Last summer, I added a macro lens to my kit. I was quite excited to experiment with this new creative tool, and I've thoroughly enjoyed making all sorts of photographs with it, from hummingbird wings to wedding details. It wasn't until last week that it clicked just why I enjoy shooting with it so much.

A light spring rain had just fallen, and a bit before twilight, I decided to unwind by making photos of the magnolia tree in our front yard. The raindrops clung to the velvety petals. It was lovely. 

After composing and shooting about a dozen frames, I realized these super close-up shots capture the way I see the world in a specific way that my usual go-to lenses don't. I'm a very detail-oriented person. I relish the tiny things most folks overlook. Macro lenses enable me to marvel over the beauty in the smallest of details.

Magnolia BlossomMagnolia blossoms after a spring rain. April, 2017. Magnolia BlossomMagnolia blossoms after a spring rain. April, 2017. Magnolia BlossomMagnolia blossoms after a spring rain. April, 2017. Magnolia BlossomMagnolia blossoms after a spring rain. April, 2017.