Our last Flickr Friday theme was #UpClose.

Part of the challenge was getting familiar with your subject, zooming in, taking the macro approach, or simply taking one or two steps more towards your subject than usual. We saw photos of cute pets sneaking up to treats and curiously sniffing around. You also showed us fascinating portrait crops, showcasing new angles on skin, shoulders, or faces. Finally, nature also played an important role this week: You showed us flowers and the life around them up close and personal, lettings us discover its beauty and colors. There’s all of the above and much more to explore in the wonderful up-close world of the Flickr Friday group pool.

Once you’re done exploring, pick up your camera and start shooting for the new fashionable Flickr Friday theme that we just announced in the group, #PolkaDots. Indulge in the patterns all around you and take a closer look at the fashion and fabrics that you encounter day by day – a polka dot might be hiding just one step away. A selection of your shots will be showcased right here on Flickr Blog next Friday.

Photos from Gunn Point, Ivana Vasilj, Matteo Dunchi, ctalibard, Denzil Jennings, virginiefort, Atomox, Muet d’hiver, and Janice! 2012.

#FlickrFriday is a weekly photography project that challenges your creativity. For a chance to be featured on FlickrBlog, follow @flickr on Twitter & like us on Facebook and look for the weekly theme announcement every Friday. Browse the Flickr Friday category for more.