I am curious about scoring guidelines for Macro photography specifically. The guidelines say that the “subject” needs to be in focus, with a little falloff on the edges being acceptable. My question is, how “artistic” can a macro photo be? Does it need to have a concrete/single focus–for example all the stamen focused photos–or is it okay to have a softer focus and a more artistic look, as long as it is a close up?
Welcome! Excellent question about macro photography. @Pam Powers, can you provide insight?
Thank you for the question,
The premise behind macro photography is to take something very small or detailed, and to make it life size. With that , you want focus.
A softer focus or a more artistic look can compete, but the exhibitor may decide that the same photo will fare better in an abstract category. If you provide your e-mail ( the pdf file would not upload here), I will send you a wonderful article from Master level photographer and judge Rich Baer, who has earned many macro photos awards and provides examples that speak to your question. My best, Pam
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Is there a way to contact you privately with my email?
e-mail: americanrosephoto@yahoo.com
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