rahul pereira

The curriculum.

The plan I am following to learn macro photography from zero: 48 basement sessions over 24 weeks, two a week, about two hours each. Six phases, each built on the one before it: the lens, flash, focus stacking, going past 1:1, motion, then a signature series.

My progress updates as I go, with my best frame and what I learned from each session. Follow along with whatever gear you have. I list mine so you know what each result took. Get the tracker spreadsheet.

My progress

0 of 48 sessions done

Next up: Session 1, Coins

Phase 1 / Weeks 1 to 4 / 0 of 8 done

Learn the lens

Get comfortable at 1:1 with continuous LED light. Learn depth of field, focus by moving the camera, and how light angle shows texture.

Move on when you can hit sharp focus on a coin at 1:1 nine times out of ten, and explain why f/16 looks softer than f/8.

  1. 01Week 1CoinsFind 1:1: set the lens to closest focus and move the camera, not the focus ringUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Whole coin edge to edge at 1:1; the date digits; the raised design lit from a low angle so every scratch shows
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sigma 105 on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    M mode, f/8, 1/125, ISO auto (cap 1600), MF, focus magnifier + peaking, 2s timer
    Light setup
    One RM03 low and to the side (raking light), the second at about 25% as fill from the front
    Prep and props
    A few coins from different years, black card under them
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 1: Day one in the basement lab (film the setup). IG Reel: the setup, then the shot
  2. 02Week 1Magic card foilsAperture test: shoot the same frame at f/4, f/8 and f/16 and compare depth against softnessUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Foil shimmer pattern; the set symbol; the print dots in the art at 1:1
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/4, f/8, f/16 brackets, 1/125, ISO auto, MF, focus magnifier + peaking, 2s timer
    Light setup
    One RM03 at a steep angle to catch the foil; rotate the card, not the light
    Prep and props
    Two or three foil cards you do not mind handling
    On my channels
    IG carousel: same card, three apertures
  3. 03Week 2Slot car detailsComposition up close: rule of thirds and fill the frameUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Badges, decals, headlights and the driver figure on three cars from my garage (rahulpereira.com/garage)
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/8 to f/11, 1/125, ISO auto, MF, focus magnifier + peaking, 2s timer
    Light setup
    Two RM03 at 45 degrees left and right, white card under the lens as a reflector
    Prep and props
    Three cars, wipe off dust first (blower)
    On my channels
    IG carousel: 1:32 details
  4. 04Week 2Backlit fruit slicesBacklight and white balance: set a manual Kelvin instead of autoUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Citrus and kiwi slices glowing from behind; the cell structure up close; one slice whole in frame
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/8, 1/125, ISO auto, WB set manually (try 5600K), MF, focus magnifier + peaking, 2s timer
    Light setup
    One RM03 pointing up through a sheet of glass covered with printer paper; slices sit on the glass
    Prep and props
    Lemon, lime, kiwi sliced thin; glass from a picture frame; printer paper
    On my channels
    IG Reel: slicing, then the glowing reveal
  5. 05Week 3TexturesKeep the sensor parallel to a flat subject so the whole frame is sharp; compare 42MP Pixel Shift detail with the A7 VUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Denim weave, a knit sweater, a leather wallet, a bath towel: four flat textures. Shoot one of them again on the A7R III with Pixel Shift
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, A7R III + Sigma 105, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/5.6 to f/8, 1/125, ISO 100, MF, focus magnifier + peaking, 2s timer. A7R III: Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, 4 shots, combine in Imaging Edge Desktop
    Light setup
    One RM03 raking from the side to pull out texture
    Prep and props
    Fabrics from around the house
    On my channels
    IG carousel: guess the texture (answer on the last slide)
  6. 06Week 3Store flowers and succulentsBackground control: move the background further away and swap card coloursUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Petal edge; flower centre; a succulent spiral from above
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/5.6 to f/8, 1/125, ISO auto, MF, focus magnifier + peaking, 2s timer
    Light setup
    RM03 as key light at 45 degrees; coloured card about 50 cm behind the subject
    Prep and props
    Grocery store flowers, a small succulent, two or three coloured cards
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 2: Lighting macro with small LED panels. IG carousel
  7. 07Week 4Small mechanical thingsHandheld versus tripod: shoot the same subject both ways and compare keep ratesUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Watch face or gears; key teeth; screw threads; a padlock keyhole
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    Handheld: f/8, 1/250, ISO auto, IBIS and lens OSS on. Tripod: f/8, 1/125, OSS off
    Light setup
    Two RM03 from above, angled in from both sides
    Prep and props
    Old watch, keys, screws and nuts
    On my channels
    IG Reel: handheld challenge, how many were sharp out of 20
  8. 08Week 4Phase 1 review + lens shootoutComparing lenses fairly: same subject, light, aperture and magnification. Then edit your best 8 frames with one consistent lookUpcoming
    Shots to get
    The same coin at 1:1 on the Sigma 105 and the Sony 100mm GM, then at 1.4x on the GM; reshoot your favourite subject from this phase
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sigma 105 on tripod, Sony 100mm GM, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/8, 1/125, ISO 100, MF at 1:1 on both lenses. GM: OSS off on the tripod
    Light setup
    Same light as session 1 so only the lens changes
    Prep and props
    The coin from session 1
    On my channels
    Bonus Lab Log: Sigma 105 vs Sony 100mm GM. IG carousel: month one best of. Add keepers to the 100 wall

