Backcountry Journeys Presents
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RESERVATIONS OPEN IN
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Art of Tiny:
Macro Photography Masterclass
Art of Tiny:
Macro Photography Masterclass
Macro Photography Masterclass
October 5 - 10, 2025
April 5 - 10, 2026
April 12 - 17, 2026
April 5 - 10, 2026
April 12 - 17, 2026
Unlock the Art of Macro Photography.
Master Techniques, Lighting, and Real-World Shooting.
Unlock the Art of Macro Photography.
Master Techniques, Lighting, and Real-World Shooting.
Master Techniques, Lighting, and Real-World Shooting.
We connect passionate people to
exceptional experiences.
We connect passionate people to
exceptional experiences.
exceptional experiences.
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Master Macro Photography Techniques
Master Macro Photography Techniques
Unlock the secrets to capturing professional macro images with expert instruction. In this intensive, hands-on workshop, you'll learn the foundational techniques and specialized skills that professional macro photographers use. From understanding depth of field to perfecting focus stacking, we'll cover it all with detailed classroom instruction, studio shooting, and in field sessions. You'll receive personalized guidance to ensure you can create images that stand out.
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Field Photography with Real-World Subjects
Field Photography with Real-World Subjects
Put your skills to the test in nature’s classroom. No workshop would be complete without field time! We’ll head outdoors to photograph organic subjects in natural light, learning to adapt to ever-changing conditions. Whether you're capturing the dewdrops on a flower petal or intricate insect details, you'll hone your ability to shoot in real-world settings and enhance your creative approach.
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Controlled Studio Sessions for Perfect Shots
Controlled Studio Sessions for Perfect Shots
Learn how to set up and light your subjects like a pro. Experience the magic of shooting in a professional studio environment where you’ll experiment with various lighting setups and staging techniques. Gain practical knowledge on how to use artificial light to create dynamic, high-quality macro images. This is where theory meets hands-on practice!
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Expert Editing and Post-Processing Tips
Expert Editing and Post-Processing Tips
Turn your raw shots into masterpieces with powerful editing techniques. After capturing macro images, it’s time to refine them! In this segment, you’ll learn pro-level editing tips for macro photography. From color correction to focus stacking, we’ll guide you step-by-step in transforming your images into visually striking works of art.
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Meet Our BCJ Macrophotography Instructor
Meet Our BCJ Macrophotography Instructor
Nick Sinnott
Nick Sinnott is an accomplished photographer, and a respected teacher with over ten years of experience. He has dedicated his career to empowering aspiring photographers every year, at every level, to discover and develop their passion for photography, and to unleash their creative brilliance..
Nick's mastery of photography spans across various styles, from captivating landscapes to macro and architectural photography. He is passionate about capturing the beauty of the world around him and is always exploring new perspectives and techniques to further hone his skills. Alongside his professional work, Nick also enjoys photographing his family of four children and amazing wife, who have all been a source of inspiration and support throughout his journey.
Nick's love for photography traces back to his high school years, where he first experimented with film photography. In 2011, he transitioned to digital photography with the guidance of Richard Stromberg and Chicago Photography Classes, where he continues to grow his knowledge and hone his craft. He's an avid storyteller who channels his creativity through a lens and captures the essence of every moment with precision and passion.
Nick's dedication to his students, knowledge of the craft, and unwavering passion for photography makes him a sought-after teacher and photographer in the industry. He's a firm believer that anyone can learn how to take great photos with the right guidance and that photography can be an excellent way to connect with the world around us.
Nick's mastery of photography spans across various styles, from captivating landscapes to macro and architectural photography. He is passionate about capturing the beauty of the world around him and is always exploring new perspectives and techniques to further hone his skills. Alongside his professional work, Nick also enjoys photographing his family of four children and amazing wife, who have all been a source of inspiration and support throughout his journey.
Nick's love for photography traces back to his high school years, where he first experimented with film photography. In 2011, he transitioned to digital photography with the guidance of Richard Stromberg and Chicago Photography Classes, where he continues to grow his knowledge and hone his craft. He's an avid storyteller who channels his creativity through a lens and captures the essence of every moment with precision and passion.
Nick's dedication to his students, knowledge of the craft, and unwavering passion for photography makes him a sought-after teacher and photographer in the industry. He's a firm believer that anyone can learn how to take great photos with the right guidance and that photography can be an excellent way to connect with the world around us.
