Masterclass in macro-photography from Allan Walls
Covid-19 has allowed the Society to reach out to renownd photographers who due to the sheer distances involved are normally unable to present one of our regular highly-illustrated and inspiring photo-talks. Last night we were joined by Allan Walls from Alabama in the United States of America. who promised an introduction covering all aspects of macro-photography. What we got was a true ‘Masterclass’ from a photographer who is clearly as passionate as he is skilled in everything to do with this genre of photography.
If you want to give macro-photography a try but really don’t know where to begin, Allan explained all you need is a basic DSLR and a few inexpensive pieces of equipment to achieve some stunning images. Progressing further until we ran out of magnification Allan explained it was now time to reach for some different gear. Specifically, it’s was time to figure out how to replace diffraction-limited camera lenses with another optical marvel - microscope objectives. The result was high resolution images that revealed the beauty (Allan’s words) of creatures little bigger than a grain of sand made possible by focus-stacking in some cases thousands of individual images.
Here are just a few of the comments posted online by members of the Society who listened to Allan’s talk:
Great presentation. As someone with little experience of macro photography you gave a real insight to the techniques and equipment and some superb photographs. A real inspiration. Thank you.
Absolutely fascinating! Stunning images!! I will be buying some new kit very so
Yes, some really great advice on how to approach macro on a budget
Great presentation. I will check the website shortly and also look out for a macroscopic lens
Absolutely extraordinary thank you...!
Many thanks Allan! Just brilliant...!
Thanks Alan a wonderous presentation...!
We all look forward to meeting up with Allan sometime in the future, and hopefully in person when he next comes to the UK. Below are all small selection of the images Allan included in his talk:
Since the COVID-19 restrictions the Society has put together a revised weekly programme which are now presented online. These have proven to be very successful, with good attendance and we thank all our members, speakers and judges who have adapted so well to this medium. Meetings will continue every Tuesday through the Summer and in addition, where it is possible to do so additional outside events will be added. Obviously the situation as regards the next season is constantly under review.