Closer and Closer Macro Photography

I'll Eat That!

2011-12-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

Most votes in the Challenge:

6 votes:
#1: Pomegranite by waruzm Congratulations!

5 votes:
#4: Cupcake Macro by Scott Michaels

4 votes:
#12: Red Onion by Jean Heneghan

Congratulations to our 3 big winners! And thanks to all for voting and your submissions to the Challenge. Everyone have a great holiday season and keep your eyes out for our next Theme or Challenge.

Best Wishes from all the staff here at C&MP!

Theme: Shiny Things

2011-11-28T11:44:00.000-08:00

Our three winners in no particular order:
Blackberry by eriksweeklyphoto:
(Note: Blackberries are hard to light, this is great!)

Out of Camera. by Stevekin:

Shiny Bubbles by Lee251073:

Look for a new Theme soon!

Theme: EYES

2011-07-24T07:22:00.001-07:00

The Winners of the CCMP Theme: EYES are, in no particular order:

Florida Bark Mantis by Dixie Native:

I Ssseeeee You! by Shutterbugl:

Baker Balls 1321 by Pkmousie:

Theme : In Bloom

2011-05-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

[http://www.flickr.com/photos/aeschylus18917/5220404391/]

[http://www.flickr.com/photos/dixie_native/2551614210/]

[http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagebabe/4531523911/]

CCMP Challenge "Zippers"

2011-04-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

We are currently running Themes and Challenges. With Themes you are free to choose your subject as long as it matches the Theme's topic. With Challenges, you must photograph the selected subject in particular.

The current Challenge was "Zippers"

Congratulations to everyone who posted or voted, thanks for playing the game! It's a well known fact that participating in C&C Macro Photography Challenges will make you both smarter and better looking! (so keep up the good work)

Voting was close this time.
Winner of the Challenge with 8 votes:
#8 "zip" by emme effe

There was a tie for second place
(after self votes eliminated, oops):
With 6 votes, "WFF_1293.JPG" by wfischer:

Also with 6 votes, "Zipper" by waruzm

Thanks for all of the great entries and for voting.
Remember to enter the next Challenge!

Theme - Repeating Patterns

2011-03-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

CCMP Theme Winners - in no particular order:

Wasp Nest - by Stevekin:

Seashell by Mauro Liete:

Saw Banksia Bud Macro by Stevepas68:

2011-03-04T07:55:00.001-08:00

We are currently running Themes and Challenges. With Themes you are free to choose your subject as long as it matches the Theme's topic. With Challenges, you must photograph the selected subject in particular.

The current Challenge was "Machine Threads."

Congratulations to everyone who posted or voted, thanks for playing the game! It's a well known fact that participating in C&C Macro Photography Challenges will make you both smarter and better looking! (so keep up the good work)

Voting was very close this time.
Winner of the challenge with 7 votes:
#15 Brass light stand fitting by ericm123

Tied for second with 6 votes each were:
#8 Screw and nut, a love story... by Mortimer62

#3 Red Blue Screw by eriksweeklyphoto

Theme: B&W

2011-02-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

This theme was a big success in my opinion.

Well done fellow photogs.....here are the winners in no specific order

Ruger 9mm Barrel - by Southernphotographer

On Vanity - by CynthiaRose2011

sweetgum - by joyfulnet

Challenge "Thread"

2011-02-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

This challenge was perhaps a bit more difficult -- to create an interesting, well lit and composed macro photo involving the subject "Thread".

We had 11 entries and voters were each allowed to vote for 2 separate entries. Two photos pulled away from the crowd in the voting --

the winner of our challenge with 18 votes from the 20 voters!
"Sparkling Triad" by Carten Saager

the voters' second choice with 8 votes:
"Running Thread" by John Skouros

We had a great turnout for this challenge!
Remember to keep your eye on the details!

Challenge "Pineapple"

2011-01-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Challenge this week was to make a great and interesting shot of pineapple in macro or extremely close-up.

