Learn about macro photography
This full-day macro photography workshop is a hands-on, interactive class for a small group of participants, taking place in the grounds of Rougham Estate and led by Danny White. Danny will teach you what camera settings and setup you need to get pin-sharp macro shots and give you tips on how to compose an image perfect for hanging on your wall.
From learning how to control the light to techniques on approaching your subject, this is for you if you want to push your photography skills into the macro realm. The day will start indoors with some initial practice, then moving outside into the Estate to get in-the-wild experience, enjoying the natural world as the classroom, with insects, wildflowers and the textures of the countryside providing plenty to work with.
You’ll learn how to find and frame a shot outdoors and how light and shadow behave differently at close range. At the end of the day there will be a review of the images taken, to learn what to do better the next time.
Most of the day will be spent outside, so wear layers and sturdy shoes, and come ready to get low to the ground; the best macro shots rarely happen standing up.
This workshop is aimed at inspiring macro photographers of a beginner or intermediate level, who have a basic knowledge of how to use their DSLR/mirrorless camera equipment.
This course is not suitable for photography using mobile phones. The day will go ahead in all weathers and will be mostly outside. It will include walking and crouching/kneeling in woodland and parkland.
What Will I do?
- Begin the day reviewing camera settings and equipment, and learning light control for macro photography
- Spend most of the day outside, gaining the skills and techniques to capture hidden details that most people simply walk past
- Take home a bank of your own images and a good grounding knowledge of macro photography to build on
Who is this workshop suitable for?
- People aged 16 and over
- A basic knowledge of photography is needed
- You must have your own DSLR/mirrorless camera and a macro/low-aperture lens
Come along to develop a better instinct for seeing the world up close and grow your knowledge of how to capture it successfully.
You can see some of Danny’s own macro photography on this page and more on his instagram page @greatwhiteoutdoors
Important information
Gallery
How it Works
01
Come to Blackthorpe Barn and park in one of the free car parks
02
Begin the day reviewing camera settings and equipment
Start the day inside, learning about camera settings and how to best use your equipment for capturing the hidden world.
You will learn how to control the light and practise taking some photos indoors, before venturing outside.
03
Walk into the surrounding Estate countryside and get photographing
Most of the day will be outside, within about a mile radius of Blackthorpe Barn. It will go ahead in all weathers so bring waterproof clothing including walking trousers and sturdy shoes.
You will be walking and taking photographs in woodland and parkland, which could be muddy depending on the weather.
The exact run of the day will be flexible and will depend upon which subjects are of most interest for the group and what the weather is like.
04
Take a break to eat lunch outside
Bring your packed lunch with you, which will probably be eaten outside (depending on the weather)
05
Return to Blackthorpe Barn to review the images taken
Nearing the end of the day, you’ll return to being inside to review your photos and to learn what to adjust and try differently next time.
06
Take home some great images
Go home with a new level of confidence and insight into how macro photography works and enjoy the pictures you have taken during the day.
07
Have a bite to eat in Roots Café or browse around the Rougham Estate Shop
Both Roots Café and the Rougham Estate Shop are open until 4pm each day, so you can grab a drink or a bite to eat after the workshop, or have a browse around the shop, if you like.
08
Note regarding the images in the gallery on this page
The macro photos shown here have all been taken by Danny. The pictures have not been photoshopped or altered and have been taken using his Olympus E-M10.

What to bring
- Your own DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Flash, either built-in or external
- Flash diffuser/filter (ideal to have, to control the light)
- Dedicated macro lens or telephoto lens etc., with close-focusing abilities
- Extra memory cards
- Extra camera batteries
- Wear comfortable outdoor clothing, including waterproofs, walking trousers (for kneeling on the ground) and appropriate footwear for the latest weather
- A packed lunch to eat outside
Optional Equipment to bring
- Tripods
- Reflectors, LED panels etc.
- Torch
- Extension tubes
Refund & cancellation policy
If you need to cancel a workshop
If you are unable to attend your booked workshop and notify us at least 7 full days in advance of the workshop date, we can offer a refund or a transfer to the same workshop on an alternative date, providing there are places available or a course is planned for the future.
If cancellation is within 7 full days of your workshop unfortunately we are unable to offer a refund. We do appreciate that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may mean that you can’t attend so we are happy for you to send along a friend to take your place. We will need their name and contact details prior to the workshop.
Our right to cancel a workshop
All our workshops have a minimum attendance level and may be cancelled if too few bookings are received. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone workshops at any time. Should we need to cancel a workshop, we will give you as much notice as possible of the cancellation. You will receive a full refund or, if you prefer, a transfer to an alternative available course, space permitting. Unfortunately, we cannot accept any liability for travel or other costs.
Where to find us
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
SatNav: IP30 9HZ
There is plenty of free parking available.
Accessible parking is available near the entrance to the Café/Shop area.
Please Note: The car park closes when the Roots Café closes and the entrance gates are locked after this time, unless your workshop goes beyond this time in which case the gates will be locked once the workshop finishes.
Blackthorpe Barn is situated just south of Junction 45 of the A14, three miles east of Bury St Edmunds, in the village of Rougham.
Look out for the entrance gates to a long tree-lined avenue at the White House junction, with the Barn on the right of the avenue.
Related Events
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Don’t forget from Thursday til Monday next week, we have our Art Show on in the Meadow Room at Rougham Estate.
Showcasing three excellent Suffolk artists, Cyndi Speer, Carol Pask and J. McCaughan, it really isn’t one you want to miss!
Cyndi Speer presents dreamlike oil paintings, mixed media collages and giclée prints, alongside greetings cards, all shaped by a close connection to the natural world.
