Each morning, gardens around the globe awaken adorned with countless tiny glass-like structures. These delicate formations appear overnight, gleaming in the early light, and disappear as the sun warms the surroundings. While many people may overlook these wonders, some dedicated photographers make it their goal to capture them, often crouching in wet grass at dawn. The following images come from 35AWARDS, an international photography contest that began in 2015 by the founders of the online community 35photo.pro. The competition is open to both amateurs and professionals, and one recent event attracted more than 123,000 photographers from 173 different countries.
These close-up photographs highlight unique subjects, such as dragonflies covered in morning dew, a ladybug amid shining droplets, fluffy seed heads glowing at sunset, and petals that appear to contain entire landscapes.
To photograph such small subjects requires patience, often more than just high-end equipment. A specialized 1:1 macro lens is beneficial, but extension tubes or close-up filters can also provide impressive results at a lower cost. Early mornings are ideal for this type of photography because the dew is fresh, the light is gentle, and the air is still—important factors since even a slight breeze can affect the shot. Many photographers position their cameras at the level of the droplets, using tripods and remote shutter releases. A moderate aperture, typically between f/2.8 and f/5.6, helps to create a soft, dreamy background. For stationary subjects, focus stacking can be used to merge several images taken at different focus points, ensuring that every sparkling detail is clear.
Lighting plays a crucial role in these images. Soft, diffused sunlight enhances the sparkle while avoiding harsh glare, while backlighting can transform an ordinary background into a vibrant wash of color. On darker days, a small LED light or a diffused flash can be helpful, but excessive light can wash out delicate highlights. Composition is equally important; a clean frame with a single focal point and a slightly unexpected angle can elevate a simple image of water droplets into something truly frame-worthy.
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Source: Bored Panda, by Eglė Tenikytė