Congratulations to everyone who posted or voted, thanks for playing the game! It's a well known fact that participating in C&C Macro Photography Challenges will make you both smarter and better looking! (so keep up the good work)

Winner of the challenge (11 out of 22 votes):
"Pineapple Soda" by Alexander van den Bosch

Have a great New Year!

Theme: Christmas Decorations

2010-12-19T03:47:00.000-08:00

Congrats to everyone who participated, showing interesting and creative shots.

Here are the winners in no particular order.

glittery ornament by Muffet

ornament by Cayce Lee Photography

the peppermint twist 2 by muffett68

Challenge: "Grain of Rice"

2010-12-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to everyone who posted or voted, thanks for playing the game! It's a well known fact that participating in C&C Macro Photography Challenges will make you both smarter and better looking! (so keep up the good work)

Winner of the challenge (14 votes):
"Falling Arborio" by Carsten Saager:

Second place (9 votes):
"Grain of Rice Macro" by Stevepas68

Theme of the Week: Printed/Imprinted

2010-11-24T07:03:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our winners so this printed/imprinted theme! In no particular order, our three winners and another member with a special mention.

From Stevpas68
Who knew there was a poem in that micro print! Excellent scale shown in this composition by the corner of another bill placed to the bottom right.

From clock doc
A look at the largest view shows a cloth-like texture and raised imprint on this bill. Clever method of obtaining this macro.

From paulscott56
The original size view is not to be missed! (Did you think that the background color is black?)

Special mention:
From sheepthief
This cellphone image of the keypad imprinted with symbols that float is surreal and deserves special mention for artistry.
From sheepthief

Theme of the Week - Macro images of Fur, Hair, Hairy details and Fuzz

2010-11-10T06:24:00.000-08:00

Here are the Winners in no particular order:

Spider1 by Stevekin:

Very Hairy Caterpillar by Zac Declerk:

Milkweed by Louise Peters:

Theme of the week- Electronic(s)

2010-10-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

Here are the winners in no special order.

"CPU Pins" by D P Lynch

"memory - the random access kind" by paulscott56

"Let there be light" by ptr_1275

Theme of the Week: "Details !!"

2010-09-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

Here are the three selected photos from the theme "Details !!" [ended: 2010.09.30] shown in no particular order:

"End of Files" by material guy

"straw balloons?" by Col Cartwright

"Lincoln Penny Detail" by andrejdolenc

I chose these three as the tops for this theme based on photo qualities and for matching the theme. Details are merely parts of the whole -- if you excerpted a whole eye for example, it is still a whole eye unless you have only shown part of it. Each of these was a good puzzle and really needed to be examined to 'get,' but was not unobtainable!

Color, contrast, lighting, tone, focus, movement and that quality, aesthetics, which is part personal choice and part wonderfulness all played a part.

Excellent work everybody, thanks for playing! Be on the lookout for the next theme.

/..

Theme of the Week - Liquid

2010-08-11T14:09:00.001-07:00

I would like to congratulate everyone who submitted to this group Theme.
The images that were submitted are fantastic!
Although it has been said before, it WAS truly very hard to select only three.

The three winners of the Theme of the Week - Liquid are, in no particular order:

Mercury Splat Macro by Stevpas68:

Beyond the Bottle by Chameleon Music:

Brasilllllllllllll by Beto Frota:

Repeating Pattern

2010-07-25T05:22:00.000-07:00

The winners in no particular order are:

From Holger Hill, Sea Urchin

From light thru my lens, Fractal Landscape on Green

From Deirdre McCoskrie, crystaline cobwebs

Theme of the Week - Gems and Jewels

2010-06-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

The winners in no particular order are:

From Ʀαdio Ϛilϵncϵ, Old amber ring

From D P Lynch, dvd diamond

From BlueRidgeKitties, Amethyst

2010-06-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

Here are the three selected photos from the theme "BackLit and 1:1" [ended: 2010.06.14] shown in no particular order:

[Astrea Snail] "3.11.10" by jasonwithers

Beautiful colors, good selective focus and a pretty alien subject have made for a standout photo.

[demon from a fiery, flowery hell] "IMG_0023" by whipartist

This strong composition shows an often seen subject in a strong new light.

