Finding Unique Macro Photography Subjects in the Kitchen

Last month one of the photography clubs I attend did a presentation on macro photography. I walked away inspired to create! The only problem? I don’t have a full-frame macro lens! {cue the sad, mournful music}

My 60mm Macro Lens is only compatible with crop sensor Canon camera bodies…so out came my trusty backup camera – the Canon 7D.

Creating Unique Macro Photography

I did a few flower photos, which were fun, but floral photos are most folk’s go-to when shooting macro. My goal was to find a unique macro photography subject to explore. I found myself in the kitchen, playing with knives, light, shadow, and a little bit of water.

This shot is, by far, my favorite:

I showed it to my husband and his response was – “Very cool! What is it?” I think that is the best reaction one can get to an abstract photo! (The subject is the blade of a serrated steak knife with water drops, in case you were wondering.)

Processing on this one was actually pretty simple and done completely in Lightroom. I played with the white balance/color temperature, exposure, and saturation levels to give it a high-key look and to bring out the blue in the water drops.

Here are a couple of other photos I created that morning.  For these shots I also incorporated a fork and light from a flashlight to create some cool shadows.

Both of these were converted to monochrome and processed in Macphun’s Tonality CK.

Macro photography isn’t something I do often, but whenever I do, I really enjoy it! I think I’ll be pulling out my macro lens a bit more often in the future, even if it means I have to use my older camera. Roaming the house for unique macro photography subjects is a great way to stretch the creative muscles!