Macro Photography
Has got to be one of the most rewarding of all photographic genres insofar that it brings to life a world that would for the most part go unnoticed. Whilst we generally tend to associate macro photography, and will continue to do so in this course, with insects and nature it is a genre that lends itself perfectly to the investigation of pretty much anything and everything that surrounds us on a daily basis. Ever wondered what the textures of that carpet in the living room look like at life size? Or maybe you're wondering what kind of wee beastie is making 'Fido' itch so violently? Textures, Shapes and Colours all come to life when looked at under the gaze of a macro lens.

What Will Be Taught?
Don't worry this introduction to Macro Photography is not going to be too difficult in it's theory. It has been designed so as to allow anyone with an interest in macro photography to get a clarification of the basic elements and practices in order to get satisfactory macro photography results. These following points will be discussed and clarified.

• What is Macro Photography?
• Why Is There So Little Of My Shot in Focus?
• Why Do I Need Flash In The Day Time?
• How Do I Get Close To Bugs?
• Focus Stacking? That Sounds Too Technical!

Don't be put off by the subject matter. As mentioned these are simply the guideline points of discussion that will go to explain just what make this genre of imaging more challenging than most people give it credit for. If you have had experience with macro photography and are looking for something more advanced then I also run Advanced Macro Photography Courses where you'll need to bring your photographic 'A' Game!

Course Schedule
5 Hours of Photography! Seems like a long time right? Well you'll be surprised at how time flies. Whilst the majority of your time will be spent in practical pursuits of photographic gems the initial two hours will be dedicated to a beginners explanation of Macro Photography. From there it will be off for a short lunch break and then into the imaging. Our final hour of the day will be spent looking at the best way to edit our macro photography. During the course of the practical segment of the day I will be there on call to deal with your questions and aid you in your technique.

Nocturnal Walkabout
An additional and purely optional part to this workshop is to take a stroll around a green area close to Araha Beach but in the nocturnal hours between 8pm and 10pm. We'll be hunting out wee beasties and photographic subjects and putting everything into practice.

Equipment Availability
We do have some lenses available for use by students that fit a range of camera systems such as Canon, Nikon and Pentax. There will also be a small selection of tripods should yours not be up to the task. From a purely interest stand point you will also get the hands on introduction to 'Marks Mega-Macro Monster' system that comprises a 50.6MP Canon EOS5DSr fitted with a Canon MPE65mm f2.8 Lens that allows macro magnification of up to five times life size replication on the full frame sensor.

Attendee Capacity
I prefer to work in smaller groups with a maximum attendee number of eight photographers. Given that I will also be acting in a personal overseeing role during the practical part of the day I don't want attendees to think that they are 'just another student' as may be the case if I were simply trying to attract as many students as possible. Attendance is on a strictly first come first served basis with all fees being settled via PayPal at least one week prior to the course start date.

Inclement Weather
As we all know we get a bit of rain here in Okinawa! This however doesn't hinder the running of our Macro Photography courses. Macro is a genre that due to the proximity we need for imaging we can do that either inside or out. Now whilst we all prefer to be shooting in an outdoors environment there are a million and one potential subjects for macro photography and each is as intriguing as the next.