Natural-Light Macro Photography

Class Preview

Take stunning macro photos with only natural light and limited gear! Learn steps that bring out the little details and make a big impact.

Getting Started With Macro Photography

Meet professional photographer Kathleen Clemons as she introduces you to the fascinating world of macro photography. Before you start shooting, get valuable tips on selecting lenses — and budget-friendly accessories — that will allow you to get even closer to your subjects!

Ideal Lighting for Macro

Soft diffused light is ideal for capturing the color and subtle textures of the macro subjects you photograph. Kathleen demonstrates her method of shooting in these optimal conditions, then shows you simple tricks for successfully working with more challenging light to create truly breathtaking images.

Understanding Depth of Field

Deepen your understanding of depth of field, and explore how it impacts the look and feel of your images. With Kathleen’s guidance, learn how to achieve lovely blurred backgrounds by adjusting the aperture and focal length of your lens or the distance to your subject. You’ll be amazed by the gorgeous results!

The Art of Selective Focus

Apply the depth-of-field techniques from Lesson 3 to capture striking images with selective focus. Kathleen demonstrates how to focus in on one specific area of the frame and offers expert advice on when to use your camera’s manual or automatic focus. Plus, discover how to create ethereal effects using a tilt-shift lens.

Choosing Subjects

Want to make your images stand out from the crowd? Start by choosing the right subjects! Kathleen shares her thoughtful approach to finding — and photographing — subjects with unique characteristics. In addition, learn how to beautifully capture eye-catching patterns found in nature.

Best Practices for Macro Compositions

Experiment with composition as Kathleen illustrates effective ways to position your subject within the frame. In the process, you’ll gain confidence composing your shots in camera, rather than cropping them later. Plus, find out how to create greater visual impact by simplifying the scene.

Choosing a Background

Enhance your macro images even more by choosing backgrounds that complement the mood or effect you’re trying to convey. See how to work with your surroundings to find the best perspective for the shot. You’ll also discover an innovative trick for creating your own picture-perfect backdrop!