What macro photography really is
Reproduction ratio and magnification: the 1:1 ratio and beyond, the different scales, and why in macro we do not get closer, we magnify.
What we will learn
Photographing up close is also learning to see
Macro photography lets us step into a world that is often right in front of us and goes unnoticed.
Over four hours we will understand the principles behind a good macro photograph and, above all, how to make conscious decisions when we are in front of a subject.
We will work on six pillars:
- Magnification and reproduction ratio: what macro photography really is, the 1:1 ratio and beyond, and the idea that we do not get closer, we magnify. We will look at how to reach that magnification with a macro lens, extension tubes, close-up lenses (Raynox), teleconverters and reversed lenses.
- Focus: manual and selective focus, minimum focusing distance and how to decide exactly where the point of sharpness should be.
- Exposure in macro: the exposure triangle (ISO, shutter speed and aperture) applied to the specific demands of high magnification.
- Depth of field and diffraction: how focal length, focusing distance, aperture and background shape the image, and how far it is worth stopping down before diffraction costs you detail.
- Light: the qualities of light (quality, quantity, direction, temperature and diffusion), fill flash and external flash, light modifiers (diffusers, softbox, snoots), flash power in stops, color temperature, white balance and lighting setups.
- Ethics: learning to approach small living subjects while respecting their behavior, their space and their wellbeing.
Something important
Four hours do not replace the experience you build by photographing in the field. What I want to give you in this workshop is a solid foundation so you understand what you are doing, why you are doing it and what you can start practicing on your own. Experience will come later: observing, making mistakes, returning to the field and learning from every encounter.
Photograph by Jhonattan Vanegas
Workshop structure
Six blocks, four hours live
Reaching magnification and focusing
How to reach magnification: macro lens, extension tubes, close-up lenses (Raynox), teleconverters and reversed lenses. Manual and selective focus, and minimum focusing distance.
Exposure, depth of field and diffraction
The exposure triangle (ISO, shutter speed, aperture) in macro; depth of field driven by focal length, focusing distance, aperture and background, and the limit set by diffraction.
The qualities of light
Reading light at a small scale: quality (soft and hard), quantity, direction, temperature and diffusion. Fill flash and external flash, and how direction and angle change the image.
Shaping the light
Light modifiers (diffusers, softbox, snoots), reflection and transmission, flash power in stops, color temperature and white balance, and building practical lighting setups.
Ethical approach and closing
How to approach a small living subject with respect, without turning our presence into a disturbance. Live demonstration and a simple path to keep practicing after the workshop.
Why this workshop exists
Teaching can also be a way of helping
I am a nature photographer, biologist and herpetologist. A large part of my life has been devoted to observing, photographing and sharing what I have learned about the natural world.
After the earthquake that affected different communities in Colombia, I asked myself what I could contribute from what I know how to do. The answer was simple: to teach.
That is why I decided to create this special edition of my macro photography workshop. I want to spend four hours sharing the knowledge I have built behind the camera and turn that gathering into something that can reach far beyond us.
You come to learn photography. I bring my knowledge and my work. And the profit the workshop generates becomes help for families who need it today.
Jhonattan VanegasBiologist · Herpetologist · Nature photographer
The purpose
From learning to concrete help
100% of my profit, after taxes and the costs of running the workshop, will go directly to support affected families.
I will make the delivery in person and afterward I will share a record of the process so that everyone who took part can see how the help was used.
Pereira
Cali
Chocó
I do not want the situation of these communities to be used as a visual or emotional device to sell the workshop. That is why this page will keep speaking from photography, knowledge and the chance to build something useful among those of us who decide to take part.
Transparency
I want you to be clear about what happens with your registration
You are buying a workshop
Your registration is for a four-hour live educational experience. You are not making a donation or purchasing a donation certificate.
What does "profit" mean?
From the price of each registration we only deduct taxes and the costs needed to run the workshop, such as the fees associated with payment processing. Everything left over as profit will go to the families.
I will share the outcome
After running the workshop and delivering the help, I will publish a record of the process and the amount given to the communities. Transparency is also part of this initiative.
Another way to take part
The photography can also stay with you
If you cannot attend the workshop and would like to support this initiative, some of my photographs are available as prints in the store.
You can bring a nature image into your space and, at the same time, be part of this purpose.
Workshop information
The details, at a glance
DateSeptember 5, 2026
FormatLive on Google Meet
Duration4 hours
Spots20 participants
LevelBeginner and intermediate
PriceUSD $98
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous experience?
You do not need experience in macro photography. The workshop is designed for beginner and intermediate photographers. It helps to know the basics of aperture, shutter speed and ISO, though you do not need to have fully mastered them.
Do I need a macro lens?
No. We will look at different ways to get close to the macro world, from a phone and simple accessories to specialized lenses. Part of the goal is that you understand what you need before investing in new gear.
Is the workshop live?
Yes. We will meet live on Google Meet for four hours. There will be demonstrations, image review and time for questions.
Will it be recorded?
No. This edition is planned as a live experience and will not be recorded.
How will I receive the link?
After completing your registration you will receive the information you need to join the workshop at the email you provide.
What happens if the 20 spots are not filled?
The workshop will take place regardless. The 20 spots are the maximum number of participants, not a condition for it to happen.
Is my registration a donation?
No. You are buying a photography workshop. The decision to give 100% of the profit is my personal commitment to this initiative.
How will I know what happened with the help?
After making the delivery I will publicly share the outcome of the initiative and a record of the process.
Reserve your spot
Get closer. Observe. Understand.
Macro photography begins when we discover that what seemed small can hold an entire world.
We will spend four hours learning to photograph it with more intention, more knowledge and more respect.
And this time, on top of that, what we learn together can become help for someone else.
September 5, 2026 · Google Meet · 4 hours · 20 spots
Cannot attend? You can also view my fine art prints and be part of this initiative.