Macro workshop review

Come a little closer… I’m your kind of flower!

By Moira Blincoe LPSNZ

The first workshop in the 2021 PSNZ Workshop Series was held in Whakatane at the end of March, with Macro specialist Matt Leamy dazzling and confusing the eager delegates with his expert knowledge.

The morning was dedicated to the technicalities involved in ‘Getting a Little Closer’ to the subject matter. He talked about magnification, focal lengths, distances, sensor sizes, differences in megapixels and the influence they have on macro shots, and much more. This was followed with ‘techniques’ Matt uses to ‘Get it Right’.

If maths and calculations are not your thing, after hearing Matt’s details one would be left even more confused and possibly walk away from macro.

The icing on the cake was learning about focus stacking and Matt demonstrated how he achieves this superbly with handheld techniques as well as using a monopod, tripod or focus stacking rail.

The local Whakatane Rose Garden provided everyone with an abundance of subjects to photograph, from amazing full size dahlias to smaller blooms, butterflies, bees and decayed trees and flowers. It was a macro photographer’s dream.

Like most macro photographers it’s so easy to get lost in the moment and truly absorbed with the beauty of the petals, flowers and textures. Using a focus rail for the first time was quite exciting and thanks to Brian Milner I discovered that my Nikon D850 offered in-camera focus stacking… Definitely something new to play with.

The delegates all enjoyed themselves and, once again, Matt delivered a superb learning experience for us all.

All images on page 37-39 by Moira Blincoe LPSNZ unless expressly stated.

Here are some comments from two participants:

Waverley Klein Ovink LPSNZ

We were stoked that PSNZ held the macro workshop in Whakatane. At a distance from the main centres, it can be difficult and expensive for our members to get to events, so we miss out on the many learning and networking opportunities these events bring. I’ve been fortunate to have participated in two previous workshops, and really appreciated not only the wealth of information and experience the workshops afforded, but perhaps even more, the friendships and contacts made in meeting with other likeminded PSNZ members.

I felt privileged to spend a day learning skills from a macro master as skilled as Matt Leamy. He is a great communicator and encourager, and his work is inspiring. I would encourage anyone that can to get along to at least one PSNZ workshop each year. Who knows what creative direction it could send you?

On another note, Whakatane Camera Club sends a warm invitation to anyone passing through this area. Come to our club nights, on the first and third Mondays of each month, for our formal and then informal meetings respectively, and follow our public Facebook page to see what we’re up to. We’d love to see you.

Image by Waverley Klein Ovink

If you are interested in exploring macro photography Matt recommended some forums as good reference sites.

• https://www.photomacrography.net

• http://extreme-macro.co.uk

• https://www.cambridgeincolour.com

• https://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker

• https://www.heliconsoft.com

Image by Anita Ruggle-Lussy

Trish Peddle, Tauranga.

Having bought a macro lens a few years ago and not really having a good knowledge of how to use it effectively, I was thrilled when PSNZ offered this workshop in Whakatane (only an hour away). It was perfect timing to dust off the cobwebs and learn to use this lens.

Matt is a great tutor and he knew how to reel us in right from the start by showing us some beautiful images he had taken over the years - and I was keen to delve in.

He took us through the technical process of how macro works, what it is you need to have an understanding of, but not necessarily information you need to retain (thank goodness as some of it made my brain hurt). However, I found this technical side really helpful in understanding the overall concept of macro photography.

Matt went on to explain techniques required in the field, using flash, handheld, monopod, beanbags, tripod - and even focusing rails. Simple subjects through to the more challenging moving subjects.

Following a fabulous lunch, we ventured out to the Rose Gardens for some practical time. I loved putting what I had learnt into practice, and whilst some of it was challenging to achieve, I know I have come away with some wonderful tools to move forward with.

The final session of the day was on focus stacking. I loved the session as I had only dabbled in this area and had no real foundation of knowledge here. I’m looking forward to trying this out.

Thank you, PSNZ, for the opportunity to attend these amazing workshops. They provide an incredible opportunity to further our photography in a wonderfully friendly environment - and very affordable too. The food was delicious and plentiful!