Macro photography, or macrography refers to making very large photographs, generally of smaller subjects; magnifying and making them appear greater than life size. Often a specific part of the subject is the primary focus enabling a real enhancement of the details which otherwise may be missed in an ordinary photograph.

Themes that often are the common focus of these photos are flowers and insects giving the effect that they are ‘larger than life’, which often has the juxtaposed output that is both beautiful as well as often being quite disconcerting. Small details such as texture becomes more apparent in this style of photography and really allows to gain an insight into the true form of the subject, which is otherwise inconspicuous to the naked eye.

Often with macro-photography the detailing is so intricate that it can often be confused with an optical illusion, not knowing what the whole subject is. Something as simple as drop of water or a lizard’s eye has its impact changed completely when shot in extreme close-up.

We’ve put together a gallery of some of our favourite, most beautiful and captivating macro photos in a gallery here.