Art on the run: a day in the life of a macro photographer Steve Paterson

Tiny is best for photographer Steve Paterson, who captures natures smallest wonders in the backyard of Sydney’s northwest.

Nature photographer Steve Paterson at Balaka Falls in Carlingford, NSW. Picture: Jordan Shields

• New school opened in Kellyville
• Western Sydney University alum Aj Verma’s career in rockets

Born in Kathmandu surrounded by mountains, Steve Paterson has a lifelong love of nature.

His background in environmental education and management, and passion for bush conservation coupled with the need for a new hobby led him to one day pick up a basic point and shoot camera and venture out in his neighbourhood to explore.

"Oblivious”, a photograph with the first leaf-green tree frog Steve saw at Hunts Creek in Carlingford. Picture: Steve Paterson

Fast forward five years and he can usually be found in his spare time in Hunts Creek and Lake Parramatta, photographing tiny dragonflies, vibrant frogs, colourful lorikeets and spiky water dragons.

As a macro photographer, Paterson said the key was “being aware of small things, being aware of details”.

Paying attention is crucial to capture tiny details like a beetle on a leaf, something others would usually walk right past.

"Guidance", a forest darner dragonfly on a Morning Glory flower in Carlingford. Picture: Steve Paterson

"Morning Meeting", an Eastern water dragon at Lake Parramatta. Picture: Steve Paterson

One time he captured a dragonfly sitting on a flower at Hunts Creek.

An unproductive shoot had led him to almost give up photographing that day, but something in his mind convinced him to keep looking and soon after he spotted the dragonfly and quickly snapped it.

“It’s basically like doing art on the run,” he said.

Details: stevepphotography.com.au

"Face of a Rainbow", taken at Collaroy. Picture: Steve Paterson

Steve loves to explore with his camera. Picture: Jordan Shields

Steve’s top five places to photograph in Sydney:

• Balaka Falls, Hunts Creek, Carlingford — The Falls and the surrounding trails are a great spot for photographers and families. Best after rain.

• Lake Parramatta, North Parramatta — A beautiful lake, great for landscape shots and water birds. Includes bushwalks, cafe and playground.

• My garden — When time or weather limits me, I love shooting flowers and insects in my own garden! It’s surprising what’s there.

• The Rocks/Circular Quay — The Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the historic Rocks, are so close together. Look hard for unique angles!

• Vivid Sydney — The world’s largest festival of light music and ideas. A great opportunity to appreciate light displays around Sydney and discover night photography.