In-Depth Blog Post #1

(Examples of macro photos will be placed throughout post)

What:

For my In-depth project this year, I am going to be learning the skill of macro photography. By the end of our 5-month long project, I want to become more comfortable and knowledgeable within the world of macro photography. To take each photo, I will be using my Canon EOS R camera as well as a Canon 100mm macro f/2.8L IS USM as my lens. I will mostly be using my mentor as my main resource; however, I watch photography videos on YouTube sometimes so I may pick up special techniques from there as well. In addition, by the end of In-depth this year, I would also like to be able to compose a perfect macro show while using macro techniques in the most effective way.

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Why:

I hope to learn macro photography because I have much more practice within the other areas of photography such as landscape photography and portrait photography. In addition, there are much more interesting shots I can take with macro photography that are just not available to do in other areas. Moreover, a lot of macro photography eventually turns into product photography which is more of an area where I can make a career out of doing what I love.

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When:

There are two main components of my In-depth project this year. This includes becoming more comfortable and knowledgeable within the world of macro photography as well as learning how to compose a perfect macro shot while using macro techniques in the most effective way. These components will be learned throughout the entire In-depth project. More specifically, I will be having a meeting with my mentor every Monday from January 11^th to May 31^st to discuss my macro technique and he will give me new challenges to take on. On the last Monday of every month, I will show my mentor the best photos that I have taken each week and he can give me feedback on what I can improve or fix.

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Who:

The professional photographer that I have asked to mentor me is Ian Redd. Ian is a local Vancouver photographer who runs his headshot company, Vancouver Headshots. Although portrait photography is his profession, he also loves macro photography and knows a lot of techniques to take macro images. Moreover, he knows how to compose a shot to prepare it for editing if it is needed.

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How:

During the In-depth project I will be focusing on a few skills within macro photography. This is going to include learning how to properly compose a macro photo based around the subject, learning more about macro photography in general to better my overall technique, and learning how to make my images stand out from another photographer’s. Although my mentor, Ian, will teach me everything he knows in these areas, we can only meet once a week so if I ever need additional help, I can access more information through the resources listed below. Moreover, I can also get some inspiration from these resources if I am ever running out of ideas.

 

1. YouTube. I can watch videos on unique ways to take images and get more professional help.

 

2. Instagram. I can look through photographer’s feeds on Instagram to get some inspiration.

 

3. Pinterest. I can look through other amateur photographer’s images and find new ways to take photos.

 

4. Magazines. I recently received a few magazines for Christmas which I can use to find tips and tricks to take unique images.

 

5. Macro Photography Books. I can focus my perspective on macro photography books and receive more specific tips and tricks to take unique images.

 

6. Other Professional Photographers. I can look through some professional photographer’s websites to see how they take photos and reflect on them to help change my technique.

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What Else Is Needed:

The only thing that I will need at this time that I don’t already have is the Canon 100mm macro f/2.8L IS USM lens which is probably the most crucial part of my project. That is why I am focusing on buying this lens as soon as possible so I can get started on taking some macro photos.