Get closer to your subjects for artistic photos that stand out from the crowd! Join professional photographer Kathleen Clemons, and find out how to capture beautiful macro imagery in the light nature provides you. During class, you’ll learn to select the right lens and use budget-friendly gear to get better results. For great photos in any light, you’ll discover steps for shooting both when the light is right and when it’s less than ideal. Want to create eye-catching focal effects? Kathleen will teach you to do just that with exciting depth-of-field techniques. Plus, you’ll get tips for choosing subjects, composing them within your camera frame and picking the perfect background for your photo.
Class Sessions
Getting Started With Macro Photography
20:35
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
13:56
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
9:21
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
12:34
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
18:11
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
10:19
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
13:06
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!
Your Instructor
Kathleen Clemons
Kathleen Clemons isn't just passionate about capturing photographs she loves teaching others how to improve their skills too! She's a well-known instructor at the Bryan Peterson School of Photography, the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops and now on Craftsy too. In her own work, her impactful photos are known for creative use of natural light combined with their unique and captivating composition. In fact, Lensbaby has named her a Lensbaby Guru, calling her the "Georgia O'Keeffe of flower photography."
Bonus Material
Natural-Light Macro Photography - Equipment
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
Can I purchase a class to keep in my collection?
Yes, we do have a Shop where you can purchase classes to keep. Our Shop items are located under the Shop Tab.
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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.
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No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Craftsy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great projects and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
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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?
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Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
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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.
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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?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact Craftsy?
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