Photography Walk

"Budget-friendly close-up flower photography"
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography

• Friday, June 19, 2026 — 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

When we are able to get a close-up view of flowers, we can produce beautiful, intriguing photographs. Many amateur photographers think that to achieve these images you need to invest in a costly macro lens. Fortunately, that's not true!

Extension tubes and close-up diopters (filters) are more affordable accessories that you can use in combination with your existing lenses to enable close-up photography. For the photographer who likes to occasionally dabble with close-up photography, they are a welcome, budget-friendly option.

Mary Louise will explain how to use these accessories to successfully achieve close-up images. Then, under her guidance, participants can practice close-up photography in the arboretum gardens.

This class is suitable for traditional cameras (DSLR and mirrorless).

What to Bring:

• Traditional DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Zoom or fixed focal length lens with a focal length over 70mm
  Note: A non-macro lens may not be able to close focus without the aid of either extension tubes or close-up diopters. For even closer focusing, extension tubes and close-up diopters can be used simultaneously or in combination with a macro lens.
• (optional) One or more extension tubes
  Note: Mary Louise recommends getting a set of three like those made by Kenko. Make sure to get ones that fit your camera mount and allow lens autofocus functionality. ~$100.00 - $130.00. If choosing just one accessory, the extension tube is the most practical choice.
• (optional) One or more close-up diopters (aka close-up filter) for your lens
  Note: Mary Louise recommends getting a set from a well-known filter manufacturer like Hoya or Tiffen. Price will vary based on lens filter size.
  Note larger filters can be used with smaller lenses by using an inexpensive "step-up ring." The step-up ring is threaded on both sides so one side screws on to the smaller lens and the other side screws on to the larger diameter filter.
• (optional) Tripod.
  Note: If using a tripod, a model with a ball head is preferable for ease of positioning.

If you have questions about where to purchase any of these items, you may contact Mary Louise via her website to get her recommendations.

About Mary Louise Ravese

Mary Louise Ravese specializes in fine art nature and travel photography from locations across the world. Her photographs are in private, university and corporate collections in over 40 states and are exhibited nationally. She is the owner and principal photographer for Bella Vista Photography.

Mary Louise is a regular speaker and competition judge for photography clubs in multiple states. She is an experienced photography instructor who has trained hundreds of amateur photographers. She enjoys teaching on a wide range of topics related to nature, travel, and creative photography, and can help with both the technical and aesthetic aspects of picture making. Mary Louise leads classes and workshops at a variety of locations across the United States and abroad. For more information visit her website at https://www.bellavistaphotography.com.

Cost

$50.00 per participant.

Registration

Advance registration is required. Register for this program (opens in a new tab).

Registration is considered complete when payment is received. You will receive a confirmation receipt from notify@cashnet.com when registered.

Cancellation

Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks before the program's start date. No refunds will be made after this time. A 15% cancellation fee applies.

To request a cancellation, send an email to the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu with the participant name and program information.

Location

Ruby McSwain Education Center, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Directions

Get directions to the JC Raulston Arboretum.

Parking

Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.

Questions

Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.