Tuesday, June 18, 2013

a peek into snap shot delight & a giveaway!

My latest class Snap Shot Delight goes live this Friday, June 21st! I've had so much fun creating this class and am excited to share all of my favorite creative tips and techniques  for taking photos. I can't give everything away but I wanted to share a little peek into one of my lessons on capturing details- below are two of my favorite EASY ways to take macro photographs.

P.S. I'm giving away 5 free spots in the class! Scroll to the bottom of the post for details on how to win!




Did you know that you can reverse your lens so that the back points outward and the front points inward? Its a really economic alternative to buying an expensive macro lens- there are all kinds of adapters and reverse rings for the process. Using a reverse ring is the "correct" way to reverse your lens but I actually don't own a reverse ring! Years ago I was teaching myself to take macro photographs and I had every intention of ordering a reverse ring for my camera but I started experimenting with taking photos without an adaptor. I tend to break lots of rules and am always trying to find fast ways to get results so I started experimented with reversing my lens and then tightly holding it in place to take macro photos. It worked so well for me that I never got around to ordering my reverse ring!
The key to this technique is holding your lens as tight as possible so that you are not letting light in. It is also best to have a steady hand since focussing depends on you and how close you are to the subject matter.

I typically have to take a handful of photos to get something that I like and I do a lot of fiddling with my light to get a shot that I am happy with. 

But the result is pretty darn wonderful and after practice, really easy and great for on the go macro photos!



These days there are ALL sorts of really neat bells and whistles you can incorporate into your camera phone photography, it seems you don't even need a fancy DSLR camera!
My favorite tool when taking macro photos with my iphone is a "macro cell lens band". 
 It's basically a rubber band with a built in macro lens (a plastic magnifying glass) it works with any mobile phone and is SUPER easy to use to capture the tiniest of details! 

I own a couple of these little bands and try to keep one in my purse and one the in car so I am able to take a macro shot at any time!



The result is BEAUTIFUL macro photos that are perfect inspiration for color, texture and pattern!


Class is on sale for $30 until June 22nd!
For all the details on Snap Shot Delight head on over to my SHOP



I am giving away 5 free spots in class! 
Leave me a comment- tell me your favorite subject matter to photograph
I'll randomly draw 5 names and announce the winners this weakend!


Class is on sale for $30 until 

280 comments:

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Unknown said...

I love photographing little tableaus of pretty trinkets and ornaments and lights. Also love taking pictures of green stuff in nature, trees, plants etc.

/Gaia

Lisa Ullrich said...

Hi Alisa! I feel like a photo class junkie! I have already signed up for 2 Groupon courses and now I think I will sign up for yours as well.

I enjoy photographing landscapes and flowers. I'm drawn to nature with all of my art.

Katherine McNeese said...

flowers and my cats

Amy U said...

My favorite subject when shooting is nature, trees, texture, etc. A friend of mine just bought me a lens adaptor so I am excited to use it. I would love to take your class to learn more techniques.

Nicole B. said...

I like to take pictures of my everyday life, sunsets, my dog, etc. The class sounds great - thanks for the contest! :)

Laura E said...

Oh my favorite subject, would be my Hubby and my Pups. I have an amazing Husky! But I take so many pictures of him that he will get sick of it and get up and turn his back to me! Really he does no matter where I go to try to get a shot he will turn around and give me his back! My other dog is a model and was born for the camera!

wisecandy said...

Thanks for the giveaway, look forward to trying these two tricks as well. I love taking pics of my family in nature. and leaves.

Daniele said...

Anything and everything - but my favorite thing to photograph is evidence of everyday life

Mary C. Nasser said...

I love to photograph my dog! :)
Thank you for the chance to win!

Kelly Lynn said...

I love to take pictures of my dog or other animals that I see come thru by my house. This course sounds wonderful!!!

Lisa said...

I love photography! I take pictures daily. Can't really decide on a favorite subject. Nature, people, food, unique things. Thanks fo a chance to win! I love your blog! :)

ASHLEE said...

I like taking photos of people smiling.

Thanks for the tip about the camera phone rubber band macro lens. Very cool.

Ashlee

Anonymous said...

Flowers are my favorite thing followed closely by beadd.

Anonymous said...

Oops that wasn't suppode to be anonymoud.

Anne Manda said...

I love to photograph nature, especially leave and flowers! Thank you for sharing the rubber band lens thingy! <3

Unknown said...

Thanks for the chance to win such a lovely class. I actually left a comment on the wrong subject. oops.
I love to take pictures of my animals, dogs in particular. It's tough cause some days they move faster then I do. The Chihuahua's especially. :)
Sue

Kate Burroughs said...

I love to do macro photos of flowers, plant vegetation and insects. Thanks for a chance to win a spot at your workshop.
Aloha, Kate

Shahrul Niza said...

WOW, this is a great tip, I love to try this soon. My favorite photo subjects are the nature around me, usually the woods in the backyard or the parks that I go for walks. And, yes my three furballs!. Thanks so much for this opportunity to win a class!.

