All photos by me - @condra

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### Although primarily interested in portraits, fashion and beauty, I wanted to show some examples of my macro photography. I find macro photography very relaxing and only ever shoot macro alone. I'm fortunate in that I live near many nurseries and garden centres, and my parents are both gardening fanatics. 


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Frond of a Fern. I love how ferns unravel as they grow. I hope to do a time-lapse of this process some time. 

https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/03/frond8860b.png

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This was a flowering Aloe plant. Succulents often produce very beautiful, but tiny flowers. Aloe plants are famous for their medicinal properties. 

https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/03/succulent66a51.png

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Dahlia "Ferndale". Once a year in my local botanical gardens, there is a Dahlia festival. They're one of my favourite flowers.

https://img1.steemit.com/0x0/http://www.vstreview.com/dalia.png

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Pink Dahlia Fermain

https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/03/fermain3e539.png

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White Dahlia Fermain

https://img1.steemit.com/0x0/http://www.vstreview.com/dalia2.png

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This is the flower from Tibouchina, otherwise known as the Purple Glory Tree. They are one of the most beautiful flowers in South America and I was delighted to have the opportunity to take photos of this specimen when visiting the botanical gardens in Dublin, Ireland.

https://img1.steemit.com/0x0/http://www.vstreview.com/purple.png

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I discovered these aphids scurrying towards the middle of this beautiful pink Chinese Rhododendron flower.

https://img1.steemit.com/0x0/https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/07/31/j692fa.png

Some of the aphids are the same hue as the flower. I wonder if the pigment from the flower has changed their appearance or if it's an evolved defence adaption. From a glance at this picture you might assume the stamen are shiny and reflective, but closer inspection reveals the white detail is the sticky pollen these rhododendrons produce in great quantity.

To the naked eye the aphids would hardly be noticeable, but that's what makes macro so exciting. I love discovering whole new levels of detail for the first time. 

https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/03/rodceb8f.png
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Thanks for looking!
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All photos were shot using a Nikon d750 and 105mm Macro VR lens. 
If you have any questions about kit or technique, please ask below.

If anyone finds these on Shutterstock - Yep, that's me. - "samplestars". I have RAW files for all of these photos. :) Your vigilance is however appreciated.