Close-Up: An Introduction to Macro Photography

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Close-up photography (or macro photography) gives us a scientific view of the world around us. In this first installment, photographer Bill Fortney takes you through the basics of macro photography, the equipment to use, and some of the techniques needed to get as close up as you want to get. In later courses, Bill gets more in-depth but this installment serves as a great overview for beginners or a perfect refresher with plenty of tips for more experienced macro photographers.

Introduction (01:37) Meet Bill Fortney and the people who influenced him.
Getting the Basics (05:00) An overview on the principles/ratios of macro photography.
Ratios and Equipment (09:45) Learn the difference between a tight shot and a true close-up. Plus, Bill goes over the equipment he uses to get his shots.
Lens Demo and Working Distance (17:26) Bill starts off with a 2:1 shot, discusses manual focus and takes you through the shot with each lens and extension tubes.
Depth of Field (10:12) Bill demonstrates the minutiae of the depth of field he works in by photographing a ruler.
Lighting (08:12) Light your subjects with simple equipment such as a desk lamp, one flash, or a flashlight.
Extra Special Advice (05:32) Bill shares some important advice and a few tips he's picked up along the way to help you get the best shot possible.
You Don't Need Expensive Equipment (11:36) Bill shows you how to take great macro shots with a point and shoot, some lens filters, a rather inexpensive, older lens, and even a lens mounted backwards.

Course Time: 01 Hours 09 Minutes

E. Harrington

Feb 5 2013

Bill Fortney is a great teacher, and he shares lots of tips for getting into close-up/macro photography. Great video series!
T. Andrews

Jan 14 2013

Absolutely awesome video. I learned so much about how to get into close up photography. The instructor discussed practical information and how to achieve awesome photos without spending one's life savings. This is such a great feature for those who want to get into photography but can't afford the $$ associated with macro/micro lenses. Love this guy!
D. Sycamore

Aug 28 2012

Excellent great presentation style and easy to follow. A download list of equipment used would be useful supplemented with stuff for Canon users.
D. Pino

Jun 22 2012

Another excellent demo and training session from Bill Fortney. His teaching style leaves you with a strong understanding of the topic.
V. Abraham

Jun 2 2012

This is an excellent course for anyone wanting to get into Macro. Bill ran through all the demos so well that even a person with very basic photography skills could understand. Thanks for this wonderful course.
J. Drane

May 30 2012

Excellent. Practical, understandable, and very enjoyable. Also noted is the lack of photographer "snobbery" - Bill has practical suggestions for those of us who do not have inlimited budgets, but still want to improve our close up photography. Much appreciated thankyou

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Your Instructor

Bill Fortney

Outdoor Photographer & Author

Bill is currently a Nikon Professional Services tech rep for the Southern U.S. and Nikon's liaison person for the Nature Market. In the past Bill has been a High School teacher and football coach, AP...VIEW FULL BIO»

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