Brandy said...

Usually food is my inspiration but now I can't stop capturing photos of my newborn daughter! Love the tricks you showed, fun and interesting shots!

Lesley said...

I would love a chance to win a spot in your class. My favorite thing to photograph right now is food. LOL. I know it seems silly BUT with fighting breast cancer, juicing and being vegan has become my #1 priority. I have come to LOVE food and its textures and color. God kinda knew what he was doing when he gave us whole foods. :)

Cindy Tobey said...

My favorite subjects to photograph are my kids. Love your tip for shooting macro - will definitely try! Thanks for the chance to win!

Suzanne Bouchard said...

Hi, I just discovered your blog a couple of months ago. Thanks for the tons of inspiration! I am planning on working with drift wood on my vacation. With one of my friends I will make arrows, villages, painted walking sticks! And I would love to win a place in your online class! I loove to photograph the season flora...

Unknown said...

Hi Alisa,
love your blog! Love your Ideas!
I like to take pictures of my daughter and details in nature.
Vendulka

Anna D said...

I love taking pictures of my family and friends (especially kids) or while sightseeing or traveling anywhere with nature.
At the last 7 months I just cannot stop taking pictures of my sweet baby girl :) and I just stick to my DSLR with 50mm lens since, though I always have my pocket camera and smartphone camera with me , cause sometimes and especially with a kid it is just faster and easier (and she is herself much more with a small camera)

Would love to participate in your class , it sounds great :)

Thanks,
Anna

Mellensbest said...

Thank you for these tips!!! I enjoy photographing flowers, trees, & outdoor scenes as well a close-ups of my grandchildren!!!

Unknown said...

I loved taking photographs of new growth this spring. There is so much I can learn from your class. Thanks. Urmili

Anonymous said...

I would love to win your class. Thanks for the chance!
Julia M.
bejuled5@gmail.com

Teleri said...

Wee, another give-away :)
My favorite subjects are plants, architecture, stuff I made myself and food (selfmade, of course).
I plan on buying a new shiny camera soon, so this class would be a nice start into the world of shiny, high quality picture taking :D

Jess said...

I just moved to California, so I love taking pictures of all the gorgeous landscapes I see when I'm out discovering new places.

Gerry Lynne said...

I love to take pics of my grandchildren...a super sweet surfer, a gracious little boy singer and a thoughtful full-of-grace dancer! They are amazingly beautiful even at their worst. Thanks for the opportunity to win a spot in your class! I'm going to get a macro cell lens, as I am an artist, too, and the color, lighting and texture is so more readily seen close up! BTW, you are an incredibly gifted person and I thoroughly enjoy your blog!

Patrice said...

My cat is my favorite subject...

Say No to Word Verification!!!

Cathy P said...

Love to shoot close up of flowers and different angles too.

Thanks for the chance to enter and win!

Cheers!

Kathy W said...

Very cool tips and wonderful photos! I love to take photos of the changing weather and the fields outside my living room window.

Kylie Wood said...

Hi Alisa....I love to take macro shots....nature is a favourite living by the beach in Australia...but also our dog, Willow the superdog, when she it still enough...the paws...the nose...the little details.... I always wondered how to macro with an iPhone and your post today has shown me a gadget I knew nothing about... Thankyou
Cheers
Kylie

Chrissy Farnan Hoot Designs said...

I love to photograph flowers - the center detail! I love that little band on the iPhone!!! I must have that clever find!!!

Liette alias Pixelle said...

Hi Alisa...i adore take photos since the day my 2 little boys were born...so since a long time, i took photo of everything but i always have the impression i miss something, some tricks and I am sure you know it...so i would like to subscribe to your class...if i have the chance to win i will appreciate it and will take an other class with you...thanks a lot for that class to come...xxx

Kara N said...

Hi Alisa - this class looks great. My favorite thing to try to capture on film is brilliant color and great light...and my golden retriever Lindsay

Unknown said...

This simple trick is amazing! I love to photograph plants/flowers/textures and patterns.

SPB said...

Would love to take this class! I enjoy taking photos of my family.

Rosalia gaspar said...

Like you, alisa, I'm a mother. I have 3 amazing children I love to photo. I live in a neighborhood called Pilsen in Chicago, & it's one of the most artsy places ever. I love to photo my neighborhood, from the market to the murals on each block (literally!) & the journey of raising my children surrounded by creativity. I love photography, & I have slowly been taking classes when I have the money & can take time for myself. Living in a place where artists are the norm, I know gaining more experience in my photography will help me grow into the artist I desire. Thank you for inspiration! I enjoy your blogs, your family & your passion! Namaste!

grow. {gift studio & gallery} said...

i love to photograph just about everything when the photo bug gets me ... especially, fruits, veggies and flowers from my garden. would love to take this online workshop.

lianne said...

i love to wonder aimlessly with my iphone ≈ capturing the beauty and simplicity of everyday things.

rachael said...