Available Departures
Pre-booking available now. Reservations open Thursday, March 13.
These dates are expected to sell out quickly!
These dates are expected to sell out quickly!
OCT 5-10, 2025
LIMITED TO 10 PHOTOGRAPHERS
Trip Leader(s)
Nick Sinnott
Scott Douglas
Nick Sinnott
Scott Douglas
Starting From
$4,995.00
$4,995.00
Single Supplement:
+$749
+$749
Deposit: $2,000
APR 5-10, 2026
LIMITED TO 10 PHOTOGRAPHERS
Trip Leader(s)
Nick Sinnott
TBD
Nick Sinnott
TBD
Starting From
$4,995.00
$4,995.00
Single Supplement:
+$749
+$749
Deposit: $2,000
APR 12-17, 2026
LIMITED TO 10 PHOTOGRAPHERS
Trip Leader(s)
Nick Sinnott
TBD
Nick Sinnott
TBD
Starting From
$4,995.00
$4,995.00
Single Supplement:
+$749
+$749
Deposit: $2,000
Start/End
Start: Chicago, IL (ORD/MDW)
End: Chicago, IL (ORD/MDW)
End: Chicago, IL (ORD/MDW)
Dates
10/5/25 - 10/10/25
4/5/26 - 4/10/26
4/12/26 - 4/17/26
4/5/26 - 4/10/26
4/12/26 - 4/17/26
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This
Group Size
Limited to 10 guests
Highlights
Master Advanced Techniques: Learn focus stacking, off-camera flash, slow shutter methods, and ultraviolet macro photography to elevate both your macro and landscape images.
Hands-On Field Experiences: Capture stunning close-ups at iconic Chicago locations like Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatory.
Expert Instruction & Personalized Feedback: Get 40 hours of in-depth guidance from Nick Sinnott, with small class sizes ensuring tailored support.
Complete Workflow Mastery: From in-field shooting to editing in Photoshop and Helicon, plus professional printing techniques to bring your images to life.
This Special Trip Departure is valid for new trip reservations only (no transfers, trip credit, or discounts).
Trip Itinerary
The Ultimate Macro Photography Masterclass
The Ultimate Macro Photography Masterclass
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1: Arrival (D)
We'll arrive at our hotel in Chicago, meet for dinner, and then enjoy an orientation to go over the logistics for the exciting week ahead!
Day 2: Studio Day (B,L,D)
Today we'll kick off the week at 9:00 AM, so make sure to bring all your equipment (you can leave items at the school throughout the week if you'd like). Most of the day will be spent in the classroom learning the basics of macro photography, including set-ups and lighting techniques. After lunch, we’ll dive into some hands-on practice with in-studio subjects, honing our skills with different setups. By around 5:00 PM, we’ll wrap up, having covered everything from the basics of equipment and lighting techniques to more advanced skills like focus stacking.
Day 3: Outdoor Field Day (B,L,D)
We’ll head outdoors today, so dressing in layers is key. After prepping our gear, we’ll venture over to Lincoln Park. This will be our chance to explore the North Pond area and the Lagoon, snapping photos of everything from nature scenes to wildlife. We’ll also make stops at the Nature Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo, offering up-close photography opportunities with critters and reptiles. We’ll grab lunch at R.J. Grunts, a favorite amongst locals, before heading back to the school by 4:30 PM. By the end of the day, we’ll have practiced in-field lighting, hand-held focus stacking, and some off-camera flash basics, finishing up around 5:00 PM.
Day 4: Class and Computer/Printing Lab (B,L,D)
Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at post-processing. We’ll start in the computer lab (you can bring your own laptop if you prefer) where we’ll review and edit our images from the first two days. The afternoon will get more technical as we jump into advanced techniques like focus stacking in Photoshop and Helicon, UV macro photography, and even printing our work. By 5:00 PM, we’ll have polished our shots and learned some new digital tricks.
Day 5: Field Day at Garfield Park Conservatory (B,L,D)
We’ll mix indoor and outdoor photography today, so dress in layers again. At 9:00 AM, we’ll prepare our equipment and by 9:30 AM, we’ll head over to Garfield Park Conservatory. Inside, it’ll be warm and lush, offering a perfect setting for macro shots, while the outdoor gardens will give us more natural light to play with. We’ll have lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading back to the school by 4:30 PM. Throughout the day, we’ll practice off-camera flash, multiple exposures, slow shutter techniques, and even test out some Laowa lenses!
