The Hidden World: A Hands-On Macro Photography Workshop (May 16)

A Four to Five Hour Workshop with Reid Thaler in 2026

Schedule: Saturday, May 16th | 10:30am through 3:30pm with 45-minute break
Location: Looking Glass Photo Classroom
Enrollment: Limited to 8 participants
Tuition: $149

Discover the Beauty in the Details You’ve Been Missing

Macro photography opens a door into a world most people never see — the delicate textures of a petal, the geometry inside a leaf, the iridescence of an insect’s wing. With the right tools and a trained eye, ordinary scenes become extraordinary.

In this immersive workshop, longtime instructor Reid Thaler guides you through the techniques, tools, and creative approaches that bring close-up photography to life. You’ll learn how to get sharp, detailed images at incredibly close distances, understand the trade-offs of various macro setups, and use lighting, depth of field, and composition to reveal hidden beauty.

This workshop blends classroom learning with field shooting in the area around Looking Glass — giving you time to practice, explore, and receive individual guidance as you experiment with a whole new way of seeing.

Macro experience isn’t required. Curiosity is.

What You’ll Learn

• What macro photography is—and why it’s so magical

• Key elements that make a strong macro image

• Magnification approaches & equipment options:

  • Macro lenses

  • Extension tubes

  • Close-up filters

  • Point-and-shoot & smartphone macro modes

• How to focus precisely at close range

• Depth of field and why it behaves differently up close

• Lighting approaches for clarity and drama

• Exposure tips to handle challenging macro situations

• How to slow down, observe, compose, and work with intention

• How Reid approaches macro photography as both craft and creative exploration

You’ll spend part of the day learning tools and techniques indoors, and part of the day outside photographing textures, patterns, and small details in the environment around Looking Glass.

What You’ll Take Away

• Confidence in approaching macro subjects

• A working knowledge of multiple macro techniques (and the pros/cons of each)

• A deeper sense of observation and patience behind the camera

• A handful of new images created during field practice

• Clear next steps for developing your macro style and skill

What to Bring

• A camera capable of focusing within a few inches (DSLR/mirrorless with macro lens, extension tube, or close-up filter; point-and-shoot with macro mode; even a smartphone works)

• A tripod—ideally one that can get close to the ground

• Patience, curiosity, and a willingness to explore details most people overlook

• Optional: A laptop with your preferred editing software

• Lunch or a plan to grab something nearby (the classroom is open for eating)

Pre-Requisites

You should have a basic understanding of your camera’s menus and how to adjust key settings.

About Your Instructor

Reid Thaler began photographing at age nine and has spent decades exploring everything from intimate macro scenes to darkroom work to teaching pinhole photography to blind students. He brings a rare combination of technical clarity, creative curiosity, and a deep passion for teaching.

Reid currently teaches throughout the Bay Area, including College of Marin, Stanford, and Walnut Creek’s Civic Arts Education program.

Cancellation Policy

Full refunds are available with at least 72 hours’ notice prior to the workshop.