I love to photograph my family!

Kimi W said...

This class looks creative and awesome! This summer photography is on my list of things to do. Thank you for the chance to win a spot!

laura gaffke said...

Thanks for this fabulous opportunity & the great tips! I love to photograph flowers, my garden and vintage items.

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to win a spot in your awesome class.

I love to photography flowers and children.

Lynda said...

Always looking for new tips on photography...
My favorite thing to photograph is the old, the rusty, the discarded, the forgotten things I've come across.

Paula said...

Your class sounds wonderful, thanks for the opportunity to enter!

Unknown said...

I love to photograph my kids, of course! I've had my DSLR for over a year now and I really need to take the setting off of auto more often!! Your class looks wonderful!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the great macro tips! I enjoy photographing flowers and am always on the lookout for backyard birds to photograph with my telephoto lens. Winning this class would be a treat!

Heidi Paul said...

Just love your photos!!! Thanks for the photo tips! I love to photograph tropical flowers, sweet, small children and anything with lots of color.

Craftcherry said...

What a neat trick with the macro. Now to just get a macro lense. :o/
Your class looks really neat, I could use some inspiration.

se7en said...

Love this tip... I tell you, you have the most incredible ideas!!!

Patty B. said...

I love taking photos of my family and of the ocean coast where we live...always something interesting and beautiful to shoot no matter what season.

Patty B.

kathy n said...

i love taking candid photos of my children, pics of my dogs and of course nature to draw inspiration from! this class looks like a lot of fun!

yælæd said...

These are awesome tips! Thanks for sharing! I love taking pictures of clouds, light shining through trees, and my art!

Jana said...

I love photographing poppies, crows and costumed friends & family! Thanks for this opportunity!!

Ms. Becky said...

my favorite subject is my kitty - Daiseymae. She loves me, I love her. thanks for the chance to win a spot in your class.

Rebecca said...

Thanks for the post.
Always loved doing macro shots with flowers, but I could never get close enough for my liking, and I am still saving up for a macro lens. Now I have a new way of photographing what I love.

Lynda said...

What awesome tips! I want that rubber band lens!

Kiki said...

I love taking photos of architectural details. Thanks for the giveaway.

Lisa said...

I learned something already! I just bought a DSLR and I'll have to try reversing the lens. I love taking macros of everything! I find incredible beauty in the details, sometimes you miss it with the naked eye. I have an olloclip for macros with my iPhone. It's hard to hold it steady. This class looks fab!!

Meryl said...

Such great tips--I want to take the class!

Erin said...

Amazing tip! I love macro shots but have always had a hard time with just the standard lens. My favorite thing to photograph is water droplets! Thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

My favorite subject matter is people. Mostly my kids, but really, people in general. I love catching expressions and actions that aren't always noticed. It's a definite passion of mine! Thank you for the chance!!

morningDove said...

I love taking photos of flowers and my art pieces (cropping them) to make new pieces. this looks like an interesting class.

loverofnewfs said...

I love my camera more each day and I would love to win a spot.

WEARWOLFS- Recycled Jewelry said...

People. Love faces, eyes, expressions! My grandson Jackson is my most frequent muse. Always looking for fresh ideas and you photography is inspiring!

Tammy said...

I want to photograph food and my children. Have a new camera but not very good at composition. Thanks for this offer.

CeCe said...

Oh my goodness...How talented you are. You are always inspiring. I would love to win a spot in the class!

Unknown said...

I would love to win this class!!! i mostly taek pictures of nature and my own work...;-))

rosemary x said...

What an awesome class! I would just love to win one. My favorite thing to photograph these days is my 18mo daughter Harry - she's the photogenic type. ;)

-grace
rsmryx at gmail dot com

Soonymary said...

I love taking photos of flowers and vegetables in my garden as well as my great-nieces. Thanks for the tip with the lens....awesome!!!!

linda said...

thanks for giving us a peek!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing about the little macro lens band for the iphone! My favorite thing to photograph with a macro lens is flowers in my garden, but I think almost anything is so much fun to photograph with a macro!

Anonymous said...

I love taking macro pix of those large red toadstools which occasionally grow in the garden. Especially once they start to decay. Neat patterns underneath as well as great neutral colors.

Jacqui
elegant_stitch at yahoo.co.nz

Linda R said...

Getting my first i-phone this week and would LOVE to take this class, just found out about it! Maybe I can win it to take new macro photos since I don't have a special lens - love love love to take photos of nature, flowers, dew/rain drops.

ajavagal said...

I enjoy capturing sunsets & sunrises, children & nature subjects.

game iwin said...

The kind of photography you do with all the "short cuts", is more my style being a more intuitive photographer than an accomplished one.

What I like to photograph are close-ups of texture of anything I run into and see, but also portraits of people unawares... I love people and their expressions.

game avatar said...

I have enjoyed the classes I have taken with you and would love to win this giveaway and take another!

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