Close-up Curriculum
Week 1
Orientation to Close-up Photography
Introduction to extreme close-up photography (micro-photography) and equipment. Review exposure control through bracketing in one-stop increments, using shutter speeds for close-up photos. Overview of color temperature of light.
Assignment: Bracketing assignment - twelve compositions with exposure bracketing for each.
Week 2
Exposure Control and Depth of Field
Critique and discussion of first assignment on bracketing. Explore depth of field and zone of focus and the reversal of zone of focus ratio. Review reproduction ratio, which is the relationship of image size to object size.
Assignment: Shoot four different subjects, using bracketed exposures and varying zones of focus.
Week 3
Depth of Field - a bit deeper
Discussion of depth of field assignment from prior week. Explore relationship of depth of field, bracketing with shutter speed, and aperture in micro-photography.
Assignment: Shoot 12 compositions, three bracketed exposures for each, determining best aperture for each composition.
Week 4
Combining bracketing, depth of field and aperture choices
Discussion of depth of field/aperture assignment from prior week. Discuss impact of exposure, depth of field and aperture choices on close-up subjects. Explore individual interests by crafting final assignment.
Assignment: Work with instructor to design final assignment, based on skills and interests of student.
Week 5
Applying what we've learned
The fifth class will be a hands-on shooting workshop held on the Sunday after the fourth class, at either the Chicago Park District's Garfield Park Conservatory OR the Chicago Botanic Garden. The location will be determined with input from class participants; the class will meet from noon to 2:00 PM on that Sunday afternoon. If you're unclear about this, call Richard at (773) 549-1631.
