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:

A 10% discount is applied automatically if you register before the Early-Bird Discount deadline date listed in the registration table below.

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 sizes limited to 12-15 people (depending on the workshop). This is but one reason that we count on you to attend your chosen class, 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 workshops, 1 to 5 days in length and our Local 10 Week Courses, VPW requires 15 days written notice (before the workshop start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. (Email notice is acceptable.)

If you wish to transfer to a different workshop date VPW requires 7 days written notice.

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.