Macro Photography: Insects

Clay Bolt

Class Preview

1:14

In-depth Instruction; over 99 mins
On-demand video access anytime
Bonus downloadable PDF resources
Access to class Q&A

Getting Started With Macro

6:11

Meet your instructor, natural history photographer Clay Bolt, and uncover the world of macro photography. Clay will preview what you will learn in this class: lighting techniques, using wide-angle lenses, shooting flying subjects and creating a field studio. Then, Clay gives you a peek into his gear bag as he reveals the equipment he'll be using in this class.

Using Available Light

16:56

Understand how light affects your subject throughout the day and explore how to compensate for low light by adjusting your aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Discover how adding a few accessories, including a reflector and cable release, can help you take bright, sharp photos. Learn how to find and approach skittish subjects and discover the importance of paralleling their movements to bring them into crystal-clear focus.

Using Flash

24:01

Clay reveals how using one, two and even three off-camera flashes can really highlight your tiny subjects. Disperse shadows and add fill light to brighten diminutive details. Learn how to control your flash from your camera's settings. Contrast the results of using on-camera and off-camera flashes and test exposures until you have just the right result.

Wide-Angle Macro Photography

12:05

Exhibit your subjects in their habitats as you dive into shooting macro with a wide-angle lens. Clay demonstrates how using a diagonal fisheye lens allows you to get extremely close to your subjects, putting them in focus but still placing them in their environment. Create impactful images with Clay's compositional tips for working with a wide-angle macro lens.

Insects in Flight

20:59

Insects' agility makes them challenging to photograph in flight. In this advanced lesson, discover which insects you can photograph using the equipment you already own. Clay offers tips for modifying your existing equipment and ways to overcome wind and cluttered backgrounds. Finally, witness how setting up a photo trap can allow you to capture the tiniest of insects in flight.

Using a Field Studio

18:44

Build a portable outdoor studio as Clay shows you how to photograph your small subjects on a white background using off-camera flashes, à la the "Meet the Neighbours" global program that Clay co-founded. Discover several Photoshop tools you can use to really make your subjects pop. Clay demystifies working with living insects and offers tips for ethically handling them.

6 Lessons

1 hrs 39 mins

Overview
Instructor
Bonus Materials
FAQs

If you thought you had to travel to exotic locales to photograph captivating subjects, think again. Award-winning conservation photographer Clay Bolt shows you how to find, approach, and photograph fascinating insects in your own backyard with spectacular results. Learn to work with available light and shallow depth of field to create crystal-clear images. Explore a variety of off-camera flash setups to enhance color and texture, increase sharpness, and freeze motion. Use wide-angle macro lenses to create surreal images that showcase your subject and its habitat, and get Clay’s expert tips for successfully photographing insects in flight. Finally, learn to adjust images in the digital darkroom to illuminate the beauty of translucent wings and emphasize eye-catching textures.

Clay Bolt

Clay Bolt is a nature and conservation photographer and an associate fellow in the International League of Conservation Photographers. His images have been featured by National Geographic, The Nature Conservancy, Scientific American, Outdoor Photographer, BBC Wildlife and many others. In 2009, Clay co-founded the nature photography project "Meet Your Neighbours" in an effort to encourage people to reconnect with the wildlife that lives within their own communities.

Bonus materials available after purchase

Can I purchase a class to keep in my collection?

How do I know what the Class covers?

Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.

Do I have to be a Member of Craftsy to purchase a Class?

How do I purchase a Class?

How do I access/view my Class?

Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Craftsy. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.

Do I have to take the Class right away?

Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?

Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?

How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?

Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.

How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?

Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Craftsy contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.

Can I print out Class details?

What are PDF downloads?

Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?

Why do you need my email?

We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to craftsy.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Craftsy from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.

Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?

How do I contact Craftsy?

If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftsy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-888-891-7203 . Customer Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.

Premium Membership

Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.

24/7 Access to Over 2,000 Premium Classes and Hundreds of Instructional Videos Across 20+ Categories
Extensive Library of Downloadable Patterns and Recipes
Stream and Download Classes Anywhere with the Craftsy App
Share Your Membership with up to 3 Friends or Family Members
Access to Ask the Expert Program
Admission to Exclusive LIVE Streaming Virtual Events

Monthly

Toggle

Annual

$11

/mo

Get Started

Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.

24/7 Access to Over 2,000 Premium Classes and Hundreds of Instructional Videos Across 20+ Categories
Extensive Library of Downloadable Patterns and Recipes
Stream and Download Classes Anywhere with the Craftsy App
Share Your Membership with up to 3 Friends or Family Members
2 Full-Length Classes to Keep in Your Account for Life
Access to Ask the Expert Program
Admission to Exclusive LIVE Streaming Virtual Events

Monthly

Toggle

Annual

$123

/yr

Save $9.00!

Get Started

Gold Membership

$449 Value

Get everything included in Premium plus exclusive Gold Membership benefits.

24/7 Access to Over 2,000 Premium Classes and Hundreds of Instructional Videos Across 20+ Categories
Extensive Library of Downloadable Patterns and Recipes
Stream and Download Classes Anywhere with the Craftsy App
Share your Membership with up to 3 friends or family members
8 Full-Length Classes of Your Choice to Keep in Your Account for Life
10 Patterns, Guides, or Recipes of Your choice to Download to Your Devices
20% off Purchase-to-Own Classes in the Craftsy Shop (Select Classes Only)
Access to Ask the Expert Program
Exclusive GOLD LIVE Virtual Events

Annual

$218

/yr

Get Started

Get exclusive premium content! Sign up for a membership now!