Macrophotography: Photographing Our Smallest Organisms
Bring the tiny wonders of Anza-Borrego into focus
Discover the hidden beauty of Anza-Borrego’s tiniest inhabitants through the art of macrophotography. Learn how to capture the intricate details of insects and other small organisms that often go unnoticed, and bring the miniature world of the desert to life through your lens.
What to expect:
- An introductory talk on the art and technique of macrophotography—revealing small subjects larger than life.
- Essential tips for lighting, exposure, composition, and selecting the right equipment.
- A hands-on field session exploring Anza-Borrego’s diverse arthropod community in search of photo opportunities.
- Creative and ecological insights into desert insects—and how to photograph them effectively.
- Take-home resources to continue your learning and practice beyond the workshop.
Who should attend:
- Open to all ages and experience levels—from smartphone photographers to DSLR and mirrorless users.
- Perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and curious minds eager to explore the world of tiny desert life.
REGISTER TODAY!
Date/Time:
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 3:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (includes dinner; end time is approximate)
After dinner, weather permitting, we will have the option of a nighttime “bug walk” and will be setting up a light sheet with UV light to attract night-flying insects like moths, beetles, antlions, and more – so be sure to bring a flashlight and/or headlamp!
Sunday, March 22, 2026, 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (includes a light breakfast)
**overnight lodging is not included
Location: Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center (401 Tilting T Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004)
Cost:
ABF Member: $68 Not a member? Join today for as little as $35 and save!
Non-Member: $80
Student: $40
Cancellation Policy & Scholarships: Please see our FAQs page to read our cancellation policy and learn about scholarship options.
About the Instructors:
Marshal Hedin is a Biology Professor at San Diego State University, and the Director of the SDSU Biodiversity Museum. He is an avid photographer of many things, with a particular interest in macrophotography of small animals.
Writer and photographer Tom Astle grew up in Montana, where he learned to love the outdoors. He took up photography as a teenager, but being on a budget, his first macro lens was a magnifying glass taped to the front of a used 35 mm film camera. His photography equipment has improved somewhat since then, but his goal has remained the same — to capture portraits of nature, especially the small and often-overlooked creatures around us. His passion for macro photography has taken him to many parts of the world, but most of the time he hunts for subjects in Montana’s mountains, Southern California’s deserts, or simply in the small rectangle of his suburban Los Angeles backyard. Tom’s photographs have appeared in a number of books, periodicals, and scientific papers; more of his work is on his website, tomastlephotography.com. In case his fancy macro lens breaks, he still has the magnifying glass.
Take an incredible journey to a world class park! Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park, is one of America’s most diverse. Photographer Ernie Cowan captures the essence of the Park through stunning images that impress the viewer with the sheer scope of size, moods, and seasonal variations.