Phase 2 / Weeks 5 to 8 / 0 of 8 done

Learn the flash

Take the TT350S off camera on the X3 Pro S. Learn manual flash power, killing ambient light, diffusion, and two-light setups with the AD100Pro.

Move on when you can light a slot car with one flash so the background goes black, without looking at a guide.

  1. 09Week 5First flash on a slot carManual flash: shutter kills the ambient light, aperture and flash power set the exposureUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Car on black with the background gone; the same car with the flash moved to the front, side and top
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S, diffuser
    Starting settings
    M mode, f/8, 1/160, ISO 100, flash manual 1/16. Check your max sync speed; 1/160 is a safe start
    Light setup
    One flash with a diffuser at 45 degrees, white card on the other side as fill
    Prep and props
    Black card or velvet behind the car
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 3: My first time using flash. IG Reel: before and after flash
  2. 10Week 5Water drops on glassFlash power and distance: move the flash closer and farther and watch the exposure changeUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Drops refracting a flower or card placed behind the glass; a full field of drops
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/8 to f/11, 1/160, ISO 100, flash 1/32
    Light setup
    Flash behind and below the glass, bounced off white card, so the drops glow
    Prep and props
    Glass sheet, spray bottle with water plus a few drops of glycerin, a flower or card behind
    On my channels
    IG Reel: spraying, then the refraction shot
  3. 11Week 6Oil and water abstractsLighting through a subject: bounce the flash into coloured paper under a glass dishUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Round oil bubbles floating over colour; tight frames that look like planets
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/8, 1/160, ISO 100, flash 1/32 to 1/64
    Light setup
    Glass dish raised on two boxes; coloured paper below; flash aimed at the paper
    Prep and props
    Glass baking dish, cooking oil, dish soap, colourful printed patterns
    On my channels
    IG carousel: abstract set
  4. 12Week 6Ice and frostWorking fast and lighting through a clear subjectUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Trapped bubbles in an ice cube; frost on a glass from the freezer; food colour melting through ice
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/8, 1/160, ISO 100, flash 1/32
    Light setup
    Flash behind the ice, bounced off white card; black card in front to stop reflections
    Prep and props
    Freeze boiled water (clearer) and tap water the day before; food colouring; a glass in the freezer
    On my channels
    IG Reel: melt over 60 seconds
  5. 13Week 7Soap bubble filmControlling reflections: a big soft light gives the colours, a black background makes them popUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Swirling colours in the film of a single bubble; the edge where the colour ends
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S, AD100Pro optional
    Starting settings
    f/8, 1/160, ISO 100, flash 1/16 into a large white card
    Light setup
    Flash fired into a large white card in front of the bubble; black background
    Prep and props
    Dish soap, glycerin, water; a wire loop or the rim of a glass
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 4: Painting with soap bubbles. IG carousel
  6. 14Week 7Two lights on a slot carTwo flash groups on the X3 Pro S and setting a ratio between themUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Key light plus a rim light that traces the bodywork; a dramatic low key version
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S, AD100Pro
    Starting settings
    f/8 to f/11, 1/160, ISO 100. Group A key 1/16, group B rim 1/32
    Light setup
    TT350S as key at 45 degrees; AD100Pro behind and to the side as rim
    Prep and props
    One hero car, black background
    On my channels
    IG carousel: the result plus a lighting diagram
  7. 15Week 8Flower petals with flashDiffusion quality: bare flash, diffuser and softbox on the same frameUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Petal texture; stamens; water drops on a petal
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/8, 1/160, ISO 100, flash 1/16 to 1/64
    Light setup
    Shoot the same frame three ways: bare, diffuser, softbox or a sheet of paper
    Prep and props
    Store flowers
    On my channels
    IG carousel: bare versus diffused flash
  8. 16Week 8Phase 2 reviewPick wall keepers and note your go-to flash recipeUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Reshoot your favourite flash subject; try one idea of your own
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    Your best recipe from this phase
    Light setup
    Your best recipe from this phase
    Prep and props
    None
    On my channels
    IG carousel: month two best of. Add keepers to the wall

