ALAN HENDERSON

Macro photographer and invertebrate expert

Alan has been photographing small wildlife for over 30 years. He has a BAppSci (Scientific Photography) from RMIT University, and specialised in photographing invertebrates during his three-year degree. Combined with his photographic expertise, Alan has a wealth of knowledge in the field of invertebrate zoology.

He is an accomplished invertebrate zookeeper and exhibit designer, and worked for over a decade developing and managing live animal displays at Melbourne Museum. His knowledge of animal behaviour allows him to capture exquisite, meaningful and scientifically useful images. Attention to detail is paramount within Alan’s macro photography, ensuring that natural behaviours are evident.

Check out Alan’s most recent book ‘Minibeasts‘.

“ Macro photography takes me into a fascinating new world where the features and details of these amazing animals are revealed and just mind blowing. I hope that through my photography people can share this experience and that it ignites a spark of appreciation for these critically important animals. ”
- Alan Henderson -

Publications and products featuring Alan's images

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IN DIFFERENT WAYS

Macro photography introduction workshop

Introductory macro photography workshops cover the the basic rules of photography and then step into the world of macro. Learn how to get the most out of your equipment and get to take photos of some amazing Australian invertebrates, all under the guidance of Alan Henderson.

This workshop is ideal for those starting out or relatively new to macro photography. By the end of the workshop you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to be shooting your own great macro images.

MACRO STILL IMAGES AND VIDEO FOOTAGE

Purchase or request the production of high quality invertebrate images and video footage (up to 8K) of particular species, or invertebrate behaviours.

MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY WALL PRINTS

Check out our stunning invertebrate wall prints which feature high quality images of Australian insects, spiders and more.

MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

Learn macro photography with Alan Henderson in a dedicated workshop with Australian invertebrates from our collection.

  • You don’t need top level gear to get great macro shots.
  • We’ll look at your gear and teach you how to get the best out of it.
  • Find out what equipment will suit you and your budget.
  • Lighting is the most important component of any photographic field, and macro is no exception. Often the difference between an average shot and a stunning one is just the lighting.
  • Learn the basics of lighting  small subjects and composing your images. Practice with your own equipment under Alan’s guidance.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to photograph some of Australia’s most stunning and charismatic invertebrates. Alan will give you an insight of the various behaviours of the animals and how those behaviours affects the photographers’ techniques.
  • All great photographers utilise some form of post processing to get the best out of their images. 
  • Learn the basics of image editing and how to harness the potential of raw images and create great photographs. Alan will share some of his best kept secrets.

Macro photography advanced workshop

This workshop will dive into the tricks of the trade and advanced techniques when photographing insects, spiders and other invertebrates close-up. Participants will learn how to get the most out of their photographic sessions and images.

  • Is your equipment holding you back? Does it offer potential you’re not using? We’ll take a look at what you have and what you want to do and make it possible.
  • Alan will share some creative ways to light your subject. Backlighting and other approaches will be discussed and demonstrated.
  • Alan will provide an insight into invertebrate behaviour. We’ll look at some living examples and how to work with them, including how not to disturb them and how to predict their behaviour so you are ready to get that great shot.
  • Close up photography of invertebrates can be done in an indoor environment or out in nature. We’ll look at both and how each can be approached.
  • Using Alan’s wealth of experience at building sets for nature documentary series, we’ll learn how to make really simple sets to enable the photography of hard to see behaviours. 
  • Learn advanced post production techniques and how to edit like a pro, for flawless macro images.

WHERE?

Our Macro photography workshops are run in the tropical paradise of Kuranda, far north Queensland

WHEN?

The next scheduled workshops are planned for October-November 2023

HOW?

Register your interest below to be notified when workshop dates are finalised

Register your interest in macro workshops

Find the digital images or footage you need

We have been working for many years on special requests coming from publishers, media, program and film producers and others requiring high quality invertebrate imagery.  It often happens that film crews creating sequences don’t manage to get the specific shot or behaviour they need for their project due to the available time frame.  In those cases, we can get the job done!

 

With the rainforest literally surrounding us, our high quality equipment and large invertebrate collection, we can film or capture the missing pieces of your puzzle. Tell us what you need and we will do our best to make it happen.

Inquire for an image or video sequence