Close-up Macro Photography Workshop by Robert Sullivan

Learn close-up macro photography techniques
Get hands-on opportunities at multiple stations
Produce your Puzzle Macro Photo Challenge entries for September

Robert won first and second place in KCC’s last macro clicktique. His goal in the (very) hands-on workshop is to teach you how to capture macro images and then to guide you through the process from capture to post processing as you produce your Puzzle Macro entry for next month’s Photo Challenge. 

In the first 30 minutes or so, Robert will teach the fundamentals of macro photography with an emphasis on extreme close-up macro photography. For the remainder of the workshop, you will be able to practice what was presented under the guidance of Robert (and possibly other KCC members). Multiple stations will be set up with subject material, lights (flash and constant), reflectors, backgrounds, etc. You will have the opportunity to move from station to station and/or set up your own station with any subject material and equipment that you would like to bring.

Robert will, at some point, start post-processing some images while explaining his steps and techniques. Bring your laptop computer so that Robert can assist you with the post processing of the images that you capture during the workshop.

Hopefully, you will leave this workshop with a better understanding of how to conduct close-up macro photography as well as your Puzzle Macro entries for next month’s Photo Challenge.

Equipment to bring:

• While macro photography can be done with costly gear, there are also many other economical options available.
• Don’t be concerned with the entire list…bring what you have.
• Camera (small sensors sometimes have an advantage which will be explained)
• Lenses: Especially macro lenses and the “nifty-fifty”, 50mm f/1.8
• Tripod
• Extension tubes
• Reversing ring to mount the front of your lens to your camera
• Lights: Constant or flash, light modifiers (softbox or diffuser), ring light flash, twin light flash
• Reflector
• Background material: cloth, colored construction paper, or even photo prints

Subject material to bring:  Look at everyday objects and consider how their smallest details might be photographed.  Among other things, consider qualities such as patterns, texture, color, and shapes.  Get creative and imagine how they might be photographed at this workshop.

Here’s a partial list to spark some ideas:

• coral
• circuit board or electrical components
• leaves (fresh or dried, think patterns!)
• pinecone
• flowers or flower petals
• fruit slices
• oil and dish liquid (bring container)
• fabric or cracked paint (think textures!)
• butterfly or dragonfly wings (find them already dead)
• hairbrush (shoot the bristles)
• snail shell or sea shell
• jewelry
• bird feather (how about peacock?)
• mushroom cap
• lizard or snake skin (scales)
• geode
• mold
• Q-tips dipped in colored dye
• cheese grater reflecting colored background

If you are serious about this class and have any questions pertaining to equipment, call Robert (305-986-9781) as soon as possible so that you have time to order.

Update: Click here to go to a KCC forum discussion containing information on equipment that can be ordered in time for this workshop.

Cost:

• Free with Kendall Camera Club membership.
• Only $10 for non-members, to benefit Kendall Camera Club, and which may be applied toward a KCC membership at the workshop or at the first general membership meeting following the workshop.

 View Robert Sullivan’s website here: www.robertsullivanphotography.com

These images are examples of some of the types of images you will learn to capture as well as a few examples of the workstations that will be a part of this workshop.