Introduction to Macro Photography with Mike Hagen

Create larger than life images

Introduction to Macro Photography
  • 12 video lessons
  • 1 hour and 28 minutes of class content
  • Streaming access on desktop and mobile browsers
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
Learn how to unlock the fantastic world of macro photography. Instructor Mike Hagen details the gear, techniques, and software you’ll need to capture extreme detail in everything from flowers to insects to jewelry. Create larger than life images with intricate detail using methods that Mike clearly demonstrates in this class.

Course Instructor

Mike Hagen

Mike Hagen

Mike Hagen is a professional photographer, author, and workshop leader. He's taught hundreds of workshops and thousands of students over the years on just about all photo topics including camera gear, studio lighting, Photoshop®, Lightroom®, landscape, travel, and digital workflow.
  • Dianne C. Apr 4, 2024

    Really enjoyed this class and the humor, it kept me entertained while learning. I just bought my first macro lens for shooting the jewelry I make so this will be very helpful!

  • Ian D. Feb 24, 2024

    Great introduction to Macro Photography. I especially enjoyed Mike's humor. I was thoroughly entertained by this class and I learned some stuff too.

  • Dave W. Dec 11, 2021

    Great course very informative and easy to understand the world of macro photography.

  • Jennifer M. Jul 22, 2021

    I really found lots to like about this course and instructor EXCEPT the killing or interfering with insects, wildlife, and / or outdoor plants. As a photographer, it is my joy to take from nature an image while doing no harm. He's talented enough to do this, otherwise consider not taking the shot.

  • Jan P. Apr 9, 2021

    Interesting and informative. I watched at 2x speed and it was perfect for me. Great intro to Macro photography.

  • Andrew L. Feb 23, 2021

    A very good introductory class to macro photography. Watch this (especially the section on extension tubes!) before your run out and buy a dedicated macro lens! Good explanations.

  • Daniel H. Oct 11, 2020

    Mike is a very good teacher and was able to provide several tips to improve my Macro skills. I am a beginner so the material is excellent. Very happy.

  • Wen . Feb 29, 2020

    very good class! it is systemic and basic for every beginner.

  • Alina G. Apr 27, 2019

    Very informative for total beginners

  • Audrey R. Nov 24, 2018

    This is probably the 30th class I purchased, and the first I watched in full. I like the instructor. He is funny, engaging and obviously knowledgeable. I don't shoot marco and was expecting and introduction, and that is what I got. Lots of good info on gear and techniques. I am excited to try some of his ideas!

  • Teresa T. Sep 15, 2018

    I would recommend this course to others if they are new. However, I have been trying to do this, self-taught, for several years. I wish that I would have had the brain bandwidth and money to get a course like this to get me started. Thank you. I enjoyed the class and your, somewhat quirky, sense of humor.

  • Linda S. Sep 14, 2018

    I learned a great deal. Taking photos and attending classes prior to this class. He showed examples of both bugs and flowers. Yes, he did use a Nikon camera but it is unrealistic for him to show all the examples that he did with several different brands of cameras! I have a Canon 5DM4. It doesn't have focus stacking yet. But I did learn that they applied for a patent. So it is coming. If you are doing studio work, the focus stacking is built into the Canon software that comes with the camera. For lighting I have the Canon macro flash that fits around the lens. I have the 100mm and 180mm macro lens. Just received Canon's two extension tubes today. They did work with the autofocus and camera settings. I thought his style was approachable. My macro work is all about flowers. His flower examples were on point. All in all, it was a solid class presented by someone who enjoys his work! PS The iguana's eye photo was stunning!

  • N. Nov 5, 2017

    A good intro course.I learned a lot in a short period of time, but really this class needs to be longer. It felt rushed. Would have liked to seen more on lighting specifically. However given the time Mike had to work in he did a great job and I enjoyed his insights.

  • Brandon D . Oct 15, 2017

    Great class, but it was really just an intro to all the gear used. There were some focusing demos but that is it. There really needs to be a full 2 or 3 day macro class like someone else suggested.

  • April H. Oct 15, 2017

    I appreciated Mike's suggestions for DIY macro equipment. There is a lot of money you could save with those ideas alone. Great class and I agree ​it would be great to see more!

  • Amy . Oct 13, 2017

    Good class, but I want more. CreativeLive, please get Mike Hagen to come back to do a full 1-2 day macro class. I'd love to see a deeper exploration of all his macro gear, diy toys, demos of Helicon Focus and Zerene Stacker, and maybe showing live examples beyond flowers like bugs, abstracts and shooting through water.

  • Z. Oct 12, 2017

    the class was awwwwwsommmmeeeee, loved it Thanks, Mike, you are my hero since now

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