Geraldton Museum’s Macro Photography Workshop

The Museum of Geraldton is celebrating National Science Week with a double dose of nature photography.

Tomorrow, amateurs and professionals alike are invited to a workshop, hosted by local nature photographer Ken Lawson, to learn some tips and techniques of macro photography.

Macro photography is the art of taking extreme close-up photos of very small subjects. In the past this has required specialised camera equipment, but with modern cameras, a conventional lens is sufficient.

“With a bog-standard camera and lens, you can take some decent macro photos,” Lawson said.

One tip is to use a good flash. Mr Lawson’s camera (pictured) also has a light diffuser attached.

“Light is really important, because you want to freeze the subject,” he said.

If you want to see where those skills can take you, the museum currently has an exhibition showcasing the best of the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2020 entries.

“My dad always told me to stop and look. You’ll see things you normally never see,” Lawson said.

According to the museum’s regional manager, Leigh O’Brien, Geraldton is seeing its best wildflower season in 60 years. She says it’s “a good opportunity to do some macro photography”.

The workshop runs from 10am to noon, followed by a science trail which runs until 3pm. There is a cost of $15 and spaces are limited.

Bookings can be made on the museum’s website.