Carol Pask shows sculptural ceramics and her Land to Cloth textile range, including hand-dyed, knitted and woven wool pieces made from native British sheep breeds.
Mac McCaughan exhibits contemporary metalwork, blending traditional blacksmithing with modern design, often inspired by natural forms.
Together, the exhibition brings three distinct practices into one space, rooted in craftsmanship, material and place. It’s a chance to see the work up close and discover pieces you’ll want to spend time with.
All works available to purchase directly from the artists.
#art #suffolkart #roughamestate
Do you feel moments when life feels a little full, a little fast and what you really need is space to pause?
The Reset Retreat at Rougham Estate has been created exactly for that.
A gentle, restorative experience set within the calm of the Estate, where the pace naturally slows, the noise fades a little and you’re given time to simply breathe, reflect and reset. It’s not about doing more, it’s about stepping back from everything and giving yourself permission to stop for a while.
Held at Blackthorpe Barn, it’s a peaceful setting that allows you to fully switch off and come back to yourself, even if just for a few hours.
With an easy woodland walk, gentle yoga, wood-fired sauna and cold plunge baths, a relaxing sound bath and a light lunch, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to take some time out, this might be it.
Places are limited so book via the link in our bio to avoid disappointment.
#RoughamEstate #ResetRetreat #Wellbeing #TimeForYou #SuffolkEvent
Just a friendly reminder ahead of the weekend…
Ramble & Roots for this month is on Monday 18th May, starting at 10am from Blackthorpe Barn here on Rougham Estate.
If you’re thinking of easing into the week a bit more gently, this is a lovely one. A relaxed countryside walk at a leisurely pace, followed by something well deserved from Roots Café when you get back.
It’s also a really nice thing to do if you come along on your own. There’s a friendly, easy-going feel to it and people often end up chatting along the way, so you might even leave with a few new friends.
Nothing complicated, just fresh air, open Suffolk views and a bit of time out that feels like a proper reset before the week really gets going again.
If a Monday needs softening a little, this is a rather nice way to do it.
Email [email protected] to register your interest in joining
#RoughamEstate #RambleAndRoots #SuffolkWalks #RootsCafe #VisitSuffolk
Because sometimes the best ideas come when you step out of the office…
That’s where the Meadow Room at Rougham Estate is that perfect space. Light, flexible and quietly tucked away at Blackthorpe Barn, it’s a refreshing change of scene for meetings, workshops, training days or team catch-ups. Away from the hustle and bustle, it gives you time to think.
It’s got everything you need to keep the day running smoothly, with the added bonus of being surrounded by countryside calm. And when it’s time for a break, Roots Café is just a short wander away for coffee and something to eat.
A simple change of setting, but one that often makes the workday feel that bit more productive.
Get in touch with us about hiring this space.
#roomhire #businessspace #teambuildingdays
Just a little reminder we always look forward to…
Watson Plants are back at Rougham Estate this Saturday 16th May – Sunday 17th May, and then every other weekend going forward.
It’s a lovely excuse to have a wander and see what’s in, with a really nice mix of seasonal plants, herbs and those easy wins that instantly lift a garden or a few pots at home.
It’s relaxed, a bit of a browse-and-chat kind of setup, and you’ll very likely leave with something you hadn’t planned on (in the best way), or take home some good advice from the very knowledgable Chris who is always willing to help with plant information.
If you’re here at the Estate, do make time to pop over and have a look.
#RoughamEstate #WatsonPlants #PlantStall #SuffolkGardens #GardenSeason
Step into the Suffolk countryside and discover the walks and wildlife around Rougham Estate.
With over 18 miles of public footpaths, cycling routes and permissive pathways to explore, there’s something for every pace, from gentle woodland strolls through Downs Wood to longer routes taking in green lanes, meadows and hidden corners of the Estate. Perfect for all the family.
All walks begin at Blackthorpe Barn, where you’ll also find Roots Café and the Rougham Estate Shop waiting for you afterwards for that treat you deserve!
Bring the dog, the kids, pull on your walking boots and enjoy some fresh air, peaceful views and a slower pace of life.
You can find the range of walks for all abilities on our website and choose which one you’d prefer to explore. Each walk webpage includes a map and a description of the walk, with most of the walks also including a real-time video of George Agnew guiding you along the path.
#RoughamEstate #SuffolkWalks #BlackthorpeBarn #VisitSuffolk #CountrysideWalks
This week’s special at Roots Café is one not to miss!
It’s delicious creamy garlic mushrooms with spinach on toasted sourdough and topped with a poached egg, crispy onions and Parmesan cheese.
Available from 9am-3.30pm Monday to Sunday this week only.
See you soon!
#suffolkfoodie #homecooked #burystedmunds #localingredients #lunchtimetreat
CREATE. CONNECT. UNWIND.
Canvas Club returns to Roots Café this May for another relaxed evening of painting, good food and creative company.
Led by artist Sarah Day of Day Design, this month’s session will guide you step-by-step through creating a vibrant Chilli Peppers artwork using acrylic paints; perfect for beginners and seasoned creatives alike.
Held after hours in the warm surroundings of Roots Café, the evening includes a glass of fizz (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) alongside a selection of tapas-style dishes to enjoy throughout the workshop.
👉 Friday 29th May 2026
👉🏻 6pm – 8:30pm
👉🏽 £57 per person
No experience needed, just come along, settle in and enjoy the process.
Spaces are limited and booking is essential. Find the link in our bio to book.
@_day_design_
#RoughamEstate #CanvasClub #SuffolkWorkshops #CreativeEvening #BuryStEdmunds
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