Phase 3 / Weeks 9 to 12 / 0 of 8 done

Focus stacking

Use the A7 V focus bracketing and stack the frames in Photoshop. Learn step width, shot counts and cleaning up stack errors.

Move on when you can shoot and stack a whole 1:32 car sharp from nose to tail on the first try.

  1. 17Week 9First focus stackA7 V focus bracketing: set focus on the nearest point, then let the camera step back. Stack in Photoshop (Auto-Blend Layers)Upcoming
    Shots to get
    A coin or a slot car nose, sharp from front to back
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/5.6, 1/125, ISO 100 to 400. Focus Bracket: step width 3, 30 shots. Mechanical shutter if the light flickers
    Light setup
    Two RM03, steady and even. LEDs are easier than flash for a first stack
    Prep and props
    Coin or car; do not touch the tripod once it starts
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 5: In-camera focus stacking on the A7 V. IG carousel: one frame versus the stack
  2. 18Week 9Step width testMatching step width and shot count to the depth of the subjectUpcoming
    Shots to get
    The same subject stacked at step widths 1, 3 and 5
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/5.6, step 1, 3 and 5; raise the shot count until the far edge is sharp
    Light setup
    Same as last session
    Prep and props
    Same subject as last session
    On my channels
    IG carousel: which step width won and why
  3. 19Week 10Whole slot car stackPlanning a deep stack at lower magnification (step back from 1:1)Upcoming
    Shots to get
    A full 1:32 car sharp from nose to tail at a three-quarter angle
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/8, step 4 to 5, 40 to 80 shots, ISO 100
    Light setup
    Two RM03 at 45 degrees plus a white card reflector
    Prep and props
    A car whose current photo is weak
    On my channels
    IG post. Candidate for a new hero on the garage page
  4. 20Week 10Natural objectsStacking organic shapes with lots of depthUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Pinecone; seed pod; dried flower head
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/5.6 to f/8, step 3, 40 to 60 shots
    Light setup
    One RM03 as key, one as fill at half power
    Prep and props
    Pinecone, dried flowers, seed pods from outside
    On my channels
    IG carousel
  5. 21Week 11Stacking with flashFlash recycle time: low power plus an interval between frames so no shot comes out darkUpcoming
    Shots to get
    A slot car or coin stacked with every frame lit by flash
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/5.6, 1/160, ISO 100, flash 1/32 to 1/64, bracket interval about 1 s. If frames come out dark, raise the interval or go back to LEDs
    Light setup
    One diffused flash plus a white card
    Prep and props
    Fresh eneloops in the TT350S
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 6: Focus stacking with flash, and what went wrong. IG Reel
  6. 22Week 11Hardware still lifeComposition with repeated shapes, sharp throughoutUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Screws, nuts and washers arranged in a pattern; a single bolt thread stacked
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/5.6, step 3, 30 to 50 shots
    Light setup
    Two RM03 from above, angled in
    Prep and props
    Assorted screws, nuts and washers
    On my channels
    IG carousel
  7. 23Week 12Chassis hero stackFixing stack errors: halos, dust spots and smeared edges in PhotoshopUpcoming
    Shots to get
    One slot car chassis, stacked and cleaned up
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/5.6 to f/8, step 3, 40 to 60 shots
    Light setup
    Two RM03, even and soft, white card under the lens
    Prep and props
    A chassis, blower for dust
    On my channels
    IG Reel: flick through the stack frames into the finished image
  8. 24Week 12Phase 3 reviewPick wall keepers; write down your default stack settingsUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Reshoot your weakest stack with better planning
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    Your best recipe from this phase
    Light setup
    Your best recipe from this phase
    Prep and props
    None
    On my channels
    IG carousel: month three best of. Add keepers to the wall

