Field Notes in Focus
Pause. Notice. Click. Discover the hidden beauty of nature through macro photography and learn how to capture stunning close-up details.
Field Notes in Focus: Macro Photography
Location: Glen Emerald Park
Program Overview
Join nature and wildlife photographer Don Orkoskey for a close-up exploration of the small wonders that often go unnoticed in nature. During this Field Notes in Focus session, participants will slow down and sharpen their observation skills while learning techniques for photographing intricate details such as flowers, fungi, insects, and natural textures.
Whether using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, photographers will practice capturing the remarkable details hidden within the landscape. Don will share practical tips on lenses, magnification tools, focus techniques, and lighting that help transform tiny subjects into striking photographs.
Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, smartphone, or macro equipment such as extension tubes, close-focus filters, or even a magnifying glass as we explore Glen Emerald Park and discover the extraordinary beauty found in nature’s smallest moments.
Program Leader
Led by: Don Orkoskey
Organized & Supported by: Naturalist Tasha Messer, DeKalb County RPCA
Weather Contingency
This program will be held rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by DeKalb County RPCA leadership.
Where to Meet
Glen Emerald Park
1479 Bouldercrest Road
Atlanta, GA 30316
There is ample parking available in the main lot near the recreation spaces. We will gather on the cemented path near the recreation area between the pavilion, playground, and tennis court before beginning our exploration together.
What to Bring
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on paved paths, natural woodland trails, and other terrain. Bring a refillable water bottle and any personal comfort items you prefer for outdoor exploration.
For this Macro Photography session, participants are encouraged to bring:
• Camera or smartphone (phone photographers welcome)
• Macro lens, extension tubes, or close-focus filters (if available)
• Tripod or small stabilizer (optional but helpful for close-up shots)
• Magnifying glass or clip-on phone macro lens (optional)
• Notebook for capturing observations or photography notes
Macro photography rewards patience and curiosity, so bringing a sense of exploration and a willingness to slow down will go a long way.
Recommended Ages
This program is designed for adults and older youth, though all ages are welcome.
What We’ll Do
Beginning from the recreation area, participants will follow the park’s paved path as it gradually transitions into the woodland trails surrounding Glen Emerald Lake. This landscape offers a rich mix of natural textures and small-scale ecosystems ideal for macro photography.
Along the way, wildlife photographer Don Orkoskey will guide participants in techniques for photographing tiny subjects—such as flowers, fungi, insects, and natural patterns—while Naturalist Tasha highlights ecological details that often go unnoticed at first glance.
Participants will pause at several points along the lake loop and wooded edges to practice close-up photography, observe seasonal changes, and discover how light, texture, and patience reveal the hidden beauty of the landscape.
You Will Leave With
• Practical macro photography techniques you can use immediately
• Strategies for capturing flowers, fungi, insects, and natural textures
• New ways of observing tiny ecosystems hidden within the landscape
• A deeper appreciation for the overlooked details of Glen Emerald Park
• Greater awareness of how light, texture, and patience shape close-up photography
• Fresh images captured during your time exploring the lake and woodland trails
Walking Distance / Physical Activity Level
This program includes approximately 1–1.25 miles of easy walking along paved paths and compact natural surface trails as we move from the recreation spaces into the wooded areas surrounding the lake loop.
The terrain is considered easy with gentle elevation change, and the pace is relaxed with frequent pauses for observation and photography.
Participants should be comfortable standing for periods of time while practicing photography techniques and slowly exploring the landscape.
Accessibility (ADA Statement)
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs strives to make all programs accessible to persons of all abilities. If you require reasonable accommodations, please contact the program organizer at least 48 hours in advance.
Participation Notice & Waiver Summary
By registering for or attending this program, participants acknowledge that outdoor activities involve natural terrain, physical exertion, and variable conditions. Participation is voluntary, and individuals assume responsibility for their personal safety. DeKalb County Government, the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs, and all affiliated staff and partners are held harmless from any claims or injuries arising from participation.
Naturalist Tasha
DeKalb County Parks Naturalist
404-927-4227
Pause. Notice. Click. Discover the hidden beauty of nature through macro photography and learn how to capture stunning close-up details.