"Cliffhanger" by Rémy_ERRA

As cobalt123 pointed out in a comment on the posted image, this image uses bokeh very well to isolate the subject and has excellent composition. Also the colors are beautiful.

If I were allowed a runner up, it would be:
"American Yellow Sac Spider." by xjoncamposx

Beautiful lighting, color and almost perfect focus. The points of light on the leaf holding the spider are a very beautiful example of bokeh. This photo receives a special mention.

2010-06-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

Three winners for "Let it Glow!" (in no particular order):

"Frosty Juniper"

This image shows how the glow in a macro image accentuates attention to detail and focus.
From bonsaikiptb

"Inner Glow"

This image was chosen for the way the glow helps define light and dark contrast in the detail of forms and flower structures.
From BlueRidgeKitties

"Tiny Life."

This image was chosen for the creative use of lighting to make the glow come from below and highlight the details of the snail in a subtle way.
From xjoncamposx

Theme of the Week - Butterflies

2010-05-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Theme Winners! This was a very popular theme - thanks to everyone who participated ! The Winners in no particular order are:

By Walwyn:

By Bob C186:

By GardinerGirl:

Theme of the week Water drops/droplets

2010-04-25T13:49:00.002-07:00

The theme for the week is water drops/droplets.

The winners, in no particular order are:

Refraction Test 1 by jardinedave

Tap Drips at Midnight by Stevpas68

Milk Drops by Dogfish_Magnet (DM)

Theme of the week - Spiral Shells

2010-04-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here are the Spiral Shell Thread Winners, in no particular order :

"Spiral Shell" by Ewald_19:

"Inside Nautilus" by D P Lynch:

"spiral II" by dedalus11:

Theme of the Week - Stamen

2010-03-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Here are this weeks winners in no particular order.....

"Inside a yellow tulip" by Neva in 2010

"Crocus 2" by EVOLJO

"Grevillea Droplets Macro" by Stevpas68

2010-03-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Theme of the Week - SPIDERS !!

Our winners! In no particular order:

"Eyes of Jumping spider - Marpissa radiata" by lukjonis

"Closer" by RadioFreeCalifornia

"Woodlouse Hunter (Dysdera crocata)" by sankax

Excellent work everybody, thanks for playing! Be on the lookout for the next theme.

Theme of the Week - Textiles

2010-03-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

The Theme this Week was Textiles. Thanks to all our members for sharing your macro photos of textiles. The response did not have an many entrants as we had hoped but our three winners are:

From Roshaoar:

From DGWPhotos:
v

From Mike_Foster:

Theme of the Week - Crystals

2010-02-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

The theme this week was Crystals in its many forms -
be they pure, cut, uncut, polished, rough or even in the form of ice.

The three winners (in no particular order):

From Cobalt123:

From Photoholic1:

From Ʀαdio Ϛilϵncϵ's:

Theme of the Week: Repeating Pattern

2007-10-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Any subject, natural or man made, that has a repeating pattern, (no Photoshop trickery please).

The top three in no particular order:

-- from Shari DeAngelo

-- from Zebethyal

-- from dro!d

Theme of the week 12 August 2007: Ornamentation

2007-09-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

From: Franco45

From: bansidhe

From: bansidhe

Theme of the Week: Macro 1:1 or Extreme Macro

2007-09-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

Cobalt123 Says:
Taking a macro or extreme macro beyond a technical feat and into an artistic composition is quite an accomplishment. Please take a moment to congratulate members who posted such fine images in this theme thread. Providing the details of how images were captured is a great gift to many of us wondering just how it was done.

When you take a look at them, be sure to see the large or largest size views, for that is where the true beauty of macro photography can be seen. There are so many wonderful and exciting images entered here and we thank you all for contributing.

Our three winners are:

-- from Daniel E Russell

-- from a bird in the woodstove

From Ginther

Theme of the Week:Backlit

2007-06-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

Back lighting adds a dramatic element to a macro image. Rim lighting will define an edge and separate the subject from the background. Back lighting can be used to show texture or detail in a translucent object that is otherwise hidden.