Phase 4 / Weeks 13 to 16 / 0 of 8 done

Beyond 1:1

Go past life size: the Sony 100mm GM reaches 1.4x on its own and 2.8x with the 2x teleconverter. The teleconverter costs two stops of light and the sharp zone gets tiny, so diffusion, stability and stacking matter more.

Move on when you can get a clean, evenly lit stack of sugar crystals at 2.8x.

  1. 25Week 13Past 1:1 with the GMWorking past 1:1: less depth, shorter working distance, move the camera in millimetresUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Halftone dots in a magazine; micro printing on a banknote, both at 1.4x
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/8, 1/125, ISO 400 to 800, MF at closest focus (1.4x), move the tripod to focus. OSS off on the tripod
    Light setup
    Two RM03 close in from both sides
    Prep and props
    Magazine, a banknote
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 7: Going past 1:1. IG carousel: 1x versus 1.4x
  2. 26Week 13Screens and pixelsFirst time with the 2x teleconverter: two stops less light and a tiny focus windowUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Phone screen pixels; a monitor pixel grid; an LED on a charger, at 2.8x
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM + 2x teleconverter (2.8x) on tripod
    Starting settings
    f/5.6 shown on the camera (the teleconverter costs two stops), 1/60, ISO 800, no other lights
    Light setup
    The screen is the light. Turn every other light off
    Prep and props
    Phone, old monitor, a charger with an LED
    On my channels
    IG carousel: what is this? (answer on the last slide)
  3. 27Week 14Salt and sugar crystalsStacking at high magnification with flashUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Single sugar crystal; salt cube; a field of crystals on black, at 2.8x
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM + 2x teleconverter (2.8x) on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/5.6 to f/8 shown on the camera, 1/160, ISO 100, flash 1/32, step 1, 30 to 60 shots
    Light setup
    Diffused flash from above at an angle, black glass or black card underneath
    Prep and props
    Coarse sugar, sea salt, black card or black acrylic
    On my channels
    IG carousel
  4. 28Week 14Slot car micro detailsLighting tiny parts evenly at high magnificationUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Tyre tread; guide braid; pinion gear teeth; magnet, at 1.4x and 2.8x
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM + 2x teleconverter (2.8x) on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/5.6 to f/8 shown on the camera, stack step 1 to 2
    Light setup
    Two RM03 plus a white card tent around the part
    Prep and props
    A spare chassis and spare parts
    On my channels
    IG carousel. New frames for the garage page
  5. 29Week 15Stamens and pollenDiffusing flash when the subject is tiny and the light has to wrap around itUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Lily stamens covered in pollen; the stigma tip, at 2.8x
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM + 2x teleconverter (2.8x) on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/8 shown on the camera, 1/160, ISO 100 to 200, flash 1/16 to 1/32 through heavy diffusion
    Light setup
    Flash through a large diffuser held close; white card opposite
    Prep and props
    Lilies from the grocery store (pollen stains, so cover the table)
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 8: Diffusing flash at 2.8x. IG Reel
  6. 30Week 15FeathersShowing structure with angled light at high magnificationUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Feather barbules interlocking; the edge of a feather against black
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM + 2x teleconverter (2.8x) on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/5.6 to f/8 shown on the camera, stack step 1 to 2
    Light setup
    One RM03 raking from the side, black background
    Prep and props
    Craft store feathers
    On my channels
    IG Reel: zoom from the whole feather to 2.8x
  7. 31Week 16Three ways past 1:1Comparing magnification tools: sharpness, working distance and light lossUpcoming
    Shots to get
    The ink rosettes in a Magic card shot three ways: Sigma 105 + Raynox (about 1.8x), Sony GM alone (1.4x), Sony GM + 2x teleconverter (2.8x)
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sigma 105 on tripod, Raynox DCR-250, Sony 100mm GM, 2x teleconverter, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/5.6 to f/8 shown on the camera, 1/125, ISO 400 to 800
    Light setup
    Two RM03 at low angles both sides to avoid glare; keep the light fixed for all three
    Prep and props
    A card with bold artwork
    On my channels
    IG carousel: three ways past 1:1, side by side
  8. 32Week 16Phase 4 reviewPick wall keepers; note which magnification you preferUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Reshoot your favourite subject from this phase
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM + 2x teleconverter (2.8x) on tripod
    Starting settings
    Your best recipe from this phase
    Light setup
    Your best recipe from this phase
    Prep and props
    None
    On my channels
    IG carousel: month four best of. Add keepers to the wall

