Looking at the world through a macro lens is an exciting, fascinating experience. Everything looks different to the way you usually see it and things that can’t be seen with the naked eye loom large and look unworldly and extraordinary. You discover things you’ve never seen before and in great detail. Insects look like animated machinery of the most extraordinary design in beautiful colours.
Macro images draw attention to the ordinary, often unnoticed things in the everyday world.
Macro Photography Lessons
Macro photography lessons will be tailored to your exact requirements and the subject-matter and location can be discussed when the booking is made.
A mixture of theory and practical sessions taking place on location and/or in the studio.
Learn to capture sharp, creative, close up images.
Techniques to achieve different effects.
Image critique with advice on how to make improvements and follow-on support via phone or email as required.
Cost
Macro Photography Lessons for one person – £44 per hour
Macro Photography Lessons for two people – £66 per hour
You Will Need
A basic knowledge of aperture, shutter speed, ISO and exposure modes is desirable but not essential.
If you don’t have a DSLR, you can borrow one from me and try it out before purchasing.
What is Macro?
Definition and explanation of the term ‘macro’.
Equipment
Comparison of different lenses, extension tubes, extenders and filters – pros and cons.
Tripods, flash, mirrors, reflectors & diffusers.
Scissors, clamps, plastic sheets and other paraphernalia.
Camera Settings
Learn to use the camera controls to achieve the best results.
The effect choice of aperture, depth-of-field, ISO and shutter speed has on the outcome.
Comparison of exposure modes.
Lighting and Flash
Lighting effects such as fill flash, bounce flash and back-lighting.
Freezing movement using high-speed flash.
Using reflectors and mirrors.
Focusing and Focus Stacking
How to set up and use focus controls on the camera.
Focus track moving subjects.
Using live view for critical focusing.
Selective focus. Focus stacking.
Composition and Creativity
Choice of subject.
What makes a good image?
How to achieve effective framing and highlight the subject.
Importance of backgrounds.
Creative use of selective focus.
Post Processing
How to make dramatic imrovements to images quickly and easily.
Creative cropping.
Converting to monochrome or black and white.