Robert Thompson
Robert Thompson is an award-winning professional nature photographer, author, and lecturer from the United Kingdom, specialising in close-up and macro photography. His passion for natural history began in childhood while exploring a large parkland area. In 2012, he was awarded a direct Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society for his work in macro photography and is also a Fellow of the Irish Photographic Federation. Robert has completed numerous natural history projects, published several books – including Close-Up and Macro Photography: Its Art and Fieldcraft Techniques – and works closely with government organisations and museums in the field of conservation. For years, he has been using NOVOFLEX equipment such as the CASTEL-Micro and CASTEL-M focusing rails for precise imaging even under demanding field conditions. His homepage features not only an extensive portfolio of striking images but also eBooks on the use of various NOVOFLEX products.
For this image, the camera was positioned close to the ground on a TrioPod PRO75 fitted with two short macro legs and one longer carbon fibre leg, allowing the plants to be photographed directly in their natural environment. Robert used the compact Universal Bellows BAL-F equipped with the Schneider Kreuznach Pyrite 4.5/90mm. Focusing was achieved using the CASTEL-XQ II focusing rail. This flexible setup enables precise alignment even on uneven ground and supports a calm, stable image composition. As a result, the flower can be placed in exact relation to the surrounding meadow, allowing the impact of the subject to be brought out with precision.
The result shows a wildflower amidst colourful meadow vegetation, clearly isolated yet still embedded in its natural habitat. The combination of precise camera positioning and controlled perspective creates a vivid yet harmonious image.
For this shot, the setup was built directly in a rocky coastal area. A TrioPod PRO75 is used, fitted with the small macro legs supplied, which provide a stable, low-to-the-ground position even on uneven rock. Mounted on top is a large MagicBall ball head with a CASTEL‑XQ II focusing rail and the compact Universal Bellows BAL‑F, equipped with the Schneider Kreuznach Pyrite 4.5/90 mm. This combination allows extremely precise alignment and focus shift while maintaining a secure stance – ideal for capturing fine, detailed structures at close range.
The result is a high-resolution image of lichen structures with delicate detail rendition and clear texture. Thanks to the TrioPod PRO75 with macro legs, MagicBall, CASTEL‑XQ II, and the BAL‑F with Pyrite 4.5/90 mm, the framing can be set with pinpoint accuracy and the plane of focus controlled to within a millimetre – even under demanding conditions in rocky terrain.
Gallery of selected macro images
In this gallery, we present a selection of additional result images by the photographer, illustrating the diversity of his subjects and the creative possibilities offered by NOVOFLEX in real-world use.