We had many excellent examples that used these techniques. The top three chosen from this theme are:

-- from Coder

-- from Licya

-- from 'xpressions

11 June Theme: Water Droplets

2007-06-12T22:48:00.000-07:00

One of our new group moderators, N. Oullette, selected this week's theme and the winners.

They are:
Bejeweled by PickyChicky

Dandelion with waterdrops by tanakawho

drops on the flower... by srini_g2003

untitled by OlivemanMC

Good job everyone!

doug_R

4 June Theme of the Week

2007-06-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest joys of this kind of contest is finding "new to you" discoveries of fine photographers on flickr, and this group of members has many delights posted on their streams. Just browse them by clicking on their entries here and you will find glorious images of all variety - recommended heartily!

I've tried and tried to get the winners to just 3, but there are 4 clear winners this week!

Broken by Chux-pix

Shattered Self from amykins1111

Light Bulb Crash from Kyle May

Broken-Keys from I. M. Bitter

28 May 2007 Theme of the Week: Member's Choice

2007-05-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

This week's theme was Member's Choice. As always, selecting winners for this week was very difficult, and made especially so by the diversity of subjects and treatments of both classic and fresh subjects. Here are my selections for this week:

Invasion of the Death Pod by eljoh1

Harlequin Flower Beetle by jciv

Flower-closeup by Falcifer

Orchid Cactus by There and back again

13 May 2007 Theme of the Week: Dandelions

2007-05-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

One of the classic shots that nearly all macro photographers try sooner or later is a Dandelion. This week our members took a crack at this archetypal theme with amazing results.

From debbry531

From: blender

From: dnskct

From: zseike

From: gek-ko

Check out the rest of the amazing images

Theme of the Week: Textiles and Fibers

2007-05-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

The Theme of the Week for Textiles and Fibers started on May 8 had many entries that are inventive and unexpected. Images could include textiles and fibers of any sort and the choice was most difficult. We are proud to announce our three winners here: *esp*, Melisa Taylor and Jenny Leigh.

From *esp*

From Melisa Taylor:
-- from Melisa Taylor - (?)

From Jenny Leigh:

Theme of the Week: Sharp and Sharper

2007-05-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Theme of the Sharp and Sharper. This theme from March 26 brought images of sharp focus photos and sharp objects manmade or natural. Many thanks to all that participated.The top three are: OlivemanMC, Melisa Taylor and ~Bellatrix~.
Link: http://www.flickr.com/groups/closer_and_closer/discuss/72157600029151551/

From OlivemanMC:

From Melisa Taylor:
-- from Melisa Taylor - (?)

From ~Bellatrix~

Theme of the Week:Plastic

2007-05-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

Bright, dull, smooth, textured, as long as it’s made out of plastic.
This week’s theme brought plenty of fantastic colorful images, many thanks to all that participated.

The top three are:

Corny: by OpenCage

Can you see the other side?: by JillerBeanz

Bratz: by Super G

Theme of the Week - Emergence

2007-04-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

Our time of year inspired this week's theme of the week, namely, Emergence. Images of Spring in all its glory in the form of seedlings, buds on trees, emerging blooms, etc.

Thanks to all who participated in this Week's Theme. It was a difficult task to select a winner among so many superb submissions. Congratulations to the winners !

Theme of the Week: Member's Choice

2007-04-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

This week's theme is C&CMP Member's Choice. Any subject is allowed to display artistic, compositional, and technical skills in closeup and macro photography.

Thanks to all who contributed this week; as always, the decision was very difficult and there were many exceptional images. Here are my five selections for this week.

Desert Botanical Gardens 69 by Wile E CJ

Too Close by Shari DeAngelo

Looking away... by **Mary**

Perfect Symmetry by renata_souza_e_souza

496 by Coastal Matt

Theme of the Week: Macros with Masterful Bokeh

2007-04-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

Bokeh is one of those tricky things on which people have a hard time agreeing. Here's the definition from the Wikipedia:

(from the Japanese boke ぼけ, "blur"); a photographic term referring to out-of-focus areas in an image produced by a camera lens. The aesthetic qualities of the bokehs produced by various lenses are open to dispute, but it is generally conceded that an out-of-focus background image can ... reduce distractions and emphasize the primary subject.

