Finding Beauty in the Details with Rain Hayes

Macro photography is all about precision—finding the perfect angle, controlling light down to the millimeter, and capturing fleeting beauty before it fades. Photographer Rain Hayes knows this well. Specializing in macro floral images, Rain’s work reveals the quiet elegance and complexity of the natural world, one petal at a time.

Recently, Rain sent us a collection of stunning macro flower photos—along with some fantastic behind-the-scenes shots showing her Platypod gear in action.

“I must say, the Platypod gear is ideal for creating macro floral images. I need to work fast since flowers start to change and wilt from the moment they're collected. The Elbow helps make major and minor lighting adjustments super quick (and they're just sort of fun to use – they remind me of those neat little collapsible animal toys).”
— Rain Hayes

Precision and Control on the Tabletop

Rain's macro setup involves a smart and flexible combination of Platypod tools that are perfect for tabletop work:

• The Elbow: Its articulated flexibility allows for fine-tuned lighting adjustments in seconds, crucial when working with delicate subjects like flowers that subtly shift with time and temperature.

• Clamp–Gooseneck–Elbow–Ultra Assembly: Mounted to a tripod stand, this rig gives Rain maximum versatility. Keeping the Ultra attached provides extra leverage and stability, locking components in place with zero shift—no surprises, no slippage.

“Leaving the Ultra attached gives a little extra leverage for locking down the final position with no inadvertent travel or loosening. That's something I love about the Platyball, too – I don't have to compensate for shifts during the final lockdown. The camera just stays where I put it.”

The Platypod Advantage in Macro Work

Macro photography often demands shooting from odd angles or tight spaces where a traditional tripod can be cumbersome or overkill. Platypod products shine in this environment:

• Stability on Small Surfaces: Whether it’s a kitchen table, studio bench, or forest floor, Platypod offers a rock-solid foundation in tight quarters.

• Creative Flexibility: With modular components like the Elbow and goosenecks, you can shape light exactly how you want it.

• Speed and Efficiency: In macro, time is critical—especially when working with perishable subjects. Platypod tools help photographers set up quickly and make on-the-fly adjustments without starting from scratch.

Rain’s stunning flower portraits speak for themselves, but the behind-the-scenes images tell a deeper story: one of thoughtful planning, reliable gear, and the quiet thrill of creative problem-solving.

We’re proud to support photographers like Rain Hayes who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the macro scale.

If you'd like to see your photos on the Platypod Blog join the Official Platypod Users Group on Facebook and show us what you do with your Platypod gear!