Learn techniques for close-up photography and apply them to the smallest details of the winter landscape. While insects may have left and flowers have entered their winter sleep, winter offers fresh perspectives on the natural world. Trees reveal their barren branches and last remaining leaves. Evergreen boughs and winter berries brighten up containers and display gardens. And then there is ice, providing infinite compositions to discover.
Macro photography requires a departure from traditional photography techniques. Students in this intermediate photography workshop at The Morton Arboretum will explore macro tools and techniques and use them to create macro nature images of ice patterns, leaves, berries, and ground detail.
Over the course of five sessions, learn about specialized and simple equipment available to capture subjects in macro. Discuss lighting considerations in the field and additional tools to refine images. Then stretch your photographic vision through the creation of up-close abstracts that invite viewers to interpret images in unique and personal ways.
Through a mix of classroom sessions and experimentation in the field, students will learn and practice:
- determining the approach to show your subject in the strongest way possible with emphasis on technique and lighting
- special considerations for macro and close-up photography, including depth-of-field, focus stacking using Adobe Photoshop, and other post-production software
- conquering the difficult aspects of close-up photography including moving subjects, wind, weather, and the effects of snow in sunlight and shade
- tapping your innate creativity by creating powerful nature abstracts from the unlimited opportunities within every scene.
This workshop is appropriate for any photographer who is comfortable with the manual controls of a DSLR camera and with post-production software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Please see What to Know for additional information on required equipment and experience.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Dan Pollack, photographer
Age: 16 and older
Course number: P311
