1 - 22 March 2024, Introduction to Macro Photography - with Cristy Froehlich
Learn how to capture detailed and artistic images of the macro world around you with award-winning nature photographer Cristy Froehlich. Explore ways to find the things you want to photograph as well as better understand how to navigate light, your environment and camera as a medium to create nature inspired art!
About the course
During this introductory course you will learn key principles and techniques to enable you to take better macro photos. The course covers everything from your equipment, how focusing works in the macro setting, exposure and how they collectively play a part in your final image capture and why.
We then move onto applying the skills learned in the classroom, into a practical outdoor setting. This is an opportunity to apply theory learned in the classroom to develop your own ‘tool kit’ of options when out shooting in the field to capture the photos you might envision in your head. You will be able to navigate your settings with more confidence and apply them intentionally to overcome common macro issues such as images being out of focus, too dark or unable to take your image before your subject flies away!
Whether you enjoy taking photos of insects, flowers or other small items, this course will enable you to take batter macro photos by building your familiarity with both your equipment and the unique world that is – Macro Photography
During this hands-on course you will not only learn foundational photographic principles and techniques (exposure triangle, depth of field etc) you will understand ‘how’ and ‘why’ these principles are heightened during the macro photography process. You will also learn how to put these principles into practice effectively and in an artistic way.
The course includes a three-hour field trip that enables you to apply the skills learned in the classroom within an outdoor setting. Once outside, you will learn ways to find interesting subjects as well as combat common macro photography issues such as wind, shadows and moving subjects.
By the end of this course, you will be able to identify common macro issues and navigate your camera settings confidently to overcome these and take your images to the next level. The course will then go even further with Cristy showing you introductory photo editing techniques where she will edit one image submitted by each participant. You will walk away with a finished product to either begin or continue your photographic journey with knowledge and confidence!
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of materials and equipment used for both indoor and outdoor macro photography.
- Demonstrate how to manipulate aperture, shutter speed and ISO to control depth of field and exposure
- Identify and combat environmental hurdles found in macro photography
- Demonstrate the principles of composition and effective use of colour
- Find photographic opportunities more easily
- Identify when and why photo editing would be of benefit to an image
Level of experience
Suitable for students from beginners through to intermediate who wish to develop their macro photography skills.
Materials List:
This is an adult beginner to intermediate level photography course using your own equipment. A DSLR or mirrorless camera is required. A macro lens is required for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. You should be familiar with the basic operation and settings of your own equipment.
(If you do not have a 1:1 Macro lens a close up lens will be sufficient. These may include anything from 50mm – 105mm)
Field Trip: The field trip to Jerrabomberra Wetlands involves walking short distances at a relatively slow pace over mainly flat ground. Uneven surfaces may be encountered on some trails. Suitable footwear, sun protection and water are required for the field trip.
About the Venue: The course will be held in Canberra with theory sessions held at NatureArt Lab's studio in Griffith, followed by a field excursion to a local wetlands.
About the tutor:
Cristy is an award-winning Canberra based nature photographer with over 10 years of experience within the professional photography field. Cristy uses her deep photographic understanding and love of light to capture detailed and artistic images of the macro world. With a wealth of technical knowledge as well as in-field skills, Cristy specialises in taking photographs of live subjects without needing to harm, freeze or pin her subjects. Cristy’s genuine love and knowledge of insects coupled with her photographic passion makes her an inspiring facilitator.
Beginning her professional photographic journey within the wedding and family portraiture industry, Cristy eventually realised her true calling was nature and in particular the macro world. Cristy now uses photography to shed light on the macro world not often seen, in order to create awareness around nature and conservation. Her most recent exhibition ‘World of Waterbugs’ , photographed live waterbugs found at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
NatureArt Lab Awards:
- 2022, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability, ACT
- 2024, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Building Communities, ACT
Discount Policy: Students may be eligible for Seniors Discount and/or Member Discounts on checkout. If you are unsure about eligibility or how to claim this discount, please email info@natureartlab.com.au.
COVID-19 Policy: NatureArt Lab participants attending studio courses, workshops and nature tours are required to comply with current COVID-19 state policies. Please check current policies for your state location.
Class Refund Policy: Any changes or cancellations made by NatureArt Lab for any reason are 100% refunded or credited (for use on another course). Any cancellations made by the purchaser are refunded (or held in credit) for the total amount LESS a $60 administrative processing fee. Special consideration for waiving the $60 fee for compassionate/ extraordinary circumstances can be granted by NatureArt Lab by writing to info@natureartlab.com.au.
Nature Tour Refund Policy: Details for refunds on nature tours will be available separately.