Macro Photography – New Worlds to Explore

Macro and micro (or close-up) photography opens up endless possibilities for the photo enthusiast to shoot. You don’t even have to leave your own home or backyard to find infinite subject matters from flowers to insects.

Mini-landscapes and colorful abstracts are limited only by your imagination. Equipment to allow any photographer to shoot small objects or scenes ranges from simple close-up filters to macro lenses but need not be expensive if you are on a tight budget.

This workshop will explore all the methods and equipment used to create stunning images through lecture, a comprehensive set of notes, viewing a wide variety macro images shot by the instructor (with a "how-to" description of each photograph shown), a studio photography session, a field trip and class critique of images shot by the students.

Outline:

1. A general description of what macro photography is.

2. A description of what additional equipment works with your camera system and budget in order to be able to photograph in a macro mode. The importance of using a tripod and cable release.

3. The use of close-up filters, extension tubes, macro lenses and bellows – which are the best?

4. Endless possibilities with subject matter in your own home or yard. You don’t need to travel far!

5. How we can improve on what Mother Nature provides us in an ambient lit situation? Simple solutions, but significant effects in your resulting images.

6. Adding artificial lighting in a situation with ambient light - "Painting with Light" and portable flashes.

7. Light tenting in the outdoors - cost effective solutions that accommodate almost anyone’s budget but can extensively modify and improve upon the available light.

8. Shooting indoors or in a studio – total control of lighting.

9. Insects – how to stop them from moving or when to shoot them to maximize on the best results.

10. Use of a focusing stage to minimize having to move your camera when mounted on a tripod.

11. Studio shoot of various macro subjects with artificial lighting.

12. Field trip.

Level:

Beginner/Intermediate. Should be comfortable with personal camera operation and basic photography principles.

Enrollment:

Maximum 14 participants.

Equipment Needed:

Bring your camera (must have manual controls) and at least 1 lens.
Optional: additional lenses.

We Provide:

Detailed course notes in binder. Studio lighting equipment.

Early-Bird Discount:

Most of our courses and workshops offer a 10% discount is applied automatically if you register before the Early-Bird Discount deadline date listed in the registration table below.

Some courses and workshops offer a discount if you're among the first 3 people who register. This discount will replace the 'standard' Early Bird Discount mentioned above, and will be applied automatically during the online registration process (as long as it is available). Check the course/workshop listing page for more details.

CAPIC & PPABC Members:

A 5% discount is available to CAPIC and PPABC members when registering online. Please be prepared to show your membership cards on the first day of your workshop.

Group Discount:

A 5% discount will be appplied if 3 or more people register at the same time for the same workshop. (All 3 tuitions must be paid for by one credit card to be considered a group registration.) Please follow the instructions on the online registration page.

In order to provide the best learning environment possible VPW keeps class and tour sizes limited to 10-15 people (depending on the workshop). This is but one reason that we count on you to attend your chosen class or tour, once you have registered for it.

If you must withdraw for any reason please be aware of our refund policy as follows:

For our Local Lectures, Seminars, and Workshops valued at or under $100, VPW is unable to provide a cash refund. Transfers are limited to one transfer to either the same event at a later date, or a different event of equal value. VPW requires 48 hours written notice in order to make such a transfer (email notice is acceptable). The event you are transferring to must occur within 6 months of the original event you registered for. A $15 fee will be applied to all transfers.

For our Local Workshops, 1 to 5 days in length and our Local 4 to 10 Week Courses, VPW requires 30 days written notice (before the event start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. (Email notice is acceptable.)

For our Master Photographer Series workshops, 1 to 5 days in length, VPW requires 60 days written notice (before the workshop start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. VPW may retain 15% of fees paid or $150 minimum in processing your refund. If the tuition is less than $500 the minimum fee drops to $75.

Within 45 days of the Master Photographer Series workshop date all fees paid are non-refundable.

Transfers (for all events over $100): If you wish to transfer to a different workshop date, VPW requires a minimum of 30 days written (email) notice. All transfers are based on availaibility, and subject to approval by VPW staff. For courses/workshops with tuition above $101, the transfer fee is $35.

Transfer Fees as based on event pricing:
Tuition of $100 and below, the transfer fee is $15
Tuition of $101 and above, the transfer fee is $35

VPW can give no refunds:

If you registered for any event valued at or under $100
If you do not show up for your registered course.
If you register for a course beyond or below your skill or ability level.

Refunds for all events valued at $101 and above (excluding Master Series Workshops):
If a student wishes to cancel their registration for any of VPW's events, and has provided written notice within the appropriate timeframe, a refund less a $50 administration fee will be provided.

Course Cancellation:

Occasionally, we may have to cancel a course due to low enrollment. In this case, we will issue a full refund of all monies paid to VPW up to that time.

Instructor Replacement:

In the event that a listed instructor is unable to participate because of a change in his or her professional schedule, we will replace the instructor with someone of equal or similar credentials. If we cannot find a replacement in due time before the course is about to start, a particular class may have to be rescheduled.

Liability

In the event that we cancel your course, for any reason, the extent of VPW's liability is limited to the return of all monies paid. We will do everything we can to register you in another equivalent course. VPW will not be responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses of any kind.

Please note: An administration charge of $25 applies to all refunds

Read complete refund and liability policy

The Macro Photography Workshop is taught by the following instructor:

Read Kaj's Biography

Please choose your workshop date from the registration table below.