Lessons
Class Introduction
01:39 2Location Scouting
02:59 3What is Macro Photography
02:09 4What Makes a Good Macro Photo
03:44 5Gear
11:20 6Preparing for Outdoor Macro
02:00 7Camera Settings
06:48 8How to Get Started With Macro
11:59Lesson Info
Class Introduction
I'm Chris McGinnis, and I'm a photographer and macro enthusiast, here to get you started with macro photography. We'll cover everything, from what macro photography is, why you would want to shoot it, how to find subjects, how to shoot them, what gear to use, all the way through post processing. By the end of this class, you'll be ready to start shooting all the small things that are all around you, whether they're in your backyard, or out in the wild. So, we're here at Twin Falls State Park, outside of Seattle, Washington, and we're scouting this location to, hopefully, find some great macro subjects. I'm out here looking for insects, spiders, any small critters, any pine cones, leaves, flowers, anything small that's interesting. When I'm out scouting a location, be it a park, or just my backyard, I look for varied vegetation, different flowers, maybe there's some indication that something's been eating something. And I stop in those locations. And that's what gets me to slow down. On...
a place like this, with this field of rocks, we have some plants growing through the rocks. We have large boulders, and the boulders provide great places for little flies, little spiders, ants, things like that, that kind of crawl around and go in the nooks and crannies. There's also a lot of dead trees here. And there's trees with moss on them. So, trees are ecosystems in themselves. Fallen trees or live trees with moss can be great for spiders, they can be great for flies that are just, kind of, taking a break. Look for moss that's wet. Anything that's a little different. So, as you're walking around, you can, kind of, stop anywhere, but if you see something that's different than the landscape around you, that's a great spot to stop and look.
Class Materials
Bonus Materials with Purchase
Free Bonus Materials
Ratings and Reviews
Andrew Lamberson
I found the class both very informative and very motivational to get started in Macro photography. It is an entry-level class but it explains what you really need to know to be successful. I especially found the information on the value of using flash and how to modify your flash for it to be more effective especially helpful. I am an experienced wildlife photographer and have done some "Macro" with my telephoto lens, but this class motivated me to purchase a dedicated lens. I am really looking forward to spring and finding some good bugs!
Gary Hook
Chris does a commendable job of explaining his techniques, reasons and potential pitfalls to avoid. Very thorough and much more enthusiastic about little bugs than I will ever be :-) but at the end one has a good concept on how to approach the task at hand. Nice closing with his practical examples of 'post' shoot production. One suggestion for inclusion would be some operating tips/techniques with a tripod/macro rail slider. His Olympus is way smaller/lighter than my Canon 5D so my hand holding will be at a minimum. Well done. Thank you
Chris Baudec
Great presentation and great motivation in the post processing. I do wish that the would have been made available. After all, this is a Olympus sponsored event, and Oly settings are always welcomed.... and a tad difficult on the learning curve.