Adventure Brief
Explore tiny worlds like never before with Portland Insectarium's Macro Photography Workshop. Build a robotic spider, learn photo techniques, and get zoo admission included!
2–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Explore tiny worlds like never before with Portland Insectarium's Macro Photography Workshop. Build a robotic spider, learn photo techniques, and get zoo admission included!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
Portland Insectarium has been a community staple since 1995, dedicated to insect education and preservation.
Conservation
The insectarium promotes sustainable insect collecting and educates visitors on protecting local insect habitats.
Portland Insectarium
Explore tiny worlds like never before with Portland Insectarium's Macro Photography Workshop. Build a robotic spider, learn photo techniques, and get zoo admission included!
Portland Insectarium is a hands-on entomology center that introduces visitors to live and preserved arthropods through interactive exhibits, classes, and guided field experiences. The Insectarium offers general admission access to displays and activities, specialty workshops like tarantula handling and macro photography, and focused classes such as insect pinning and identification. Seasonal summer camps for ages 10–18 cover animal care and husbandry, specimen pinning and preservation, field identification, and an option to purchase a full-series package with a completion certificate. Sessions combine classroom instruction, guided walks, and hands-on practice; many sessions include take-home kits, care sheets, pinned specimens, or shadowboxes.
Programs emphasize safety, ethical handling, and respect for living creatures. Sessions are led by trained educators with entomology knowledge and experience working with mantises, jumping spiders, tarantulas, and other arthropods. Small group sizes and supervised interactions ensure safe, educational experiences for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Registration is required for workshops and camps due to limited space; some programs include zoo admission or are offered as add-ons to a general visit. The Insectarium is a resource for families, educators, and hobbyists seeking practical skills—such as specimen preparation, field collecting techniques, and basic husbandry—and fosters curiosity with accessible materials and community events. Whether attending a one-hour tarantula handling session, a two-hour pinning workshop, or a weeklong camp, visitors leave with tangible skills, take-home materials, and an informed appreciation of insects.
The Insectarium also partners with schools and community groups to provide curriculum-aligned workshops, outreach events, and volunteer opportunities for learners of all ages.
Ages Served
10–18 (camps)
Programs for young learners and teens.
Experiences
10+ sessions
Workshops, walks, and camps available.
Take‑home Items
Included
Kits, care sheets, pinned specimens, shadowboxes.
Booking
Limited space
Registration required for workshops and camps.
Secure spots for camps and workshops — limited capacity ensures personalized, supervised learning.
Bring a macro lens or close-up filters
Macro lenses are essential to capture detailed close-up shots; if you don’t own one, close-up filters can work as an alternative.
Wear comfortable clothing
You'll spend time focusing on detailed work, so comfortable, casual clothes allow better concentration and ease during the mechanical build.
Charge your camera batteries beforehand
Ensure your camera is fully charged since the workshop will involve extended photography sessions both indoor and around the insectarium exhibits.
Arrive 15 minutes early for setup
Arriving early helps you get acquainted with the space and materials so you can maximize your experience from the start.
Digital camera with macro lens
Captures detailed close-up shots essential for macro photography.
Tripod
Stabilizes your camera to reduce blur during extended focus on tiny subjects.
Notebook and pen
Useful for jotting down photography tips or workshop instructions.
Comfortable indoor footwear
Keeps you comfortable during the workshop session and walking around the insectarium.