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The intricate patterns that are apparent in this lichen and even in the host rock are indeed testimony to the wealth of subject material that is available in the micro world. Nature is fractal in its geometry, and new detail is uncovered at each step in scale. As I came upon this subject, I nearly missed it because of the tall surrounding grass. I was immediately captivated by the vibrant colors of the lichen, and by the rock itself. Using a macro lens as well as an extension tube to provide greater magnification, I positioned the camera directly above the subject and attempted to focus as much of the area as possible. The unfortunate trade for high magnification is reduced depth of field, and although the rock appears pretty flat, it was actually quite rounded. Some of the image edges are a little soft in focus and could have been cropped from the image, but I left the areas to direct the eye to the sharp central region.