A macro photo of a Senetti blue and white flower with water droplets.

Spring is one of the most magical times of the year — a season when the world seems to come alive before our very eyes. Yet, there’s an entire universe of beauty happening just beyond what we usually notice. Tiny wonders, hidden in plain sight, are bursting into life: plants are flowering, wildlife is pairing up to raise their young, and intricate patterns are weaving their way across the landscape.

One of the best ways to explore this unseen world is through macro photography. Macro invites us to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the minute details that often escape our attention. And guess what? You don’t have to venture far to find incredible subjects — your own back garden is teeming with possibilities!

Recently, I decided to ditch the usual scenic trails and instead head into my garden to see what I could find. The experience was a reminder that beauty is everywhere if we take the time to look. Dandelions ready to scatter their seeds, delicate apple and cherry blossoms, colourful garden flowers, busy bees collecting pollen, and spider webs glistening with morning dew — each offered a new opportunity to practice and capture the stunning details of nature.

For my adventures, I love using the Canon 100mm Macro lens — it’s an absolute workhorse for capturing crisp, detailed shots. Other fantastic options include the Canon MP-E 65mm and the Sigma 180mm f/2.8 APO Macro DG HSM. But honestly, don’t worry if you don't own a dedicated camera. The camera on your smartphone is more than enough to get you started. The most important thing is to just get out there, enjoy the sunshine, and start seeing the world differently.

Macro photography teaches patience, sharpens your eye, and brings a sense of wonder back to even the most familiar places. Every spider stirring from its winter sleep, every tiny flower bud opening to the world, is a chance to hone your skills.

So get off the couch, grab your camera (or phone!), and start exploring! The more you practice, the better you'll get. And trust me — once you start looking closer, you’ll never see your back garden the same way again.

Snowdrops at Amwell Nature Reserve.

Hidden among frosted greens, this delicate snipe brings winter’s quiet beauty to life. A moment of stillness, perfectly captured to remind us of nature’s intricate charm and resilience. Discover more wonders like this at Nature Excites

A bright robin perched on a frosty branch, its fiery chest bringing warmth to a cold winter’s day. This delicate moment of nature’s charm reminds us of the beauty in stillness. Explore more seasonal wonders at Nature Excites.