macro & close-up workshop
With the arrival of the warmer months of spring and summer, an abundance of insect life emerges and offers the photographer the opportunity to take close-up and macro images of this miniature world. This type of photography brings its own set of challenges such as depth of field, background control and precise focusing, all of which we will address with during the session. The use of field craft in nature photography is as important as the technical skills needed to capture the images. We will discuss the best approach to first find and subsequently photograph the chosen subjects whilst always being conscious of their environment and welfare.
A dawn shoot will usually begin around 45mins before dawn, which in the summer months can mean an alarm call around 5am or earlier. Rising at this unsociable hour may seem extreme but it can lead to stunning images of dew laden subjects given the right conditions. As butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies roost overnight they cool into a meditative state, meaning they are easier to approach and photograph. They remain unable to fly until the sun has warmed their body temperature, allowing time to consider composition, background and lighting.
A dusk shoot will normally begin 3hrs before sunset meaning there is no need for the unsociable alarm call of the dawn shoot. The butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies will still be active at the start of the workshop with opportunities to catch them with open backlit wings as they search out the last of the evening warmth. As they begin to settle for the evening they become more docile and subsequently more approachable meaning even more opportunities to photograph.
Shooting insects during the day is also possible but brings different challenges as the insects are more active and less approachable. The possibility of dragonfly flight shots increases as the increased light boosts shutter speeds to sufficient levels to freeze the motion. Stalking insects during the day can be a fruitless task as they often lead you a merry dance, flying off just as you set up your shot. Once you begin to understand the characteristics of your subject it is possible to obtain pleasing images.
Autumn's mild and often damp weather will bring an abundance of fungi to our woodlands, parks and gardens. These are considerably easier to shoot during the day as they are static and can make an ideal close-up subject for even a newcomer to this genre of photography. Whilst they may not appear attractive on first appearance, when viewed from below and nicely lit they can produce superb shots.
During any sessions we will look at both camera and field craft skills. Use of depth of field, control of backgrounds, natural lighting and fill flash will all be covered. Field craft skills are invaluable when photographing nature and unless we understand our subjects' behaviour we cannot best apply our camera skills to help us to achieve optimal results.
Possible Locations
Amberley Wildbrooks, Amberley, West Sussex
Cissbury Ring, Findon, West Sussex
Denbies Hillside, Dorking, Surrey
Roosthole Woods, Horsham, West Sussex
Southwater Country Park, Southwater, West Sussex
Thursley Common NNR, Thursley, Surrey
What to bring
Digital camera, preferably a DSLR
Variety of lenses, ideally a dedicated macro lens
Tripod
Remote release if possible
A compact/prosumer camera can be used, however, to achieve optimal results it is highly desirable to use a digital SLR. Kit can be borrowed on the day if you wish to try out a dedicated macro lens and DSLR. Spare tripods will also be available if you don't have one.
Duration & Time
Around 3-4hrs
available May to November
Cost
£75
Dates/times by arrangement and dependant on weather/subject availability. Adverse conditions may necessitate the need to reschedule by mutual consent.