Phase 5 / Weeks 17 to 20 / 0 of 8 done

Motion and the wind tunnel

Freeze movement: smoke in the wind tunnel, water drops, splashes and incense. Flash duration does the freezing.

Move on when you can freeze a water drop or smoke line sharp, and get one wind tunnel frame you would print.

  1. 33Week 17Wind tunnel smokeLighting smoke: side light against black, nothing lit behindUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Smoke lines flowing over a slot car hood and wing
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sigma 105, Windsill 18 wind tunnel, 2x SmallRig RM03
    Starting settings
    f/5.6, 1/250 or faster, ISO 1600 to 3200, MF on the car
    Light setup
    Both RM03 at full power from one side, black card behind
    Prep and props
    A car on a stand inside the tunnel; plan where the smoke enters
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 9: A slot car in a wind tunnel (crossover with my Conquest slot car channel). IG Reel
  2. 34Week 17Wind tunnel with flashFlash duration freezes movement better than shutter speedUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Frozen smoke streams around the same car, sharper than the LED version
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sigma 105, wind tunnel, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/8, 1/160, ISO 200, flash 1/32 from the side
    Light setup
    Flash from the side through a snoot or card flag so only the smoke is lit
    Prep and props
    Black card behind, card flag for the flash
    On my channels
    IG Reel: LED versus flash
  3. 35Week 18Water drop splashesPre-focus on the drop point and fire on timingUpcoming
    Shots to get
    A drop hitting still water; the crown splash; the rebound column
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/11, 1/160, ISO 200, flash 1/64 to 1/128 (lower power is a faster flash), MF on a pencil tip where the drop lands
    Light setup
    Flash bounced off a coloured card behind the bowl
    Prep and props
    A bowl filled to the brim, a sandwich bag with a pinhole hung above it, coloured card
    On my channels
    IG Reel: 100 tries for one splash
  4. 36Week 18Drop collisionsTiming and patience: shoot lots, keep a fewUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Two drops colliding into a mushroom shape; milk drops in colour
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/11, 1/160, ISO 200, flash 1/128
    Light setup
    Same as last session; try two colours of card
    Prep and props
    Milk, food colouring, a dropper
    On my channels
    IG carousel
  5. 37Week 19Water on a slot carFreezing motion around a productUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Water frozen mid-splash over a car body
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S, AD100Pro
    Starting settings
    f/8 to f/11, 1/160, ISO 200, flashes at 1/64 to 1/128
    Light setup
    Two lights: key from the front side, rim from behind to light the water
    Prep and props
    Car body only, take the chassis off; towel and a tray
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 10: Freezing water on a 1:32 car. IG Reel
  6. 38Week 19Incense smoke artLighting a moving, see-through subjectUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Smoke curls on black; colour added by gels or in edit
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/8, 1/160, ISO 200, flash 1/32 from the side
    Light setup
    Flash from the side with a card flag; nothing lighting the background
    Prep and props
    Incense, black card, a window open for air
    On my channels
    IG carousel
  7. 39Week 20Hero compositeCombining a stack and a motion frame in PhotoshopUpcoming
    Shots to get
    A stacked car combined with a smoke frame from the wind tunnel
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    Stack: f/5.6 to f/8. Smoke: f/8, 1/160, flash 1/32
    Light setup
    Same position for both so they line up
    Prep and props
    Do not move the tripod between the two parts
    On my channels
    IG hero post
  8. 40Week 20Phase 5 reviewPick wall keepersUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Reshoot the motion subject you liked most
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    Your best recipe from this phase
    Light setup
    Your best recipe from this phase
    Prep and props
    None
    On my channels
    IG carousel: month five best of. Add keepers to the wall

