Unveiling Nature's Beauty:

A Natural History Photographer's Journey

Unleash Your Inner Nature Photographer

Join me on one of my many immersive natural history photography workshop. Learn to capture the intricate beauty of insects, plants, and other natural wonders.

This workshop will equip you with the skills and knowledge to create stunning images using professional-grade lighting equipment, both in the field and indoors. You'll delve into the art of macro and close-up photography using telephoto, macro lenses, and a Canon 5-1 macro lens. Additionally, you'll learn to set up and use Godox portable lighting and master techniques for achieving optimal focus and exposure.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these workshop are designed to inspire and challenge you. You'll have the chance to work with a diverse range of specimens and experiment with various lighting setups to develop your own unique photographic style.

Crab in Dark Isolation

The crab was set on a black floor tile. A small flash head provided minimal lighting, creating an effect where the crab appeared to be in the depths of its own environment—dark and beyond the reach of the human world.
Beauty in Withering Blooms

Nothing should be overlooked, even when flowers aren't at their best. I've always been fascinated by the look of dead flowers—their final pose, frozen in time.
Backlit Seashell Photography

The seashell is backlit with a small flash head. The trick is to achieve just enough light to reveal the details without overwhelming the subject. Balance is crucial for the perfect shot.
Challenging Rat Photography

The rat has only three legs, making it a challenge to stabilize. Photographing it against a white background added another layer of difficulty—a pale subject against a pale backdrop is no easy task.
Sea Rock {Moon Rock}

I found this object on the beach and decided to light it from behind, with just a touch of light from the front. I love how it resembles an asteroid hurtling through space.
Medical Dish { Artistic Version }

I crafted this artistic interpretation of a medical Petri dish by blending oils, dish soap, and food colouring, among other elements, to give it a unique appearance.

About
the workshops

What makes these workshop unique? First, we always delve into a natural history subject during each session, even if it comes from my own collection. We'll explore various topics, from photographing objects inside bottles to capturing microscopic slides in other workshops.

One of my favorite tools is the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x macro lens, which offers five times magnification. This allows us to photograph subjects nearly invisible to the naked eye. I'll also demonstrate how to use the Godox flash system for perfect lighting. We have an extensive range of equipment and a vast natural history collection at our disposal.

Our workshops can cover both home studios and outdoor settings. Currently, I only travel within Nottinghamshire, but we can negotiate for locations further afield.

Some workshops are designed for one-on-one sessions. However, if you prefer to share the cost with friends, we can discuss group pricing. Other workshops will be group sessions.

Nature's Visualist

With a career spanning four decades, David McMahon has honed his craft as a documentarian, capturing the essence of the UK. Over the last twenty years, he has dedicated himself to the unique challenge: photographing a natural history collection within a controlled studio environment. By meticulously studying the behaviour of light on diverse subjects, David has developed a deep understanding of how to illuminate each specimen to its fullest potential.

Founder
A Lifetime of Nature's Beauty
With a lifelong passion for the natural world, I've amassed a vast collection of specimens, ranging from delicate insects to intricate seashells. My expertise in photography allows me to capture the beauty and detail of these subjects, and I'm excited to share my knowledge and techniques with aspiring photographers. Join me on a journey to explore the wonders of nature through the lens.

Oak Tree in a Bottle

This subject is an oak tree growing inside a bottle. Unusual, but such things do happen, and when they do, they must be documented. Capturing this image was quite challenging due to the complex lighting setup required.