Discover the art and science of close-up and macro photography in this hands-on workshop at Sydney Community College. Learn how to capture sharply focused, well-exposed images of flowers, insects, water drops, miniatures, coins, jewellery and other small subjects using your DSLR or mirrorless camera.

This practical course explores a wide range of macro techniques, from wide-angle close-ups to extreme macro (greater than 1:1 magnification). You’ll experiment with specialised equipment including macro and reversed lenses, extension tubes, bellows, close-up filters, lighting setups and supports. The workshop also introduces focus stacking techniques and post-processing in Adobe Photoshop to achieve stunning depth and detail.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the principles of close-up and macro photography and select appropriate equipment.
• Control lighting, exposure and depth of field for sharp, well-balanced macro images.
• Create extreme macro photographs and process focus-stacked images in Photoshop.

Course Content

• Hands-on exploration of macro equipment including lenses, diopters, bellows, lighting and supports.
• Mastering exposure, ISO, white balance, RAW format and balancing subject/background lighting.
• Techniques for sharp focus, using tripods and macro rails, and finding your lens “sweet spot”.
• Photographing flowers, insects (dead specimens provided), miniatures, coins and small commercial objects.
• Extreme macro methods using reversed lenses, extension tubes and focus stacking with Photoshop processing.

Schedule & Pricing

• One-day workshop: 9:00am – 4:00pm
• Location: 2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039
• Course fee: From $299 (subject to session date)

What to Bring

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with adjustable ISO and aperture settings.
• Macro or manual-focus lens (macro, telephoto, or standard lens suitable for close-up work).
• Laptop with Adobe Photoshop (subscription or free trial) installed.