Bokeh is a constant issue when dealing with macros and closeups. Controlling it well using depth of field and aperture in closeups and macro images takes care and effort. Really masterful use of bokeh is not accidental at all: It happens when the photographer conciously uses it as a compositional element in the image.

Thanks to all who contributed this week; the decision was very difficult and there were many exceptional images. Here are my three (plus one bonus) selections for this week.

Loop-The-Loop by rivadock4

After the watering (moss group) by tanakawho

Corkscrew by violet021581

limelight by Shari DeAngelo

Theme of the Week:Reflections

2007-04-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

Reflections, Macro Style:

-- from tanakawho

-- from Licya

-- from bethanyll22

Theme of the Week:Rust

2007-03-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

Urbanmom's theme is for rust in it's many forms.

This was a fun theme that resulted in many excellent entries. The top three are:

-- from Fenstar

-- from Rotten Jimmy

-- from jeanet.dk

Theme of the Week - Crystals

2007-02-13T05:33:00.000-08:00

The theme this week was Crystals in its many forms - be they pure, cut, uncut, polished, rough or even in the form of ice.
Up to 4 SMALL sized images were posted and the winners are:

Spacemanpete:

From Cobalt123:

From Rivadock4:

From Bonsaikiptb:

Theme of the Week: Whatizit?

2007-01-29T18:56:00.000-08:00

Many photos in the macro world, taken out of the context of the larger image, are very deceptive. They give no clue about what the thing really is or they look like they are a part of something else completely. This week's theme is for those images!

Untitled from: Rosebud23

Red Abstract from: Red Kitten

Window Ice art (Jack Frost's Crashing waves) from: Artista

Theme of the Week: Holiday Ornaments and Decorations

2007-01-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

This week’s theme in keeping with the time of year is Holiday Ornaments and Decorations. From family keepsakes to store displays and more, we are surrounded by the trimmings and trappings of the season. The abundance of variety, shape and texture makes them a perfect subject for us macro fans.

With the busy holidays this theme ran for two weeks. With that in mind I choose six top picks from the many fantastic entries. They are:

-- from rivadock4

-- from Red_Kitten

-- from VirgoMerry

-- from violet021581

-- from ~K~

-- from carlafinley

Theme of the Week: Toys

2006-12-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

With the arrival of the holidays come the happy smiles of little ones receiving gifts and of adults sitting down eye to eye with kids to play again.

This week's theme celebrates Toys, those frequently miniature versions of the artifacts of adult life.

The winners are:
Clean Your Lens! by SQUIRREL400

Maisto 21 window VW Bus! bymilknosugar

he knows... by capturedbythelight

Happy Holidays to each and every one from the members and admins of the Closer and Closer Macro Photography Group.

Theme of the Week - Water

2006-12-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

The Theme of this Week is Water. This was to be in any form, i.e. spashes, large droplets, flowing water, etc.

The winners are:

From Tanakawho:

From Issi Noho:

From Rufaro:
></a

Best of the Flowers 2006

2006-11-28T22:13:00.000-08:00

The results of the Best of the Flowers 2006 competition have now been selected. The entries in the Best of the Flowers: 2006 were simply beyond amazing: more than 250 closeups of flowers from 6 continents in every vibrant color and exotic shape. The entire collection goes beyond amazing to the simply sublime. Profound congratulations to all entrants. Your contributions show the diversity of floral life in ways both unique and amazing.

Selecting some winners has been a ridiculously difficult problem. Thank you everyone for your comments on your favorites and your patience. Presented below are the final selections.

Please be sure to look at each image in it's largest size to get the full and glorious detail to be found in this amazing look at the flowers of the world.

Nigella by Carol Murry

Water Lily by asyagiv

Hue Blue by nahlinse

Rosée Bleutée by nanafigue

Flower by joserg

Flower by ieatbugs

Happy Valentine's Day!! by Supriya O

Popular Purple Poppy by tandokuno-gurl

Looking Up... by Rettop

Pollen by seanhepburn2006

Stripey by wit

Theme of the Week: Macro on Black

2006-11-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

Theme of the Week: Macro on Black (or so...)