Field Notes in Focus: Macro Photography
Location: Glen Emerald Park
Program Overview
Join nature and wildlife photographer Don Orkoskey for a close-up exploration of the small wonders that often go unnoticed in nature. During this Field Notes in Focus session, participants will slow down and sharpen their observation skills while learning techniques for photographing intricate details such as flowers, fungi, insects, and natural textures.
Whether using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, photographers will practice capturing the remarkable details hidden within the landscape. Don will share practical tips on lenses, magnification tools, focus techniques, and lighting that help transform tiny subjects into striking photographs.
Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, smartphone, or macro equipment such as extension tubes, close-focus filters, or even a magnifying glass as we explore Glen Emerald Park and discover the extraordinary beauty found in nature’s smallest moments.
Program Leader
Led by: Don Orkoskey
Organized & Supported by: Naturalist Tasha Messer, DeKalb County RPCA
Weather Contingency
This program will be held rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by DeKalb County RPCA leadership.
Where to Meet
Glen Emerald Park
1479 Bouldercrest Road
Atlanta, GA 30316
There is ample parking available in the main lot near the recreation spaces. We will gather on the cemented path near the recreation area between the pavilion, playground, and tennis court before beginning our exploration together.
What to Bring
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on paved paths, natural woodland trails, and other terrain. Bring a refillable water bottle and any personal comfort items you prefer for outdoor exploration.
For this Macro Photography session, participants are encouraged to bring:
• Camera or smartphone (phone photographers welcome)
• Macro lens, extension tubes, or close-focus filters (if available)
• Tripod or small stabilizer (optional but helpful for close-up shots)
• Magnifying glass or clip-on phone macro lens (optional)
• Notebook for capturing observations or photography notes
Macro photography rewards patience and curiosity, so bringing a sense of exploration and a willingness to slow down will go a long way.
Recommended Ages
This program is designed for adults and older youth, though all ages are welcome.
What We’ll Do
Beginning from the recreation area, participants will follow the park’s paved path as it gradually transitions into the woodland trails surrounding Glen Emerald Lake. This landscape offers a rich mix of natural textures and small-scale ecosystems ideal for macro photography.
Along the way, wildlife photographer Don Orkoskey will guide participants in techniques for photographing tiny subjects—such as flowers, fungi, insects, and natural patterns—while Naturalist Tasha highlights ecological details that often go unnoticed at first glance.
Participants will pause at several points along the lake loop and wooded edges to practice close-up photography, observe seasonal changes, and discover how light, texture, and patience reveal the hidden beauty of the landscape.
You Will Leave With
• Practical macro photography techniques you can use immediately
• Strategies for capturing flowers, fungi, insects, and natural textures
• New ways of observing tiny ecosystems hidden within the landscape
• A deeper appreciation for the overlooked details of Glen Emerald Park
• Greater awareness of how light, texture, and patience shape close-up photography
• Fresh images captured during your time exploring the lake and woodland trails
Walking Distance / Physical Activity Level
This program includes approximately 1–1.25 miles of easy walking along paved paths and compact natural surface trails as we move from the recreation spaces into the wooded areas surrounding the lake loop.
The terrain is considered easy with gentle elevation change, and the pace is relaxed with frequent pauses for observation and photography.
Participants should be comfortable standing for periods of time while practicing photography techniques and slowly exploring the landscape.
Accessibility (ADA Statement)
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs strives to make all programs accessible to persons of all abilities. If you require reasonable accommodations, please contact the program organizer at least 48 hours in advance.
Participation Notice & Waiver Summary
By registering for or attending this program, participants acknowledge that outdoor activities involve natural terrain, physical exertion, and variable conditions. Participation is voluntary, and individuals assume responsibility for their personal safety. DeKalb County Government, the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs, and all affiliated staff and partners are held harmless from any claims or injuries arising from participation.
Naturalist Tasha
DeKalb County Parks Naturalist
404-927-4227
Good to know
Highlights
- 2 hours
- under 18 with parent or legal guardian
- In person
Location
Glen Emerald Park
1479 Bouldercrest Road
Atlanta, GA 30316
How do you want to get there?
