Hello Rita - Perhaps these links might help you regarding the use of extension tubes? 1. https://petapixel.com/2021/11/29/how-to-shoot-macro-photos-with-regular-lenses-and-extension-tubes/ 2. https://digital-photography-school.com/getting-up-close-with-close-up-lenses/ 3. https://digital-photography-school.com/extension-tubes-close-up-photography-lesson-2/ Other macro guides are available, but these were the first I found when searching with Google. Another alternative you could consider close-up lenses made by Canon, which use a screw-in thread in either 72mm or 77mm sizes. It does depend on your budget. My preference would be to use what equipment you have bought first and read as many free guides as you can find and experiment in your photography. Or as Adrian has suggested a cheap second-hand macro lens that will fit the mount type that your camera uses would be another option. Being closer to the object you are taking a picture of can reduce your depth of field. Like most things it does take practice to get the shot you want. regards Gary

Hello Rita, feel free to ask questions, post pictures or video to illustrate a point or even just show examples of your photographs. With regards macro have you considered extension tubes? if you don't want the cost of a dedicated macro lens, auto extension tubes combine the Auto focus of your kit or prime lens at a cheaper cost. I'm not a Canon user so couldn't comment on the suitability of your system but perhaps another Canon user could advise if you gave some details of the camera model you have? regards Gary

Hello Adrian, no need for built in flash as we have our own lighting system, lightbox, reflectors, etc that just connects to your camera hotshoe via a cable, you just need to setup in the camera menu.

Hello Adrian - normally a macro lens will either be able to set a focus limit so that it will focus quicker between a shorter or longer throw length - macro will be a shorter distance so the focus range will be shorter, this enables a quicker focus either close-up or using the full focus range of the lens. Some macro lens a made to double up as normal focal length lenses so can be used for portrait or other uses. Any other members feel free to jump in and advise. regards Gary

Hello Adrian, hopefully the portrait session will go ahead as planned, in order to take part I would advise bring the 50mm and or the 75mm-300mm zoom lens. You should not need the speed light as the Club has lighting equipment. The equipment will be setup by more experienced members and you'll need to know how to setup your particular camera to work with flash. regards Gary