Heinz Erich Zappel about Creative Macro Photography

What is creative macro pho­to­gra­phy? And what’s so fun about it? We talked to SEACAM Pro Heinz-Erich Zappel about his work in the field of creative macro pho­to­gra­phy, his favorite tools and motives – and, of course, about the chal­lenges you face when working with these creative tools.

How did you find your way to creative macro pho­to­gra­phy and how long have you been into that kind of work?

I remember very well: Three years ago, I was in Bali. And I had a guide working with light, lamps and different back­grounds in a totally creative and new way. I found it so fasci­na­ting that I also wanted to try out new tech­ni­ques and expe­ri­ment with that kind of pho­to­gra­phy – also here at our local dive spots in Germany.

What’s special for you about creative macro photography?

For me, these tech­ni­ques are special because they offer the pos­si­bi­li­ty to create extra­or­di­na­ry images and com­po­si­ti­ons out of simple scenes. The interplay of creative back­grounds, exciting per­spec­ti­ves and small props open up a whole new world of pho­to­gra­phy. I find the use of light, shadows and color gradients espe­ci­al­ly fasci­na­ting. With the help of snoots and small lamps, you can present simple motives in a totally sur­pri­sing way – creative and often also pretty unusual. This type of work is not for everyone, I have to say. In the end, it’s a question of personal taste and inter­pre­ta­ti­on. It’s important that the images turn out well and speak to people’s emotions – the viewer and the photographer.

Which tools do you like working with and what’s not so fun to work with? Why?

I try to arrange my camera setup in the most ergonomic and well-balanced way – which is why I love working with floats. Another tool that I wouldn’t want to muss is the SEACAM Flip System. It helps me to work fast and flexible under water and opens up new play­grounds for me. Also the SEACAM Snoots and the new Creative Tube are high­lights for me. To me, there isn’t neces­s­a­ri­ly a tool I don’t like – I keep expe­ri­men­ting until I find a way to work with it.

What is your way to go when shooting with special creative tools?

I try and test it as long as I need to – until I get a satis­fy­ing results. If it doesn’t work imme­dia­te­ly, I take it outside of the water and take time with it until ever­y­thing works. I sometimes discover deco­ra­tio­nal or crafty items in stores that I take with me. Then, it’s time to try, combine and expe­ri­ment – as long as it takes to get a nice effect. Sometimes it works, sometimes I need more time. But that is exactly what I enjoy: just do it, stay curious and try new things.

What’s your favorite motive?

Good questions…there are so many fasci­na­ting subjects and life forms – all of them special in their own way. However, I am a big advocate for showing the fasci­na­ti­on of fresh water pho­to­gra­phy, a field that is close to my heart. Our home waters are full of pho­to­gra­phic oppor­tu­ni­ties! That’s why I also want to promote that on Social Media and raise awareness for the beauty of fresh water photography.

Can you advise newcomers when starting off in creative pho­to­gra­phy? What’s the best way to start?

What really is creative macro pho­to­gra­phy? For some, it might mean playing with aperture and getting a nice, natural bokeh. Others find crea­ti­vi­ty in the use of helpful tools such as flip adapters or floats – that too is a form of creative work. Crea­ti­vi­ty has many faces. Be it bokeh, snoot, lamp, colorful backdrops or exciting effects – anything goes. My tip: Don’t let yourself get dis­cou­ra­ged. Try things out, book a workshop and never forget to have fun.

Heinz Erich Zappel is a SEACAM Pro­fes­sio­nal, Workshop leader and pas­sio­na­te fresh water pho­to­grapher. He lives and works in Germany. Online you’ll find him in his “Makro Geht Immer” Facebook Community.