Phase 6 / Weeks 21 to 24 / 0 of 8 done

Signature series

Lock one lighting recipe and shoot a consistent series of slot cars (or any small objects), plus a diorama. Fill the last gaps on the wall.

Move on when you can finish twelve cars or objects to the same recipe and put 100 keepers on the wall.

  1. 41Week 21Series recipe and cars 1 to 3Locking a repeatable lighting recipe and writing it downUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Three cars shot exactly the same way: angle, height, light and background
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S, AD100Pro
    Starting settings
    Your phase 2 and 3 recipes; stack if needed
    Light setup
    Mark light and camera positions on the table with tape
    Prep and props
    Pick 12 cars or objects for the series
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 11: Building a signature look. IG carousel
  2. 42Week 21Series cars 4 to 6Consistency across a seriesUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Three more cars to the recipe
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S, AD100Pro
    Starting settings
    Same as the recipe
    Light setup
    Same as the recipe
    Prep and props
    Taped marks from last session
    On my channels
    IG carousel
  3. 43Week 22DioramaStorytelling in a small setUpcoming
    Shots to get
    A car in a small pit or track scene with 1:32 figures, stacked
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, 2x SmallRig RM03, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S
    Starting settings
    f/8, stack step 3 to 5
    Light setup
    Key from the side, a small light inside the scene for depth
    Prep and props
    1:32 figures, a track piece, props
    On my channels
    IG Reel: building the set
  4. 44Week 22Series cars 7 to 9Consistency across a seriesUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Three more cars to the recipe
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S, AD100Pro
    Starting settings
    Same as the recipe
    Light setup
    Same as the recipe
    Prep and props
    Taped marks
    On my channels
    IG carousel
  5. 45Week 23Week 1 reshootSeeing your progressUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Reshoot your weakest subject from phase 1 with everything you know now
    Gear I use
    Whatever the subject needs
    Starting settings
    Your best recipe for that subject
    Light setup
    Your best recipe for that subject
    Prep and props
    Same props as the original session
    On my channels
    IG Reel: week 1 versus week 23
  6. 46Week 23Series cars 10 to 12Finishing a seriesUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Last three cars to the recipe
    Gear I use
    A7 V + Sony 100mm GM macro on tripod, TT350S off camera on X3 Pro S, AD100Pro
    Starting settings
    Same as the recipe
    Light setup
    Same as the recipe
    Prep and props
    Taped marks
    On my channels
    IG carousel: the full 12-car series
  7. 47Week 24Fill the wallShooting to a goalUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Whatever the wall is short of
    Gear I use
    Whatever the subject needs
    Starting settings
    Any recipe
    Light setup
    Any recipe
    Prep and props
    Check the Journey sheet for how many keepers you need
    On my channels
    IG posts as needed
  8. 48Week 24Six month reviewReviewing your own work honestlyUpcoming
    Shots to get