Although some macro lighting purists may consider it poor form to underexpose the background, others use it as tool to further isolate their subject. This week we were looking for macro images where the intent was to meter or light the subject while leaving the background dark. Absolute black was not required, just good separation.

My pick for the top three are:

-- from tanakawho

-- from Rune T

-- from piscochile

Theme of the Week: Magic and Mystery

2006-11-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

This weeks theme Magic and Mystery is by Admin Cobalt 123, and this text is from the opening of the thread: "Have you taken a macro photo that you wanted to be a certain way and then you see the result and it is not at all like you planned? When those moments of magic happen with your close-up and macro shots, your image may be mysterious and emotive..."

Her Picks for the top three are:

-- from Rettop

-- from dedalus11

-- from bonsaikiptb

Theme of the Week: Texture

2006-11-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

This week's theme is Texture.

Photography is perhaps the only one of the arts that can come close to helping us to see what something feels like - and here are the best images of that from the past few week's postings.

This week's theme is based on a thread started by Monica Martins and includes photos from that thread.

My selections for this weeks top three are:

From: bobtravis

From: Asta

From: lottuh1977

Theme of the Week:Autumn

2006-10-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

With Autumn upon us in the Northern hemisphere we take a close look at the Fall season.

Leaves, trees and color of course, but also the fall harvest of fruits and vegetables, insects and animals preparing for the winter, flowers, seasonal decorations, festivals food or drink associated with Autumn and more...

This weeks top three are:

-- from Gertrud K.

-- from bonsaikiptb

-- from photoholic1

Theme of the Week - Primary Colors

2006-10-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

Theme of the Week - Primary Colors

Congratulations to our winners !!!

RED:
From Rosebud23:

BLUE:
From Fabrizio Troiani:

YELLOW:
From Won7ders:

Theme of the week: antique/old/dilapidated/rusted/decayed

2006-09-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

This weeks theme is a members choice from the first thread:

OlivemanMC says:
Rust, anything rusted...

...and...

getthebubbles says:
antique, old, dilapidated, rust, decay

-- from Rettop

-- from Dellis

-- from Farinhiet451

Theme of the Week: Food, Glorious Food!

2006-09-19T05:24:00.000-07:00

All food macros must present food that is prepared for eating and ready to eat, or be far along in it's preparation. Therefore, no images of packaging, whole ingredients (like whole fruit, whole nuts in the shell, beverages that show more of the container than the beverage, baking ingredients before being prepared into the food, whole spices and herbs, etc.)

Congratulations to our 3 winners! They are:

From Eatzycath:

From David de Groot:

From Kaycat:

Theme of the Week:Sharp Focus

2006-09-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

This weeks theme is the flip side to the Selective Focus Theme and we were looking for images that have most if not all of the subject in sharp focus. This theme touched on what may be the toughest aspect of macro photography.

-- from kw33

-- from rcook_isv

-- from Paul Forsdick

Best of the Bugs 2006

2006-09-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Mantid by joserg

It's a Bug Central Weekend here at Closer & Closer Macro Photography Group, with last week's theme of Creepers, Crawlers, Buzzers, Flitters, and Flyers, and the closing of the Best of the Bugs: 2006 thread today.

The entries in the Best of the Bugs: 2006 were simply amazing - every one was just outstanding. Taken as a group, it is a collection like no other I've had the pleasure of seeing. Applause to everyone who participated. Your contributions were amazing.

Needless to say, curating some winners has been just short of impossible. Thank you everyone for your comments on your favorites. In the end, there were just too many awesome ones to restrict it to the original ten images to be posted, so I bent the rules a bit and added a few more. Be sure to look at each image in it's largest size to get the full detail.

up close and... myrmician!? by myrmician

Eastern Pondhawk by J_Gilbert

Caterpillar - Up Close And Personal by mommamia

Yellow Fighter by photofixation

Snail by suika2006

house guest by capturedbythelight

pinselkäfer (trichius fasciatus) by silvia31163

Retrato de cernidora - Hoverfly portrait by piscochile

red spiral by LunaSol

Look at that mouth by Denube

close by SouthernBelladonna

Theme of the Week: Creepers, Crawlers, Buzzers, Flitters, and Flyers

2006-09-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

The theme for the week was : Creepers, Crawlers, Buzzers, Flitters, and Flyers: the legions of bugs, beetles, spiders, insects, and butterflies with whom we share our world.