Day 6: Studio Day (B,L)
We’ll wrap up the week with a creative bang! This morning will start a little earlier at 8:00 AM. Today's theme will be "drips, drops, and illusions," pushing our macro skills to the next level with some fresh, fun ideas. We'll finish at 3:00 PM, and by then we’ll have a collection of unique, experimental shots, ending the week with a solid portfolio of macro magic! Evening flights can be booked after 6pm or we can arrange for an additional night if you'd prefer to depart the next morning.
Day 1: Arrival (D)
We'll arrive at our hotel in Chicago, meet for dinner, and then enjoy an orientation to go over the logistics for the exciting week ahead!
Day 2: Studio Day (B,L,D)
Today we'll kick off the week at 9:00 AM, so make sure to bring all your equipment (you can leave items at the school throughout the week if you'd like). Most of the day will be spent in the classroom learning the basics of macro photography, including set-ups and lighting techniques. After lunch, we’ll dive into some hands-on practice with in-studio subjects, honing our skills with different setups. By around 5:00 PM, we’ll wrap up, having covered everything from the basics of equipment and lighting techniques to more advanced skills like focus stacking.
Day 3: Outdoor Field Day (B,L,D)
We’ll head outdoors today, so dressing in layers is key. After prepping our gear, we’ll venture over to Lincoln Park. This will be our chance to explore the North Pond area and the Lagoon, snapping photos of everything from nature scenes to wildlife. We’ll also make stops at the Nature Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo, offering up-close photography opportunities with critters and reptiles. We’ll grab lunch at R.J. Grunts, a favorite amongst locals, before heading back to the school by 4:30 PM. By the end of the day, we’ll have practiced in-field lighting, hand-held focus stacking, and some off-camera flash basics, finishing up around 5:00 PM.
Day 4: Class and Computer/Printing Lab (B,L,D)
Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at post-processing. We’ll start in the computer lab (you can bring your own laptop if you prefer) where we’ll review and edit our images from the first two days. The afternoon will get more technical as we jump into advanced techniques like focus stacking in Photoshop and Helicon, UV macro photography, and even printing our work. By 5:00 PM, we’ll have polished our shots and learned some new digital tricks.
Day 5: Field Day at Garfield Park Conservatory (B,L,D)
We’ll mix indoor and outdoor photography today, so dress in layers again. At 9:00 AM, we’ll prepare our equipment and by 9:30 AM, we’ll head over to Garfield Park Conservatory. Inside, it’ll be warm and lush, offering a perfect setting for macro shots, while the outdoor gardens will give us more natural light to play with. We’ll have lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading back to the school by 4:30 PM. Throughout the day, we’ll practice off-camera flash, multiple exposures, slow shutter techniques, and even test out some Laowa lenses!
Day 6: Studio Day (B,L)
We’ll wrap up the week with a creative bang! This morning will start a little earlier at 8:00 AM. Today's theme will be "drips, drops, and illusions," pushing our macro skills to the next level with some fresh, fun ideas. We'll finish at 3:00 PM, and by then we’ll have a collection of unique, experimental shots, ending the week with a solid portfolio of macro magic! Evening flights can be booked after 6pm or we can arrange for an additional night if you'd prefer to depart the next morning.
What's Included
What's Included
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All macro subjects, studio lighting, permits, and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
What's Not Included
Flights to/from Chicago, IL
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
- Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS,
WORKSHOPS & SAFARIS
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS,
WORKSHOPS & SAFARIS
WORKSHOPS & SAFARIS
Backcountry Journeys offers over 100 global photography tours and workshops, spanning iconic U.S. National Parks to the wild savannahs of Africa, catering to all interests and skill levels. As one of the top-rated, all-inclusive providers in the industry, we ensure a highly personalized and memorable experience that's rooted in our deep passion for photography.
UNPARALLELED
PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
UNPARALLELED
PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
Discover over 100 global photography tours and workshops, from U.S. National Parks to Africa's savannahs, designed for all skill levels. Enjoy personalized experiences with our small groups and hands-on guidance from certified photo instructors.
THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS
THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS
Our team handles all logistics, ensuring a seamless experience, supported by an on-call support line. World-class Trip Planners meticulously plan every detail, while our exceptional customer service ensures your experience exceeds expectations.
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
Our adventures blend breathtaking locations with lasting connections among like-minded photographers. We foster a warm, inclusive atmosphere that encourages friendships beyond the trip.
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Verified Guest
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
