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‘.

Australian invertebrate macro photography

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“ 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 -

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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.

Cameras and equipment

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 and composition

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.

Photography with stunning live invertebrates

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.

Post processing basics

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.

Getting the most out of your equipment

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.

Creative lighting and composition

Alan will share some creative ways to light your subject. Backlighting and other approaches will be discussed and demonstrated.

Animal behaviour and how to work with it

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.

Shooting in the field and studio

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.

Post processing techniques

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 in macro workshops

This is some of the best photography I've ever seen in a nature book. Even if one isn't interested in minibeasts, any photography or art fan will appreciate this book.

A JAW-DROPPING series of photos has put the fascinating miniature world of minibeasts under the microscope, giving humans an intimate insight into a bugs life. Australian insect expert and photographer Alan Henderson has released his new book Minibeasts, which canvases a visual feast of colourful critters in their natural environment across Australia.

Alan's book is based on Australian insects with a few examples added from their time in Costa Rica. Like Densey Clyne's book, the photography is excellent. Both authors are superb photographers. Alan's book also includes stunning photos of spiders, millipedes and other invertebrates. Many of the subjects have never been photographed before. The photos alone are worth the price of the book but the book contains a great deal of information. Each chapter portrays a topic whether it be the role of colour in insects, creatures looking after their offspring or the host of predators and recyclers in the fauna of leaf litter. This book is a wonderful addition to the naturalist's library

They make up the majority of life on earth but mostly go unnoticed by us lumbering humans — macro master Alan Henderson reveals the best way to explore the big, tiny world of bugs.

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.