The members of our fine group are especially fond of our insect friends and there was a trove of spectacular photos.

More so than usual, the decision to pick a final three was not easy. Thanks to everyone who participated. Each and every image is best viewed large. Here are the ones I liked best:

bzz by (nz)Dave

Baby Ladybird Macro by romerojpg

Dragonfly by AlexYoung

Theme of the Week: Fruits & Vegetables

2006-08-29T00:29:00.000-07:00

The theme for the week was Fruits & Vegetables: pictures that illustrate the delightful shapes, colors, and textures of the bountiful harvest provided by our amazing earth.

As always, there were some truly amazing entries in the
contest pool this week. Also as always, the decision to pick a final three was not easy. Thanks to everyone who participated. Here are the ones I liked best:

Red Cabbage by Supriya O:

Sweet Temptation by Natascha2006:

Police Hunt Vegetable Stalker by Paul Forsdick

Theme of the Week: Texture

2006-08-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

This week's theme was TextureI fuzzy, furry, spiny, rough, soft, slick and shiny, and all things in between. These are photos that you just want to reach out and touch.

There were some really excellent entries in the
contest pool this week and the decision was extremely difficult. My favorites were:

Red Bell Pepper #3 by myhey

Red Coral by lindlu

July 8th by spookygonk

Theme of the Week: Black and White

2006-08-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

This week's theme is a bit more challenging: entries could include any subject but the images had to be in black and white, sepia, duotones, or other monochromatic treatments.

We had many outstanding entries by many talented photographers, so it was a very difficult decision to pick only three images to post here.

Without further ado ... here they are:

Nigella by carolvt

Black and White Daisy by Vanda's Pictures

Starkness by lindylu

Theme of the Week: Magical and Manmade Macros

2006-08-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

This theme is open to much variety, but the main element(s) is manmade.

Spigot

From: Ride n' Fast &Take n' Chances

Velcro Detail

From: Skink74

Dancing one last dance like Voltaire

From: Rosebud23

Theme of the Week "Butterflies"

2006-07-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

This weeks Members Choice theme was suggested by Chrisser who made the following choices for the Blog:

-- from NorthLight

-- from Gertrud K.

-- from pudaniel

Down in the sunflower

2006-07-20T19:59:00.001-07:00

Down in the sunflower, originally uploaded by catmadogma.

Theme of the Week... Camouflage

arrowhead crab

2006-07-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

arrowhead crab, originally uploaded by tfaye.

Theme of the Week... Camouflage

Jumping Spider

2006-07-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Jumping Spider, originally uploaded by Ride n' Fast &Take n' Chances.

Theme of the Week... Camouflage

OverUnder

2006-07-04T19:12:00.001-07:00

OverUnder, originally uploaded by Dale (Ling Gondaeng).

Theme of the Week: Selective Focus

Hello Bug!

2006-07-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Bug!, originally uploaded by PuffinArt.

Theme of the Week: Selective Focus

Rose leaf after rain

2006-07-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Rose leaf after rain, originally uploaded by yadavop.

Theme of the Week: Selective Focus

The of the Week: Hair, Fur and Fringes (Nature)

2006-06-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

The theme of the week is Hair, Fur and Fringes (Nature). The macro shots will be showing little tiny hairs, close views of hair or fur, or even the fringes found on plants, grasses, and trees. Images can be of flora, fauna, or other tiny haired details of nature, but the main subject of the photo should be small details.

Our three winners: the first is a "classic" macro image, the next is pure art in composition, and the final shows a "twofer" with tiny hairs on the plant and the insect. Congratulations to these folks, and many thanks to all who have participated.

