If you are anywhere near my age you surely remember the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy, and Toto too! I too had a journey somewhat similar to Dorothy’s. I went on a whirlwind trip to another world when I took my first Macro Photography workshop at the recent 2015 Florida’s Birding and Photo Fest. It is there I met the Lizard of Oz.

A neighbor and fellow photographer named Jim introduced me to macro photography last year. I was intrigued with his photographs of spiders and insects. I decided then to add that to my area of interest. Macro Photography is defined in some sources as “extreme close up photography, usually of very small subjects, in which the size of the subject in the photograph is greater than life size”. Macro Photography is a “whole other world” from Bird Photography. The lenses that are used are different (magnification ratios of about 1:1 to 1:4), as are the camera settings, use of lighting, and techniques.

Mr. Mike Matthews, the instructor, provided an outstanding workshop on the basics of macro photography. He then provided a macro studio set up of several species of lizards, frogs, and yes indeed, snakes. We took turns photographing the “models” in various backgrounds and settings while his assistant valiantly recaptured and repositioned the sometimes not so cooperative subjects for our best photographic experience. I truly felt like I was in another world with these beautiful creatures.

I hope you enjoy this journey to the world of macrophotography with me. The nice thing about this workshop was there were no witches to worry about. I had a few equipment gremlins to contend with but we took care of them too. I can’t wait to go on a new planned adventure next year to see the wonderful Lizard of Oz..I wonder if the Editor will spring for a new macro lens maybe? Be Blessed. Harry

Hi, I am the Lizard of Oz. Jacksons Chameleon male, East Africa

**You have to be real careful on these branches..that is why I grip them tight..**

**Meet the little lady lizard of Oz..Jacksons Chameleon female.**

Rainbow boa..look at my new teeth coming in!

Cobalt Dart Frog…yep, the kind they make poison darts with..

Bearded Dragon Profile

Reflections on Broward is now "Mountain Musings"

The Lizard of Oz..