Spoil yourself this spring, and learn Creative handheld Macro and Close-Up Photography in one of the most beautiful and intimate native gardens in Australia, most of the native plants especially the native Orchids should be in bloom, a great opportunity to learn something new and to hone your camera skills.

Please see agenda for detailed information. You will be taught by a Professional Photography Tutor, with over 50 years + experience in Photography including 10 yrs + as a Photography Tutor, in a relaxed but informative atmosphere.

Students are advised to have either have a lens with close-up capability, and or a close-up filter, and or a set of extension tubes and or a macro lens, any of these will enable you to take detailed photos some of the extremely small flowers and plants. Even if you do not have any of the additional equipment, this field trip is a great way to learn the techniques of creative Macro and Close-Up Photography.

A detailed email of what to bring, where to meet etc, will be sent to all participants prior to the beginning of the field trip, including Tutor’s share equipment.

Skill Level:

This field trip is suitable for students who have a thorough working knowledge of their camera and controls, shutter and aperture settings and or have completed either a Beginner’s Photography Basic DSLR and or Digital Photography Course or similar.

Location:

Sylvan Grove Native Gardens, Sylvan Grove, Picnic Point
Time and where to meet:
Meet the Tutor at 10 am at the entrance of Sylvan Grove Native Gardens, 7 Sylvan Grove, Picnic Point, NSW the nearest cross Road is Henry Lawson Drive

Getting there:

You must provide your own transport to and from Sylvan Grove

For your convenience, please follow this pin, to get to our exact meeting location

PIN
https://maps.app.goo.gl/L3uPY6M9W7zDHsGK6

Agenda:

Setting up your camera properly;

• Image size
• ISO
• Light meter
• Colour Space
• White Balance
• Picture style
• Setting up your lens, macro lens and or extension tubes, close up filters
• Setting up properly for manual focus

Comprehensive Macro / Close-up Photography Tuition including;

• How to do handheld creative macro / close-up photography
• How to focus and recompose properly
• How to interpret natural light both high-key and low-key light
• You will also learn; framing, composition and negative space
• Depth OF Field DOF; maximum DOF and minimum DOF
• Hyperfocal Distance
• Using live view to focus your photograph

How to review / check your photographs properly

What to bring:

Camera Equipment;
Any adjustable digital camera; DSLR / 4/3rds / Mirrorless with;

• RAW / JPEG image capability
• adjustable ISO / film speed settings
• with adjustable exposure settings; shutter, aperture and manual exposure i.e., S or TV, A or AV and M,
• with manual/auto focus capability
• adjustable picture control/picture style settings i.e., monochrome standard, neutral etc
• A spare camera body if you have one
• Batteries charged and ready x 2 if you have them
• Memory cards x 2 if you have them

An extra battery & memory card, are strongly recommended

Lens/Lenses:

You need either;
At least one Zoom lens(es) with manual focus capability
18 – 55 mm , 18 – 135 mm , 16 – 35mm , 28 to 80 mm, 10 – 20mm , 40 – 150mm , 70 – 200 etc
and or
Prime lens(es) with manual focus capability
if you have them i.e. 35 mm, 50 mm, 85mm, 105mm
and or
A macro lens with manual focus capability
Most of the above lenses from approx 35mm and higher in focal length can be used in conjunction with the following to greatly increase magnification;

• A set of close-up filter(s) the stronger the magnification the better

and or

• a set of extension tubes in 2 or 3 sizes (in each set); i.e 12mm, 20mm, 25mm and 30mm
• Please check your manufacturer/camera instructions for more detailed information

What to wear:

Footwear:

Please note; as there are some uneven and loose surfaces within the gardens, to participate you must wear enclosed grippy footwear / boots only.
Sensible clothing depending on the weather and wet weather clothing

Lunch / food:

We will be having a short break for lunch and additional help for students during the break
It is advisable to bring your ample water, food, and snacks, thermos etc as there are no vending machines or cafe facilities within Sylvan Grove.

Additional items:

• Phone
• mini umbrella
• spare cash and credit card for payments / emergency
• Bug repellent (warm / hot weather)
• Glasses Note pad and pen
• Portable Seat and cushion
• Camera (LCD) screen cleaner and soft cloth

Venue:

• Entry to Sylvan Grove Native Gardens is subject to Venue availability

Weather:

This field trip will be held in wet weather, as it can allow students to capture photographs that are not normally available in fine weather, will only be postponed if heavy weather is forecast
Please note; parking fees / transport to and from / drinks / lunch / etc are not included

About the Tutor:

'My name is Neoklis Bloukos, and I have had a passion for Photography since I was 14 years old. I have 40+ years of experience teaching all levels of Photography.
I am very passionate about Photography, and I love to teach and share, my knowledge and practice of both classic and modern; Photography genres and techniques in the field, and I believe it is the most significant visual medium on this planet.
It is not just about teaching Photography, it is also about experiences with like-minded people, whom want to learn, share and enjoy the Photography learning experience together, in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.'

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled prior to the commencement and you will be informed.