MikeMoats on 500pxLast day of the three day Macro Boot Camp in Louisville, KY. We have a awesome group of photographers. Today we cover Photoshop, Nik Software, Helicon Focus, Texture Overlays, and a couple hours of shooting.
Room is ready to go.
Here’s some of the group having fun shooting.
I have four days to do some blog posts before I take off again. Here is an image I shot while in San Diego early this month, and I had this process in mind for this flower when I shot it.
Here is the original image, I first did some clean up with the specs of debris, and filled in the gaps between the petals showing any background, and did a slight crop.
After doing the clean up in Photoshop Elements, I then clicked on Filters. In the next box clicked on Blur, and then clicked on Radial Blur. In the next box look for Zoom and click the circle next to it. Use the Amount slider to add or subtract the amount of the Zoom you want, and this is what I came up with.
After I got the zoom the way I wanted it, I went into Nik Softwares Viveza, and did some tweaking with the structure slider to bring out the details in the petals, and darkened and added structure in the dark center. Then popped the yellow a little more.
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Mike Moats Macro Kit
Our pal Mike Moats is conducting Macro Workshops all across the country this spring. He says he’s constantly asked to recommend a tripod and ball head combination for macro shooting. Mike and OPG tested out lots of equipment together, and we’ve come up with a great macro kit at a great price.
Introducing the Mike Moats Macro Kit: 
Induro AT113 Aluminum Alloy Tripod
Induro BHD0 Dual Action Ball Head
Induro ELA1 Short Column for Low Level Work
Guide To Macro Composition ebook by Mike
List price on these items separately is $442.00, but we are able to bring the Mike Moats Macro Kit to you at a discounted price of $289.95!
This is a great kit for those wanting to get involved in macro, and it’s great for landscapes too!
Chicago area Macro Boot Camp holds 25 people and only two spots left. Don’t miss out like the people did on these Spring Workshops.
Carlsbad, California – 2 workshops (SOLD OUT)
Louisville, Kentucky – 1 workshop (SOLD OUT)
Farmington Hills, Michigan, 2 workshops (SOLD OUT)
Only a few spots left for the Spring Boston area workshop.
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Many times I walk though a field of flowers looking for that perfect shot that will produce a good flower portrait with a good clean background. I’m also looking for a flower that has character and has something in the design of the petals that sets itself apart from all the normal looking flowers with perfectly aligned petals.
If I don’t find any unusual subjects or cannot find that flower that works with a good clean uncluttered background, then I walk away. It’s better to walk away without an shot, then to produce a poor uninteresting image. That is the difference between a pro and an amateur is the pro knows when to walk, and the amateur shoots even if he doesn’t have a good quality subject.
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How much will it cost to get started in the art show business.
If you have visited the art shows, checked out the competition and said to yourself, I can compete and make money here, then it’s time to take the next step. To do it right it will take a decent amount of investment to get started. I will break it down in out of pocket start-up costs.
Tent, 10 x10 with some bells and whistles, $1,500 +
Walls, $1,500 +
Inventory, I carry about $10,000 retail of inventory, and my cost of materials for this inventory is about $2,000.
Misc. print bins, tables, artist chair, weights for tent, bags, receipts, Plastic bins for packing inventory for travel, etc. $500
You could try finding a used tent and walls to save some money, but they are not easy to find used, and from what I’ve seen, people are asking prices for their used tents and walls for not much less then buying it new.
Around the first of each year I have to apply to all my shows for the season. There will be the cost of jury fees, in my case, 25 shows times an average of $25 per show = $625
Once accepted into a shows I will be asked to send in my booth fees. Last year my booth fee totals for all my shows ran about $7,000. Now this money is tied up until I get it back when all the shows are completed, which takes about six months, and when I get the $7,000 back, I can’t spend it, because I need it for the next year, so that money is always locked up.
Now once you have your, booth, walls, inventory, misc, you have to buy something to transport all this stuff.
The best vehicle is a commercial cargo van, but you could get by with a trailer if you have a vehicle that can tow it.
A new Van may cost up to $25,000. You could buy a used one and save some money. I’m not sure what a trailer cost, but it has to be at least $1500 to $2,000, and if you live in a subdivision you may not be able to store a large trailer in you driveway, so you will incur some cost to store it somewhere.
So if you buy everything new that I’ve listed, and buy all the right things to do it right and cover jury fees and booth fees for about twenty five shows, it would cost you about (including new van) $38,125.
Now if you think you will buy all this stuff and do a couple shows a year, forget it, you would never recover you investment. You would have to do at least a dozen shows or more a year to make it pay off.
