Use of 60mm vs. 105mm macro lenses in underwater macro photography

Up to now, I shot all my underwater macro photography with a 105mm macro lens and eventually an external close up lens. This week I got a 60mm macro lens and I am curious what this will add to my underwater macro work.

When it comes to underwater macro photography, the choice of lens is crucial. Two popular options are the 60mm and 105mm macro lenses. While both have their benefits, they have different uses and purposes. In this article, we will delve into the differences between these two lenses and how they can enhance your underwater macro photography.

Focal Length

The most significant difference between the 60mm and 105mm macro lenses is their focal length. The 60mm lens has a shorter focal length, making it ideal for shooting smaller subjects or those that require close-up shots. On the other hand, the 105mm lens has a longer focal length, which is useful for capturing subjects that are further away or larger.

Working Distance
Another difference between the two lenses is the working distance. The working distance is the distance between the lens and the subject when the lens is focused on it. The 105mm lens has a longer working distance than the 60mm lens. This makes it easier to capture subjects that are more skittish or likely to move away when approached. The longer working distance also means that the 105mm lens can be used to capture subjects that are more dangerous or venomous.

Depth of Field
Depth of field refers to the range of distance in an image that appears sharp and in focus. The depth of field is affected by several factors, including the aperture setting and the distance between the lens and the subject. The 105mm lens has a shallower depth of field than the 60mm lens. This can be beneficial when you want to isolate a specific part of the subject or when you want to create a shallow depth of field effect.

Size and Weight
The size and weight of the lenses are also important factors to consider. The 60mm lens is generally smaller and lighter than the 105mm lens. This makes it easier to handle and maneuver, especially when shooting in tight spaces or underwater. The smaller size also makes it more convenient to travel with, as it takes up less space and adds less weight to your gear.

Price
Finally, the price is another factor to consider. The 60mm lens is generally less expensive than the 105mm lens. This makes it a more accessible option for photographers who are just starting with underwater macro photography or those who have a tighter budget.

In conclusion, both the 60mm and 105mm macro lenses have their advantages and disadvantages. The 60mm lens is more suitable for shooting smaller subjects or those that require close-up shots, while the 105mm lens is better for capturing larger or more distant subjects. The working distance, depth of field, size, weight, and price are all factors that you should consider when deciding which lens to use. Ultimately, the best lens for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a photographer.

Valentine's Day Story of Two Pygmy Seahorses in Love

Sirena and Marlin - two young pygmy seahorses - will spend Valentine's Day much like any other day, surrounded by the beauty of the coral reef and each other's love. However, they will celebrate their love in their own special way.

In the morning, they will start their day with a swim in the warm Pacific Ocean, stopping to admire the various sea creatures and the stunning coral formations. As the sun rises higher in the sky, they will return to their home in the red gorgonia coral to have a special breakfast together.

In the afternoon, Sirena and Marlin will take a leisurely swim and explore the reef, perhaps even discovering a new part of their underwater world. As the sun sets, they will return to their home and have a romantic candlelit dinner together.

As the night falls, they will cuddle up close in the safety of the red gorgonia coral, watching the stars twinkle above and listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean.

Valentine's Day may be just one day, but for Sirena and Marlin, every day is a celebration of their love and devotion to each other.

The end.

Get the fine art print (limited edition) of Sirena and Marlin's love for your wall with a special valentine's discount (discount code, applied at checkout: VALENTINE-PYGMY) applied at checkout.

The Beauty of Angkor Temples in Black and White Mosaic

The Angkor temples, located in Cambodia, are some of the most breathtaking architectural wonders of the world. These ancient ruins, built between the 9th and 15th centuries, have captured the hearts of many with their intricate designs and rich history. Now, a new way to appreciate the beauty of these temples has emerged: a mosaic of 12 black and white photographs.

The black and white aesthetic gives these photographs a unique, yet authentic impression of the ambiance of the ancient temple ruins. By stripping away the color, the focus is solely on the details and patterns of the temple's architecture. The intricate carvings, doorways, and archways are highlighted in a way that is both striking and mesmerizing. The black and white palette also adds a touch of sophistication, making the mosaic a versatile piece of wall art that will complement any decor style.

Each of the 12 photographs was carefully selected to showcase different aspects of the Angkor temples. From the towering spires of Angkor Wat to the intricate carvings at Bayon Temple, each photograph offers a glimpse into the rich history and breathtaking beauty of these ancient ruins. The photographs are arranged in a mosaic pattern, with each image seamlessly blending into the next. The result is a cohesive and visually stunning piece of art that is sure to captivate anyone who sees it.

Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, this mosaic is sure to impress. Its versatility and unique style make it a perfect addition to any home or office space. Whether it's displayed in a living room, bedroom, or office, this mosaic is sure to become a conversation piece that will draw admiration from all who see it.

In conclusion, the mosaic of 12 black and white photographs of Angkor temples is a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their home or office decor. The black and white aesthetic adds a unique and timeless quality to these already stunning photographs, and the mosaic pattern showcases the beauty of these ancient ruins in a way that is both visually stunning and captivating. So why wait? Get your own mosaic of Angkor temples today and experience the beauty for yourself!