Here are my favorite three selections from entries in the Fat Colors Theme of the Week pool submitted by the Closer and Closer Macro Photography Group on Flickr

-- from curiouskiwi (Brenda)

-- from lindylu

-- from Buttersweet

Congratulations to this week's winners!

Theme of the Week: Fat Colors

2006-06-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

This week's theme is Fat Colors. Saturated, bright, gloriously intense colors. The ones that are right out of your first box of 8 crayons and that drip straight from the tube of paint. The ones that make your socks roll up and down and that you can almost *taste*.

Here are my favorite three selections from entries in the Fat Colors Theme of the Week pool submitted by the Closer and Closer Macro Photography Group on Flickr

From: Natascha2005

From: Mr. Greenjeans

From: Blue Adept

Congratulations to this week's winners!

Theme of the Week - Greenery

2006-06-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Theme of the Week - Greenery Winners:

By Rosebud23

By Shari DeAngelo

By B.Wilson

knock, knock, knock

2006-05-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

knock, knock, knock, originally uploaded by xenonb..

Theme "Things found on the outside of your house"

Theme of the Week... single color: Petalscape

2006-05-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

Petalscape, originally uploaded by lindylu.

Theme of the Week... single color: Blaue Adern -- nerved blue

2006-05-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

Blaue Adern -- nerved blue, originally uploaded by xenonb..

fennel2

2006-05-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

fennel2, originally uploaded by dnzwoman.

Theme of the Week ... Toys - valentine girl

2006-05-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

valentine girl, originally uploaded by Wild*Dreams.

Theme of the Week ... Toys - Wild Thing

2006-05-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

Wild Thing, originally uploaded by Melisa Taylor.

Purple Passion 3

2006-05-01T20:45:00.001-07:00

Purple Passion 3, originally uploaded by Melisa Taylor.

Theme of the Week, Flowers...Close Encounters

please, bare your heart

2006-05-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

please, bare your heart, originally uploaded by xenonb..

Theme of the Week, Flowers...Close Encounters

a star inside the daylily

2006-05-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

a star inside the daylily, originally uploaded by curiouskiwi.

Theme of the Week, Flowers...Close Encounters

Theme of the Week .... Glas - Gold plate 2

2006-04-25T07:40:00.002-07:00

Gold plate 2, originally uploaded by Astrid Claessen.

Theme of the Week .... Glas - underwater petals

2006-04-25T07:40:00.001-07:00

underwater petals, originally uploaded by Wild*Dreams.

Theme of the Week .... Glas - picture drop

2006-04-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

picture drop, originally uploaded by shacky.

Theme of the Week - Leaves

2006-04-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

From Wild*Dreams:

From Wild*Dreams:

From PeterKvG:

Not Found in Nature Theme / nails

2006-04-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

nails, originally uploaded by leecullivan.

Blue & Brush

2006-04-03T19:43:00.001-07:00

Blue & Brush, originally uploaded by doozzle.

.

2006-04-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

., originally uploaded by Gertrud K..

florescence

2006-03-27T10:53:00.000-08:00

florescence, originally uploaded by xenonb..

Signs of Summer - Cherries

2006-03-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

Signs of Summer - Cherries, originally uploaded by steph.A.

Poised

2006-03-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

Poised, originally uploaded by lindylu.

Face - (EYE)3

2006-03-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

(EYE)3, originally uploaded by bcmphoto.

Pineapple

2006-03-12T16:27:00.001-08:00

Pineapple, originally uploaded by Fauldsb.

Number 6 - Wooly Bully

2006-03-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

Number 6 - Wooly Bully, originally uploaded by Mr. Greenjeans.

bass

2006-03-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

bass, originally uploaded by :: jesse.

PINK - a hint of pink

2006-02-19T06:19:00.000-08:00

a hint of pink, originally uploaded by lindylu.

PINK - For My Valentine

2006-02-19T06:18:00.000-08:00

For My Valentine, originally uploaded by Brian Sawyer.

PINK - heart

2006-02-19T06:14:00.000-08:00

heart, originally uploaded by sidesh0wb0b.