Recently, I had the chance to test out my new Laowa probe lens for tide pool photography, and wow—I was completely blown away! I’ve explored tide pools before, but never like this. Seeing the intricate, colorful world of marine life up close was mesmerizing. The sheer amount of life thriving in such small spaces left me in awe.
The Laowa probe lens is a powerful tool that allows photographers to explore unknown worlds with incredible detail. Its long, slim design makes it perfect for getting up close to small creatures in tight spaces, and its manual focus system requires patience and precision to achieve the perfect shot. The lens features a built-in LED light, which helps illuminate subjects in dark environments, though it does require an external battery to keep it running efficiently. Unlike traditional macro lenses, the probe lens offers a unique perspective, revealing the hidden beauty of microenvironments like tide pools.
How COOL and INCREDIBLE is this?
The tide pools varied in shape and size—some were full basins, while others were mere crevices in the rocks, yet they all held an entire microcosm of life. It’s astonishing to think about how these creatures endure the changing tides, constantly adapting to their environment.
I captured photos of vibrant sea anemones, tiny hermit crabs scuttling about, and a striking blue and black water bug (which I still need to identify).
This was primarily an exploration trip rather than a quest for perfect images. My focus was on learning how to maneuver the probe lens—experimenting with manual focus, positioning it properly on the tripod, and adjusting my angles. It took some trial and error, but each attempt taught me something new.
One major realization? I need a small yet sturdy tripod that sits closer to the ground. Thankfully, one is arriving on Friday, which will make things much easier. Another lesson was that the built-in LED light on the probe lens drains the camera battery quickly. I’ll need to invest in a small external battery pack to keep the light running longer. Additionally, using a remote shutter release is a must—I noticed that even the slightest bump to the camera caused focus issues.
Despite the learning curve, the experience was incredible. It was thrilling to see these tiny, intricate creatures in their natural habitat, and I can’t wait to refine my technique further. There’s a whole world of colors, patterns, and designs in these underwater environments that most people never notice. My aunt and I were absolutely amazed at the resilience of these creatures, surviving in such challenging conditions.
If we just stop and take a closer look, we’d realize how much beauty exists in the mundane things we often overlook. This adventure reinforced my love for macro photography and opened up an entirely new perspective on tide pools. I can't wait to dive deeper into this world (both figuratively and literally) and capture even more of its magic!
a whole new perspective on tiny things.
Amazing,what we can't see that is hidden not far from us. Beautiful pictures!