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Bug-Eyed | Insect Photography — iPhotography Short Course

Bug-Eyed | Insect Photography

The tiny world around you is full of extraordinary subjects — you just need the right approach to capture them in sharp, stunning detail.

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What You'll Learn

What's Covered in This Short Course

You don't need to travel to get spectacular wildlife shots — insects are all around you, right now. In this course, Stephen Walton walks you through everything you need to capture close-up insect photography that is genuinely sharp, detailed and alive.

Camera equipment for insect photography — can you use any lens for this, or does it really matter? Stephen explains the specific focal length sweet spot that makes all the difference when shooting tiny subjects

Tripods and support — is a standard tripod actually a problem when shooting insects low to the ground? Find out which type of support Stephen recommends and why the usual setup can actually work against you

Lighting choices — flash or natural light? Both have benefits when it comes to insect photography, and the answer may not be what you expect. Stephen walks through the pros, cons and the clever solution that solves both

Aperture settings for macro — do you know what happens to depth of field when you get really close in? There's a critical setting adjustment that most beginners miss, and getting it right is the difference between a sharp insect and a blurry one

Shutter speed and subject movement — insects don't stay still for long. Discover the shutter speed approach Stephen uses to give yourself the best chance of a sharp shot, even with a moving subject

Focus — manual or autofocus? — there's a genuine debate here and the right answer depends on what you're shooting. Stephen covers both approaches and the specific focus mode that works best for moving insects

Editing tips for insect photography — once you've got your shots, what editing techniques actually bring out the fine detail? Stephen shares the specific adjustments that make insect images pop

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Who It's For

Is This Short Course for You?

You're interested in macro or close-up photography and want to try shooting insects, but you're not sure what equipment or settings to use

You've attempted insect shots before but the results keep coming out blurry, soft or poorly lit — and you want to understand why

You love wildlife photography but don't have easy access to large animals — and you want stunning nature images you can capture in your own garden

You want to understand how to handle the unique challenges of shooting very small, fast-moving subjects at very close distances

Your Instructor

Meet Your Instructor

Stephen Walton

Head Tutor · iPhotography

Stephen Walton is one of the UK's leading online photography educators and the Head Tutor of iPhotography. With a passion that spans every genre — from landscapes and portraits to macro, street and beyond — Stephen brings broad, hands-on expertise to every subject he teaches. His clear, practical style cuts through the jargon and focuses on what actually makes a difference behind the lens, helping photographers of all levels get real results, fast.

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£49

One-time payment · Instant access

Full short course video — watch at your own pace
Lifetime access — revisit whenever you like
Instant access on purchase — watch via your iPhotography account

Enrol Now — £49

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a dedicated macro lens to get started? +

A macro lens gives you the best results, but there are other options. Stephen covers alternatives including adapters and macro functionality built into some cameras — and explains exactly what to look for if you're considering buying a macro lens.

Where do I find insects to photograph? +

Your garden or a local park is more than enough to get started. Stephen points out that at the right time of year, there's always something to photograph close to home — you don't need to travel anywhere special.

Why do my close-up shots keep coming out blurry? +

There are a few specific causes — depth of field compression at close distances, shutter speed choices and focus placement all play a role. Stephen covers each of these in the course, which is exactly why this trips people up so consistently.

What camera do I need? +

Any DSLR or mirrorless camera that accepts interchangeable lenses will work well. The techniques and settings Stephen covers apply across all major brands.

How do I access the course after purchase? +

You'll be directed straight to your short course as soon as your payment is confirmed. It's stored securely in your iPhotography account — just log in to watch whenever you like. You'll also receive a confirmation email with a link to get started.

What if I have a question after watching? +

You're welcome to reach out to the iPhotography team and we'll do our best to help. You can also explore our full-length courses — our members get access to in-depth programmes, a thriving community, and ongoing tutor support.