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Learn with Heather Angel

Macro Photography

Master Macro Photography with expert tutor and photographer Heather Angel

Course overview

The first lesson introduces the world of macro by showing images taken both outside and indoors and emphasises the need to look is all important. Learn what equipment is needed for getting in close and discover the importance of depth of field in macro work, so you know when to use it creatively or to maximise it. The structure of the subject will tell you how best to light it whether it be translucent leaves, textured bark, hairy stems or a reflective surface. Remember where the sensor plane lies and look beyond the subject to check the background is harmonious.

Meet Heather Angel

Heather Angel abandoned a career as a marine biologist to become a peripatetic wildlife photographer - with 32 visits to China alone. As well as being a prodigious writer (her 60th title appeared in 2015), she also lectures and runs workshops. Heather is at the forefront of nature photography and her work is recognised by worldwide awards. In 1975 Heather was awarded the Royal Photographic Society's Hood Medal for her contribution to the advancement of nature photography through her books, her teaching, her exhibition work and her encouragement of other nature photographers. From 1984-86 Heather was President of the Royal Photographic Society and she is a Visiting Professor at Nottingham University. Major exhibitions of her work have been shown worldwide. Most recently, Heather has experimented with lighting techniques for macro subjects as well as taking many hundreds of focus stacks for Pollination Power – a 5 year project that combines art and science for the RBG Kew. I'm a roaming wildlife photographer with four great passions - mammals, lighting for macros, making plants look exciting and offbeat China (it really does exist!). Press quotes A phenomenon in both natural science and professional photography, Heather Angel is an example of all that is best in both disciplines. The Master Photographer Heather manages to spot and bring to life insignificant parts of the natural world. David Attenborough Heather Angel has over the course of a long career written her story in hundreds of thousands of images that have served to inform us, enlighten us and elevate our spirits. Gray Levett, Editor, Nikon Owner Magazine For Heather's blog, galleries and workshops http://www.heatherangelphotography.co.uk Twitter @angelantics Instagram heatherangelphotography Portrait photo credit: Derek Tamea.

Course description

Photographer Heather Angel teaches you the art of macro photography, from using your camera for macro photos to finding creative inspiration for the best close-up shots.

What is Macro Photography?

Macro photography is the art of producing photos of small objects (often every day items or insects) at a larger than life size. When you take macro photographs you'll often reveal unexpected shapes, colours or patterns and details you can't see with the naked eye.

Heather will share her secrets behind some of her memorable macro shots and offer tips and hints for shooting macro outdoors and inside.

The great thing about working at close range is that macro photography subjects are everywhere, you just have to develop a seeing eye for beauty, texture and design.

You'll learn:
  • choosing the right equipment
  • using ambient light (and modifying light)
  • using depth of field creatively
  • time-lapse photography
  • focus stacking

Images range from flowers, leaves, seeds, fruits and aquatic life to coins, glass, jewellery and food. Amongst these are examples of patterns and designs.

You will appreciate just how effective a reflector, a diffuser or fill-flash can be at changing the light; how to use depth of field creatively and how to meter tricky low key and high key subjects.

You'll also learn how to work safely at night and how to set up a mini macro studio on a table for still life studies; also how to gain a white background for objects to display on websites or for promotional photos.

Time to complete this macro photography course:

Every student is different but in general we think the whole course will take around 13 hours 35 minutes to complete including:

  • Video lessons: 1 hour 35 minutes in total
  • Course notes: 30 minutes per lesson
  • Assignment: at least 2 hours per lesson
  • Interactive classroom time: 15 minutes per lesson
  • tutor feedback review (Expert level): 15 minutes per lesson
The course includes:
  • On-demand video lessons - presented by Heather Angel
  • lifetime access to the video, notes and interactive class
  • flexible classes - join and learn when and where you like
  • downloadable lesson notes
  • practical (optional) macro photography assignments
  • access on your mobile, PC, Mac or laptop
  • small interactive online classroom chat online to students from around the world
Ready to get started?

Just add the course to your basket above - choose the 'Expert' option for personal feedback from Heather on your photos.

Any questions? Contact us by clicking on the orange speech symbol - we'd love to hear from you.