Now there are cheaper ways to get started that I will explain in future tips, but if you want to look professional, and have a set-up that will protect your investment from weather, this is what it takes.
I will break down all the things you need in future tips.
See the next tip on selling in art shows tomorrow.
To see past Tips, scroll down or go to home page.
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Beech leaves during the cold northern winters have a great transparent look, and seem to stay on the trees till spring. I picked these off the tree the other day with this shot in mind. I used my light table that’s for viewing slides (which has no use any more) for the light provided under this arrangement. You can do all kinds of different setups and it makes for some pretty cool images. The leaves are curled when they come off the tree so place them in a book with a lot of weight on top to dry and flatten them, then your ready to go. You can use other leaves that will work just as well with the light table. Have Fun.
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As winter approaches I start looking for new subjects to shoot, and this is the first in a series of tips on shooting indoors during the winter months. One of my favorite subjects to shoot during the winter months are slab cut rocks, which are thin slices of rocks that are polished smooth exposing all kinds of great abstract designs. Each year I search out companies online that sell these rocks and this year I found “Dandy Slabs” which is a premier site for rare, high grade and old stock lapidary materials – slabs, rough rock and collector specimens. Check them out at, http://www.dandyslab.com.
I shot these images using my Tamron 60mm macro lens. When I’m shooting indoors I like using a short focal length lens and working in close with the subject.
This first rock is a Deschutes Picture Jasper Slab and I liked the rich warm tones and lines.
This part of the rock reminded me of a mountain range, and the bright area on the left is the early morning sun with a large flock of crows in the sky entering the scene.
This second rock is a Laguna Agate Slab. It has a wild design with some great colors. These slabs are maybe a quarter of an inch thick and the designs vary on each side so it gives you more options for compositions.
This is the front side
And here is the same rock but from the opposite side, and a little different look.
So check out Dandy Slabs and pick up some rocks to shoot.
Finding Character In Nature is an e-book for the macro photographer that will help change the way you think the next time you go out to shoot.
The word character is often used to describe a person that is a little different or unusual from the general population. People that have a unique look, dress flamboyant, or act different from the rest of us are known to have character. They stand out in a crowd and draw attention. When viewing portraits of people, we often see character in the features of their face. Finding the character in nature will give your images that unique look, and stand out.
It’s easy to do, and you will learn how in this 40 page e-book.
Coming soon with an introductory price of $5.00.
Once you have determined that you have great images and everyone is impressed, maybe it’s time to start thinking about how you are going to make money. There are many avenues you can take to make money, sell prints through art shows, galleries, website, art consultants, interior decorators. Offer workshops, write how-to e-books, Affiliate programs, offer online courses, sell images for commercial use, make money from sponsors, write articles for magazines, produce a how-to video, present at photo conventions/camera clubs, start a blog or forum and sell ad space, offer webinars. So you see there are many ways to make money as a nature photographer, which one or how many of them will you choose.
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2011 Macro Boot Camp – Quality Inn, Carlsbad, California (north of San Diego) February 4,5,6. Laurie Shupp from Nik Software will be there to demonstrate the Nik Software programs.
2011 Macro Boot Camp – Outdoor Photo Gear presents this workshop at the Wingate Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, March 4,5,6
2011 Macro Boot Camp – Courtyard Marriot, Farmington Hills, Mich. (southeast Michigan)March 11,12,13
2011 Macro Boot Camp – New England’s largest photo retailer “Hunt’s Photo” presents this workshop at the Courtyard Marriot, Woburn, MA (near Boston) March 25, 26, 27.
2011 Macro Boot Camp – Hampton Inn, Skokie, Illinois, (near Chicago) April 1,2,3
2011 Macro Boot Camp – Courtyard Marriot, Farmington Hills, Mich. (southeast Michigan) April 29,30,May1
2011 Macro Boot Camp – Quality Inn, Hamburg, New York, (near Buffalo) May 13,14,15
Presented by Mike Moats, an award-winning, published nature photographer specializing in macro photography.
Sponsored by
Tamron – Lensbaby – Nik Software – Hunt’s Photo – Think Tank Photo – Helicon Focus – PhotoFlex – Outdoor Photo Gear – Outdoor Photographer Magazine
This will be an in depth unique three days of learning, fun, and entertainment. It is for the beginner to the intermediate photographer wanting to learn more about the macro world in nature.
Times:
Friday 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday 10th 9:00am – 2:00pm
Mike will cover cameras,lenses,tripods,heads and special macro accessories. How to create artistic images using a Lensbaby. Focus Stacking images with Helicon Focus. See how to build a collapsible enclosed plexiglas wind box for shooting flowers. Shooting high magnification with a focusing rail. How to control lighting with diffusers, reflectors, and a plamp. Most new to macro photographers struggle with depth of field, but Mike will make this easy to understand.
