P#19: A Macro Shot of a Red Maple Leaf
Jim Zuckerman explains the stunning contrast and texture in this close-up shot of a red maple leaf
How do you get such a perfect picture of a red maple leaf? How does one come across such an amazing shot? Jim Zuckerman let us in on the secret during his 7 Photography Questions interview.
Making Magic Happen
Jim Zuckerman: The next photograph is a detail shot of a red maple leaf on a fern that's turning colors. Did I put that leaf there? Yes I did.
Sometimes leaves will fall naturally in a compositionally pleasing arrangement and sometimes they don't. I put it there to make a perfect picture. This is an example of the detail that you can get if you create a shot rather than wait for one to magically happen. (click the image for a larger version)
Audri Lanford: What kind of lens did you use for this?
Jim Zuckerman: I shot this when I was shooting medium format film, so it was with a 110mm lens which is the equivalent of a 50mm in 35 talk.
In Summary
So is it cheating to move things around to make your shot happen? Absolutely not. It's about working with what you have and creating compositions that capture the eye and take the breath away. That's exactly what Jim did with this beautiful shot of a red maple leaf.
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