Using a Magnifying Glass as a Macro Lens

"Perfection's Reflection"

It's fun to look at the world around us in a different light! I used to walk right on by and even step on incredible works of art. Two authors have inspired me to experiment with my camera.
Wilson A. Bentley (a.k.a. "Snowflake Bentley") was the first. He experimented back in the late 1800's and actually figured out how to attach a microscope to his camera and get breathtaking photos of snowflakes. He published over 2400 of his snowflake images in his book, Snow Crystals.
Kenneth Libbrecht is the other author who in his book, Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes, suggests looking at snowflakes with a magnifying lens (page 102).
I decided to go one step further and put the magnifying glass I had in the house up to the lens of my inexpensive digital camera. My camera is a Fujifilm FinePix (2.0 mega pixels) and has a close-up feature. I set the camera for close-up, zoom in all the way and then put the camera lens up to the magnifying glass. I move the camera around until it looks focused and then take quite a few shots until I get one that I really like.
Taking close-up (macro) photos reveals the indescribable and often overlooked masterpieces of design found in creation. It's great to share these treasures with others!


"Twinned Crystal" (12-Sided Snowflake)



"First Sight"


"Traverse"