Learn the rules of composition for composing and framing your subjects. Mike will show you how to choose the perfect flower out of a grouping. With all the chaos in nature you will learn how to define the interesting subjects from the clutter. Choosing the right shooting angles for the proper background that compliments the main subject. Creating artistic compositions with flowers. How to create art combing subjects in nature.
Learn Mike’s techniques for processing images with photoshop and Nik software programs
Bring your camera, lens, tripod, because Mike will have subjects set up for you to shoot.
Lensbaby will be providing lens for you to try out.
You will have a chance to win door prizes from our sponsors.
Sales on many of the products you see at the workshop will be offered by Hunt’s Photo and Outdoor Photo Gear.
Cost $149.00
For more information call Mike at (586)770-3992.
Register online at, www.MikeMoatsBooks.com
A FEW MACRO BOOT CAMP TESTIMONIALS
Vince N. says,
Hey Mike! Just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful Macro Boot Camp in MI last month! As a professional photographer, I’ve attended many workshops and seminars over the past 5 years, and your workshop is right at the top of the list! Very informative, organized and professional, and straight to the point. I had a great time learning many new techniques for macro photography. Thanks again! – Vince
Mike L.
Just got back from the Macro Boot Camp in East Lansing. In a word Awesome!
Thanks Mike, I learned alot and the information was presented in an excellent and easy to follow manner. I will recommend this workshop!
John H.
Thanks for the great class this weekend. You explained things so that they were easy to understand, kept the class moving, kept it light and very enjoyable and a great learning experience. You did a great job!!! I will recommend your weekend seminar to everyone I know.
Peg R.
I just got home from the boot camp and wanted to thank you for such an excellent weekend. As a public school teacher for 33 years I was subjected to hundreds of hours of in-services and workshop and I would definitely give your boot camp an “A”, it was very well done.
Tim K.
Mike – GREAT course, a lot of fun. You are incredibly down-to-earth and approachable compared to pretty much all the master photographers I’ve met. That was great to see. Everyone I talked to down there felt really comfortable and had a good time, so bravo for that. You really put a nice personal touch on your course.
Sandra M.
Thank you again for a wonderful weekend at the Macro Boot Camp. What a great opportunity to learn from you, learn more about photography and get to know you a little bit. You are doing a great service for people. . . . keep up the great work!
Linda W.
I am kind of sorry that the course is over but I learned so much, more than I expected. Everything was so well explained and very easy to understand and your illustrations are so helpful.
Nancy K.
Wanted to let you know I really enjoyed the Macro Boot camp! I learned a lot a great techniques, tips and information.
Shirley J. M.
Thank you for a wonderful workshop. It was extremely helpful, informative and easy to follow. I don’t think I felt out of my league at all.
Marita E.
I Had a ton of fun at the Macro Boot Camp. Can’t wait to try all the fun stuff here at home.
Mary B.
It was truly a fantastic workshop! I learned a ton of great stuff. Thanks, Mike, it was a wonderful time.
Gloria W.
We enjoyed your Macro Boot Camp workshop this past weekend and I’m sure our macro photos will improve when we apply some of what we learned. It was interesting to see how important “imagination” is in your work
For the macro photographer working with natural light, here is a tip and products to help improve your photos.
Here are two simple and inexpensive products that I carry with me in the field for controlling light.
LiteDiscs 12″ Translucent (diffuser)
Plamp (made by Wimberly)
The great advantage that macro photographers have over nature photographers who shoot landscape and wildlife is we can control the light hitting our subject. Landscape and wildlife photographers have to deal with what ever mother nature throws down on their subjects (harsh sunlight, heavy overcast skies) without any ability to control it. Because of the small size of our subjects and a little help from these two items above, we take control.
The image on the left was shot on a cloudy day and as you can see the light from over head has washed out the color on the top of the flower. My friend Jack Graham shows how to position the diffuser over top of a flower shadeing it from the harsh overhead light. On the Right you see the color of the flower is restored with the shading of the diffuser.
Using a diffuser makes a big difference in the color of the flower, and if you have ever wondered why your flowers look washed out on the top, this is why, and how you can make this simple fix.
Here is another example of controling harsh overhead light with the diffuser.
Without diffuser With Diffuser
So what do we use the Plamp for? For holding the Diffuser.