    Pick your 10 best frames from all six phases
    Gear I use
    Laptop
    Starting settings
    None
    Light setup
    None
    Prep and props
    None
    On my channels
    Lab Log Ep 12: Six months of macro, 100 shots. Update the 100 wall and pick print candidates
Settings cheat sheet
SituationApertureShutterISOFocusNotes
Single frame, LED lightf/8 to f/111/125 on a tripodAuto, cap 1600MF, magnifier + peakingPast about f/11 at 1:1 the image goes soft from diffraction. Your phase 1 aperture test will show you where.
Single frame, handheldf/81/250 or fasterAutoMF, rock gently toward the subjectIBIS on. Take bursts and keep the sharpest.
One flash, black backgroundf/8 to f/111/160100MFAt 1/160 the room light disappears and only the flash shows. Set flash power for exposure, start at 1/16. Check the max sync speed of each body; 1/160 is safe on both.
Two flashes (TT350S + AD100Pro)f/8 to f/111/160100MFGroup A key, group B rim on the X3 Pro S. Start with the rim one stop below the key.
Focus stack, LEDf/5.6 to f/81/125100 to 400A7 V Focus Bracket: near point firstStep width 3 and 30 shots at 1:1 is a good first try. Wider steps for deeper subjects at lower magnification. Stack in Photoshop: Load files into stack, Auto-Align, Auto-Blend.
Focus stack, flashf/5.6 to f/81/160100Focus Bracket with an intervalLow flash power (1/32 to 1/64) recycles faster. If some frames come out dark, lengthen the interval.
Sony 100mm GM up to 1.4xf/8 to f/111/125 on a tripodAuto, cap 1600MF at closest focus, move the cameraMain macro lens from session 2. Turn OSS off on a tripod and on for handheld. Use the focus range limiter to stop autofocus hunting at close distances.
Sony 100mm GM + 2x teleconverter (2.8x)f/5.6 to f/8 shownDepends on light400 to 800 on LEDMF at closest focus, move the cameraThe camera shows the real aperture after the two stop loss. Diffraction arrives early at 2.8x, so stack instead of stopping down. Working distance stays the same as the bare lens, which leaves room for light.
Raynox DCR-250 on the Sigma 105f/5.6 to f/8Depends on light400 to 800 on LEDLens at closest focus, move the cameraRoughly 1.8x at closest focus (estimate). Now mainly for the session 31 comparison. Working distance is a few centimetres; diffuse the light well.
Freezing water or smokef/8 to f/111/160100 to 200Pre-focus on the drop pointLower flash power means a shorter flash and a sharper freeze. 1/64 to 1/128 freezes drops.
Wind tunnel, LED onlyf/5.61/250 or faster1600 to 3200MF on the carSide light only. Anything lit behind the smoke washes it out.
Behind the scenes videon/an/an/an/aFX3 on a second tripod, wide enough to show the camera, lights and subject. FX30 as B-cam: a close side view, or overhead on the boom arm for a top-down angle. Match picture profiles on both. Clip a mic on for Lab Log voice notes.
Pixel Shift on the A7R IIIf/5.6 to f/81/125 on a tripod100MF, then do not touch anythingFour frames shifted by one pixel, combined in Imaging Edge Desktop for more detail and colour. Only for subjects that do not move, under LED light. No in-camera focus bracketing on this body, so stack on the A7 V.

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The spreadsheet I use to run this: every session, a skills scorecard to rate yourself after each phase, a settings cheat sheet and a props list. Leave your email and the download starts right away. I will email you a copy too.

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