In the natural world, the close-up photographic exploration of macro subjects and abstracts requires looking at the world in fresh and exciting ways. While macro (close-up) photography and abstract photography are different, they employ similar tools and techniques that require a significant departure from the traditional way we most often photograph. Students in this intermediate photography workshop at The Morton Arboretum will explore these tools and techniques and use them to create macro and abstract nature images of flowers, plants, and insects.
Over the course of five sessions learn about specialized and simple equipment available to capture subjects in macro. Discuss lighting considerations and additional tools to refine images. Then stretch your photographic vision through the creation of nature abstracts that invite viewers to interpret your images in unique and personal ways.
Through a mix of classroom sessions and practice, students will learn and practice:
- determining the approach to show your subject in the strongest way 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, and weather
- 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.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Dan Pollack, photographer
Age: 16 and older
Course number: P346