Buy all three of these products at Outdoor Photo Gear in a kit price.
http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/mike-moats-macro-light-control-kit.html
Please stop by and check out my new Macro Nature Forum. Just for macro photographers of all skill levels, and It’s free to register and participate. You will be able to post your macro images in different forums, start or engage in a macro discussion, enter contests, and more. The forum is now open. www.macronatureforum.com
Today Oct 29th was the first day open for business and it was very productive. 30 members and over 120 posts. Just a few small glitches that I hope won’t continue but seems everything is fine now. After 48 hours over 200 members and over 500 posts.
The Lansing Macro Boot Camp came to an end today and we had a great group of people from Michigan, California, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin. Thanks to all who participated.
Last weekend in Lousiville, KY was the end of the 2011 art show season. My workshops take over now till next May. The shows were all down about 20 -30 percent from last year. The up side this year is all the workshops are selling out, so looks like people are more inclined to spend money when they can learn, rather then buy more art to hang on their walls.
I will be in Lansing, Michigan this Friday for the start of another Macro Boot Camp. Class is full so it will be a another fun workshop.
The spring workshops are filling well. Carlsbad, (north of San Diego is three quarters full and the Farmington Hills, MI workshop only a few openings. Chicago workshop over half full. Boston coming along also.
New Workshops
Hamburg, New York (just south of Buffalo) May 13, 14, 15, 2011
Lousiville, Kentucky March 4, 5, 6, 2011 – Presented by Outdoor Photo Gear
To sign-up or for more info go to
www.MikeMoatsBooks.com
For those of you who live in the Louisville, Kentucky area, I will be in town to do a presentation called,
“The Four Seasons Of Macro Photography”
It will be sponsored by “Outdoor Photo Gear”
To see more information and RSVP go “Here”
Limited Seating
Finding the right angle that will produce simple clean non distracting macro backgrounds is simple. It’s just a matter of taking your time and studying the various angles till you find the background that compliments the main subject.
The backgrounds in macro are as important as the main subjects.
This is a nice group of hanging oak leaves, and I need to find a simple background to compliment the leaves. In this first angle you see a heavy black vertical line from a tree trunk that has no value to the image, and this dark area pulls your eye away from the leaves. I have two different tones in the grass. You see the shaded area in the lower section and a lighter tone in the upper area. You see the dark horizon line is adding another tone and is also on an angle rather than level. So I see a lot of problems with this position.
In the second image I’ve changed the camera angle which eliminated the dark tree trunk. I still have two tones in the grass, and the little bit of dark horizon in the upper right corner. You also see a little bit of leaf creeping into the frame in the upper left corner. Better then the last image but still needs improvement.
I could see from the first two views that I was getting to many different tones and wasn’t satisfied with the background yet. What I did next was raise the camera up and angle the view downward so I would only see the shaded area in the grass behind the leaves. This would give me a nice consistent cleaner background. There were many possibilities for the background of this subject and I had to take the time to study every option.
If you’ve ever studied some of the better macro shooters you’ll see those nice clean solid color backgrounds that allow a flower to stand out with no distractions to pull your eye away from the main subject. This just doesn’t happen by accident, it’s carefully planned, and not all that hard to do. Most people that sign up for my Macro Boot Camps tend to be flower shooters so this is for the flower people out there.
In the image below you see a nice patch of Dame’s Rocket flowers. When approaching a patch like this I see so many photographers that head right to the middle of the patch to find a flower to shoot. With all the congestion of flowers, stems, leaves, this will only lead to a distracting background and make it impossible to get that clean shot.
Where you need to concentrate your attention to is the flowers at the perimeter of the patch. By finding those isolated flowers at the edges and shooting at an angle where the background is the farthest away will allow you to get those nice solid color backgrounds. In the image below you see the small cluster of flowers on the far right, this is what you should be looking for, a isolated group that will allow you to shoot without all the distractions behind it.
Find an angle where the background that you will be shooting towards is the farthest away, as this will make it easier for the camera to blur the background. Use a smaller f/stop in the f3.5 to f/8 to help soften the background into a solid color. Here is the small cluster that you see on the far right in the last image. The image was shot using the Tamron 90mm at f5/6.
If you can’t find that perfect flower at the edges and have to shoot into the clutter, go tight to eliminate the clutter.
Check out my new Macro Critter Contest http://www.pbase.com/mgm123/macro_contest
Send me your best macro critter shots to win
1st Place wins a Fuji Finepix F80 EXR Camera
12 MegaPixels – 10X Wide Zoom – 3.0″ LCD
2nd Place, wins a Interfit 5 in 1 reflector from Outdoor Photo Gear
3rd place, wins one year subscription from Outdoor Photographer Mag
Four Runner-ups each win one of my E-Books
