Do I need to bring my own phone?

Yes, you must bring a compatible smartphone with macro capability to participate.

What phones work best for this workshop?

Phones like iPhone 13 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Google Pixel 6 Pro, Huawei P40 Pro, and Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra are recommended.

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! It’s designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners in photography.

Are children allowed to join?

Yes, participants age 12 and older are welcome.

How long does the session last?

The workshop typically lasts about 1.5 hours.

Is there any physical activity involved?

The workshop involves light walking on garden trails, suitable for most fitness levels.

Master Macrophotography in Miami’s Kampong Botanical Gardens with Your Phone | Photography Tour | Eco Tour

Step into the intricate world of Miami’s Kampong Botanical Gardens, a secluded 11-acre tropical oasis in Coconut Grove that offers a vibrant outdoor classroom for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. This macrophotography workshop invites adventurers to slow down and discover the miniature ecosystems buzzing right under their noses, all captured through the lens of their own smartphone. Perfect for anyone aged 12 and above, this hands-on experience teaches you how to unlock your phone’s macro mode to reveal the complex details of insects, foliage, textures, and natural patterns that define Florida’s subtropical flora and fauna. The Kampong, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, hosts an extraordinary collection of exotic fruit trees, flowering plants, and aromatic herbs that create a dynamic stage for intimate nature photography. As you move through shaded trails punctuated by blooming flowers and sculptural trees, you’ll learn to see beyond the ordinary and photograph the hidden stories that exist within leaves, bark, and the tiniest wings. This workshop is not only about photography skills—it's an immersive lesson in ecological awareness, prompting you to respect and protect the fragile ecosystems you capture. What sets this experience apart is its focus on accessible technology—the phone you already carry. The guide will show you which phones have the best macro capabilities (iPhone 13 Pro or newer, Samsung Galaxy S21/S22 Ultra, Google Pixel 6 Pro, among others) and how to optimize your settings to achieve professional-level close-ups. Over roughly 1.5 hours, expect to build both technical skills and an enriched appreciation for local biodiversity that thrives in this unique urban jungle. Visitors often stay in Miami proper, just a short drive from the Kampong’s location at 4013 Douglas Rd., Miami, FL 33133. Miami’s vibrant cultural scene pairs well with this nature excursion, offering travelers a full palette of outdoor adventure and urban exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer looking to diversify your portfolio or an outdoor explorer eager to capture unique natural details, this macrophotography workshop at the Kampong elevates your observational skills and deepens your connection to Miami’s natural heritage while fitting neatly into any travel itinerary. Come prepared to engage all your senses, learn hands-on, and bring home captivating images that tell the stories of Miami’s smallest and most overlooked inhabitants.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1–2 hours.

Fitness level

Light walking on mostly flat terrain; suitable for most fitness levels.

Wildlife

Florida butterflies such as zebra longwings
Small native insects like tree crickets

History

The Kampong was established in the 1930s and is one of the few tropical gardens in mainland U.S., important for preserving rare and exotic plants.

Conservation

The garden promotes sustainable gardening and educates visitors on protecting Miami’s urban ecosystems by practicing low-impact photography and habitat respect.

The Kampong — part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens — is a historic tropical garden located in Miami, Florida on the shores of Biscayne Bay. The site preserves the Fairchild-Sweeney House and showcases the legacy of plant explorer David Fairchild through extensive exotic fruit trees, rare tropical species, and curated collections. Visitors can choose docent-led guided tours that highlight the estate’s history and plant collections, or self-guided tours that allow leisurely exploration with a provided map. The Kampong hosts a rotating schedule of hands-on workshops and classes set in the garden landscape. Offerings include cyanotype printing for fabric, community indigo dip workshops teaching Shibori resist dyeing, edible gardening programming presented with UF/IFAS (recommended for ages 12 and up), watercolor courses led by local artist Eileen Seitz, and all-levels yoga with Sam Reynolds. Forest bathing sessions guided by neuroscientist Karina Del Punta focus on sensory practices grounded in science; evening Moonrise Forest Bathing is offered under the full moon. Several specialty experiences such as macrophotography, ikebana, functional movement, and seasonal events invite creative engagement with plants and place. Cyanotype workshops note limited spaces to encourage advance booking. The Kampong combines plant conservation, education, and cultural programming on a historic estate, offering both structured interpretation and independent discovery for visitors interested in botany, art, sustainability, and Miami’s tropical landscape. Public programs emphasize hands-on learning, conservation-minded practices, seasonal plant highlights, and the site supports research, education, and community engagement for residents and visitors from Miami and beyond, with year-round programming and volunteer opportunities available.

Base locationMiami, Florida

Tours offered16+

Specialtywildlife-nature

StewardshipLeave No Trace