   

   

Pygmy In Love

Once upon a time, in the vibrant waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, there lived two young pygmy seahorses, named Sirena and Marlin. They lived in the heart of a beautiful red gorgonia coral, swaying with the gentle currents of the ocean.

Sirena and Marlin had known each other since they were just babies and as they grew older, they found themselves drawn to each other. They would spend their days swimming and exploring the coral reef together, and their nights cuddled up in the safety of the red gorgonia.

But their love was not meant to be easy, for there was a fierce storm brewing in the ocean. The powerful currents threatened to tear apart their home and separate them forever. But Sirena and Marlin refused to let their love be destroyed. They fought against the storm with all their might, using their tiny fins to guide their home to safety.

Through their determination and love, they were able to save the red gorgonia coral home and their love was stronger than ever.

As a symbol of their love and devotion, they changed their colors to match the vibrant red of the gorgonia coral, becoming known as the "red seahorses of love" among the sea creatures. They lived happily in the coral reef for many years, and their love story became a legend among the ocean dwellers.

One day, a group of divers stumbled upon their home and were awestruck by the sight of the two seahorses, their matching red colors and the tale of their love and bravery. They shared the story with the world, and Sirena and Marlin's love became an inspiration to all.

Sirena and Marlin's love for each other was as enduring as the ocean itself, and their story would be told for generations to come.

The end.

Get the fine art print of Sirena and Marlin's love for your wall with a special discount (discount code: PYGMY) applied at checkout.

Introducting the Andreas R. Müller - Photography Fine Art Prints Webshop

We are excited to announce the launch of the Andreas R. Mueller - Photography Webshop! Our shop is an online sales channel of a fine art photography gallery, offering a wide range of beautiful fine art prints that are perfect for any home or office space.

Our collection of photographs are captured by the skilled eye of Andreas R. Mueller, a talented photographer with a passion for capturing the natural beauty of the world. He specializes in Underwater, Nature and Travel photography and showcases the stunning colors and biodiversity of tropical coral reefs, serene landscapes, and unique cultures and people from around the world. From vibrant schools of fish to delicate sea anemones, or scenic captures of day to day life, these prints are sure to bring a touch of the natural beauty and wonder into any room.

All of our prints are produced using the highest quality materials using premium state of the art printing technology, ensuring that they will stand the test of time. They are printed on premium photo paper behind acrylic glass, giving them a sleek and modern look that is ready to be mounted on your wall. This not only adds to the durability of the prints but also gives them a unique, elegant, and brilliant look.

We hope that you will take the time to browse our collection and find the perfect print for your home. Whether you're looking for a statement piece for your living room or a smaller print for your office, we have something for everyone.

Thank you for considering Andreas R. Mueller - Photography for your fine art print needs. We are glad to offer you the opportunity to purchase these beautiful prints from the comfort of your home. We look forward to helping you find the perfect print to enhance your space.

Wall Art - Tiles Photography

 

Ever thought of having a creative and versatile wall art decoration?

Photography arranged in tiles. A creative way of composing stylish ensembles of photographs. Flexible to the max. Adaptable to your needs and decorative situation.

The ideal way to showcase a thematic series of fine art photographs. A way of transporting the different facets and characteristics of a subject, a scenery, or some memories of travel destinations. - Be it in black and white or in color. 

Check out the Angkor Series - 12 different captures of sculptures in the archeological sites of Angkor, Siem Reap in Cambodia. Some historical witnesses of a past culture carved in stone. Ornaments, sculptures, and pieces of ancient Hindu and Buddhist art.

Or the underwater series - 12 different underwater photographs with reef sceneries from the Maldives, and pelagic animals from Socorro Islands in Mexico.

Unique captures in square format that can be arranged in a custom way on the wall.

The manufacturer of the framed photographs here is using a special concept with an adhesive material in order to fix the frames on the wall. A material allowing to hang the frames without having to screw or nail anything - hence, no damage to your beautiful walls. A material allowing to place and replace images as you go, providing the required flexibility to follow your creative needs.

As third showcase - the Costa Rica series - 12 photographs from the nature of Costa Rica in Central America. 

The series brings some relaxing, calm, and fresh atmosphere of the ever green landscapes of Costa Rica to your home.

Details in close ups from animals captured in their natural habitat. The series brings the unique experience of hiking rain and cloud forests and observing the untouched nature and wildlife.

If this got you inspired and interested - learn more about orders at www.andreasrmueller.com

Iconic Mountains - The Matterhorn

The first work week of the year 2021 has passed. And the current COVID pandemic is controlling many aspects of our lives around the globe.

While searching for an iconic image of the Matterhorn - Mount Cervin in Zermatt - for a wall picture of a friend of mine I was working on my Matterhorn collection.

Some years ago I spent time in Zermatt on several occasions taking pictures of that iconic mountain. We were setting up at the top. Taking pictures both digital as well as on film using my forty years old Hasselblad 500 c/m camera. - An Iconic mountain requires it's picture taken by an iconic camera ;-)

Gornergrat at an altitude of more than 3'100 m.a.s.l. is one of the best spots to take pictures of that impressive mountain rim. 

