen. I immediately placed it on dry leaves (still breathing) and hoped that its mother will sniff its location. We don't have cats at home anymore. My youngest sister immediately dispatched it when my mom just recently;y recovered from a serious pneumonia bout.

Truly, the biodiversity of life abound at the backyard of our homes.

Most of us are oblivious of what is happening at home, especially the gradual change in nature.

It is because we are always pre-occupied with family matters.

I'll admit that I'm one of the guilty persons who seldom appreciate the 'small wonders' that abound at the premise of my home because I'm busy with other things, like fencing the backyard, cleaning the yard and uprooting some grass on my garden and vegetable corners and plots.

The gradual change of the surroundings, especially nature is evident with the tiny creatures in our backyard.

The chirping of homing birds and visiting farm waders and other wild birds will always indicate that the balance of nature is still existing in the countryside.

The occasional blowing of horns from the passing public and private vehicles will never alter the serenity and simplicity of my place, where at night, the sound of chirping cicadas will be heard and will lull you to sleep, right after you switched off the button of the television set.

I had included a 'screenshot' on how Practical Photography started.

My idea of making this as a series, according to what I've learned from the school, way back my college years in the academe, prompted me to coin those two words as my banner theme whenever I tackle subjects in Photography.

It was a Frenchman Louis Daguerre who accidentally discovered the long lasting usage of practical photography.