Mastering Macro Photography: A Workshop Experience with Geraint Radford

Introduction

If you’ve ever been fascinated by the intricate details of nature — from the delicate wings of a butterfly to the pollen-covered body of a bee — then macro photography might just be the perfect creative outlet for you. Recently, I had the opportunity to join the talented Geraint Radford for a macro photography workshop, and I’m here to share my experience and the valuable lessons I learned.

Getting Started with Macro Photography

The day started with a relaxed atmosphere, as Geraint and I — along with some fellow enthusiasts — headed into the woods for the workshop. There’s something about shooting macro in nature that feels both challenging and rewarding. The goal of this workshop was simple: to learn how to capture stunning close-up images of our tiny world while using the best tools and techniques.

Geraint, who has a natural gift for teaching, led the way with his relaxed approach. His advice wasn’t about following a strict set of rules; instead, he encouraged us to experiment and find our own creative paths in the world of macro photography.

Tips for Success: Patience & Picking Your Battles

One of the most surprising lessons I learned from Geraint was the importance of patience and picking your battles. In macro photography, you spend a lot of time chasing your subject. But Geraint shared a golden tip: sometimes, you get lucky and find a subject — like a bee — that is so full of pollen, it won’t move. These are the moments where you can really take your time to get the perfect shot without the stress of chasing after a moving target.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, macro photography is about patience and timing. Instead of rushing around trying to catch the perfect subject, you might find that the perfect subject comes to you when you least expect it.

Shooting on the Fly: Embracing Spontaneity

Another lesson from Geraint was the power of spontaneity. He stressed that while understanding the technical side of photography is important, macro photography thrives on a certain level of improvisation. Sometimes, the most beautiful shots happen when you just pick up your camera, point, and shoot without overthinking it. The unpredictability of nature — like the bee cleaning its face in the shot — often leads to one-of-a-kind images that can’t be replicated with precision alone.

As Geraint put it, “If you’re spontaneous, you’ll capture shots that are truly unique.” It’s all about finding that sweet spot between technical knowledge and the thrill of capturing something unexpected.

The Gear: What You Need to Get Started in Macro Photography

While spontaneity is important, gear still plays a crucial role in macro photography. Geraint shared his top gear recommendations, specifically for beginners and enthusiasts looking to level up their macro game. If you’re looking to dive into the world of macro photography, the OM system is a strong contender. Geraint is an ambassador for OM, and after hearing his thoughts, it’s clear why he relies on this system for his professional work.

Here are a few key recommendations for different budgets:

• OM1 Mark II & 90mm Macro Lens: If you’re looking for the top-tier setup, this combination is perfect for razor-sharp shots and maximum versatility in the field.

• OM5 & 60mm Macro Lens: For those on a budget, this setup is highly affordable and still delivers fantastic results. The 60mm lens is compact, sharp, and perfect for close-up shots.

Geraint emphasized how lightweight and compact these setups are, making them ideal for nature photography where portability matters. He also highlighted the importance of stability when shooting, especially when capturing highly detailed macro shots. A good tripod is essential, and even if you prefer shooting handheld (like Geraint does), having the option for added stability can make a huge difference, especially for techniques like focus stacking.

Focus Stacking: Simplifying Complex Shots

Speaking of focus stacking, I got to experiment with this technique during the workshop. Focus stacking is a method where multiple images are taken at different focal points and then combined to create a final image with more depth of field. This is especially useful in macro photography, where achieving a sharp focus from the front to the back of the subject can be difficult.

Geraint showed us how easy it can be to use automatic bracketing and let the camera do its thing, while all we needed to do was blend the shots together later. For anyone getting into focus stacking, stability is key, and Geraint’s advice to use a tripod for this process was spot on.

Wrapping Up the Day

As the day wound down, I couldn’t help but reflect on just how much I had learned. From understanding the technical side of shooting macro to embracing the creativity of spontaneous shots, this workshop opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of macro photography. It wasn’t just about the gear; it was about finding the right mindset to capture what’s right in front of you — whether it’s a tiny insect or a dew-covered leaf.

Geraint’s laid-back approach to teaching made the workshop fun, relaxed, and most importantly, insightful. And while we had plenty of fun in the woods, there’s still so much more to explore in the world of macro photography. I can’t wait to put these new skills into practice and see what I can capture next!

Will There Be More Workshops?

Absolutely! Geraint mentioned he runs plenty of workshops, especially up in Scotland. I’d love to attend another one and continue honing my macro photography skills. And who knows — maybe next time, I’ll get a chance to team up with Camera Centre for another unforgettable workshop experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re interested in macro photography, I highly recommend joining a workshop or class. Getting hands-on experience with experts like Geraint makes all the difference. Plus, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the tiny world around us. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned photographer, there’s always something new to learn and explore in macro photography.

So grab your camera, head outside, and start capturing the little wonders of nature. You never know what you might find!