Insect Workshop 18 July 2024
Venue and provisional itinerary
The venue is likely to be Lower Brookland https://www.lowerbrucklandfarm.co.uk/ which is an excellent site for insects – in particular to dragonflies.
Start and end times will to some extent depend on weather but I am planning a reasonably early start, at 6.30am and a finish time of around 15.30. Ill confirm this in advance of the workshop date.
For prospective / existing OM users there will be an opportunity to try out a range of OM lenses including the 90mm macro, 300mm f4 and the 150-400 f4.5 Pro lenses.
Fitness and mobility
Fitness levels / mobility required at the sites we are shoot at is not onerous, however we may however need to traverse several hundred metres of wet / muddy and uneven ground so participants should have a reasonable general fitness level with the ability to walk on uneven terrain. Note that macro photography can also involve lying on the ground but this is obviously optional!
Group size and experience level
Numbers – 4 max.
The workshop is intended for fairly experienced photographers who want to a) get to grips with insect photography and b) for OM users who want to learn some of the key wildlife-related settings (pro-cap and focus stacking / bracketing) in a more structured way, as well as learning to set their cameras up in the most efficient way for insect photography. This workshop is aimed at ‘improvers’; participants will need an understanding of the ‘exposure triangle’, as well as depth of field, dynamic range, histogram, and how exposure compensation can be used to override the meter / obtain accurate exposures under different lighting scenarios. Participants will need to be familiar with their cameras menu system and the main controls for shutter speed, aperture, ISO and exposure compensation, so these can be quickly changed in the field if needed.
During the workshop we will cover areas such as field skills for finding and approaching skittish insects for example; accurate focusing and exposure; how to get tack-sharp images, and how to make compositions with impact. For OM users we will discuss key OM functions. There will be plenty of time during the workshops for questions.
Learning outcomes
- An understanding of the field skills required in invertebrate photography – e.g. how to find and approach inverts; how to decide quickly which technique to employ, and how to get close without disturbing your subjects.
- A degree of knowledge regarding ecology / behavior of your quarry and how this can help you plan a shoot and improve your chances of success in the field.
- Knowledge of a range of techniques to help maximize sharpness – in particular how to ensure your subject is sharp front to back.
- Knowledge of a range of composition techniques to help you improve the impact of your final image.
- Hopefully, a range of good quality images taken using the techniques practiced on the day!
What to bring
Camera kit
- Macro lens and close-focusing telephoto Tripod
- Monopod / tripod
- Remote shutter release
- Spare memory cards
- Spare camera batteries
- A pdf copy of your camera manual on your smart-phone.
Other
- Wellingtons or walking boots with ankle support and a good grip.
- Lightweight clothing, broad-brimmed sunhat, sunscreen and plenty to drink.
- Midge repellent.
- Tick-removal tool.
- A packed lunch.
Nb there is a point at which we can shelter / sit for lunch, as well as lavatory facilities.
Information to be provided by participants beforehand
- A selection of 5-6 relevant images that represent the current skill level of the participant.
- Details of your camera equipment (in order that I can familiarize myself with your kit beforehand, as far as possible).
- Any health issues (allergies etc) plus name, address and an emergency contact number.
Finally, I would be happy to discuss the itinerary and answer any queries participants might have before the workshop starts – I can be contacted at info@andrewmccarthyphotography.co.uk.
Cost – £150.00 per person
Andrew McCarthy