At this altitude the air starts getting thin and breathing gets challenging with physical efforts. The comfort of being brought up there by cable car in some thirty minutes does not really help in this.

Surrounded by several peaks all higher than 4'000 m.a.s.l. one can feel the power of nature and spirit of earth.

But there is one peak which could not be more prominent. - The Matterhorn - Mount Cervin. That iconic triangular shape towering above all other peaks leaves a massive impression.

There is no doubt that this natural landmark is the biggest asset of the area. Be it for millions of tourists, for pictures, and for all the mountaineers who conquered that mountain.

Unfortunately with the restrictions of the current pandemic tourism is a bit lower and does not pay off that well. Hence, images might be an alternative to serve the longing for mountains.

Probably billions of pictures of that magical mountain have been taken over the years. And many people have a picture a picture decorating the wall in their house or appartement. And nature with ever new weather conditions makes every picture special.

Hence, it can well be understood that the search for new images never ends. And, that iconic pictures of Matterhorn remain attractive to the audience.

Thomas Crauwels - Fine Alpine Photography

While searching the internet for Matterhorn imagery I came across an incredibly impressive portfolio of iconic mountain images by Thomas Crauwels.

Thomas offers his images printed and framed, ready to be placed on a wall as a masterpiece.

And it's not only the Matterhorn which he captured in unprecedented and spectacular manner. He is documenting mountain sceneries of the entire Swiss alps.

I can only recommend to have a look at this exceptional portfolio.

Find the portfolio at link.

Creative Photography Techniques - Bottled Finnish Landscapes

Bottled Finnish Landscapes by Christoffer Relander: interesting and surrealistic pieces of art captured on film.

Read the article at thisiscolossal.com for detailed explanations and further examples. link

This effect is achieved by using double exposure technique.
The first shot is an exposure of the glass in front of an illuminated white background. Light is set up in a way that the glass area turns out underexposed or almost perfectly black while the illuminated background area is completely overexposed or burnt out.
In order to give the glass some plasticity and three dimensional look there need to be some reflections on the glass and shadows on the base ground.

The second exposure is in nature capturing a beautiful landscape and exposing the non or underexposed area of the glass. This second step implants the landscape into the glass.

The effect is gorgeous.

I am wondering if this can be done on digital too.
Technically there should be no issue. So, let's go out and try it.









Watch the documentary on how it is done:

Influential Photographers - Helmut Newton

Helmut Newton (1920 - 2004) was a German-Australian photographer. He was interested in photography early on. At age of 12 he bought his first camera. His most famous work was in fashion photography.

Some of his work can be experienced at the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin.

In 1980 Newton released a series of images "Big Nudes" which are a cornerstone of erotic fine art photography in photography history.

For a collection of Helmut Newton Photographs visit: link

Influential Photographers - Peter Lik

Australian self-taught photographer Peter Lik is one of the most successful contemporary landscape photographers. - According to his website lik.com Peter Lik's comment about his most favourite image is: "I haven't taken it yet."

Peter is running a series of galleries around the US and Australia showcasing his landscape images.

One of the most famous pictures of Peter Lik is the image "Phantom" taken in Arizona's Antelope canyon which has been sold at US$6.5 Million. This is the most expensive photograph ever sold.

The picture in black and white has been bought by a private collector who acquired some other of Peter's images at exceptional price.

The Antelope canyon picture taken by Peter Lik has been the starting point for thousands of photographers hunting exceptional light conditions in this spectacular geological formation. An internet search yields an endless number of great images taken in the very same spot.


Another of his iconic images is "Inner Piece" a beautiful back lit tree captured in Oregon.

For more inspirational pictures check out the image collection on Peter Lik's website.

Landscape Photographer Ben Horne

Landscape photographer Ben Horne talking about how he took some of his most impressive landscape photographs. Ben Horne is mastering large format photography.

Elemental Imaging

Recently I bumped while searching for images of vintage Super 8 motion picture film cameras into the size of Elemental Imaging.

There is not much information around the people behind this site, except the location being Boulder, Colorado in the USA.

The site is around photographs showcasing old stuff. Stuff such as mechanical details, junk, cars, trucks, typing machines, airplanes, ...

An interesting concept offering a resource of vintage subjects captured in digital.

Entering film photography

A recent blog post by David Hayek on http://theodysseyonline.com is dealing with the question "Why You Should Seriously Try Film Photography?".

"But film photography is different. It's careful, thoughtful, and genuine; not rushed, mindless, or fake."

Hayek elaborates on the key characteristics of film photography:

- Film photography requires time and attention

- That photo is something you saw, something you decided exactly when to capture, and something you carefully created all on your own.

It is an art driven by understanding of capturing light, understanding of exposure, understanding of image composition, and understanding of the photographic film development process.
It is about true craftsmanship.

Nevertheless, modern digital photography gives many more possibility to the ambitious photographer. Going through the school of film photography handcraft gives the digital photographer the skills to invest time and energy on the parts of the photographic process adding the most value to the quality of a final image through being more determined on that one excellent and not only good image.