how to contain subjects for macro photo's

[Kayleigh]

This was taken in Spain this butterfly would not stay still and I was about to give up when I saw it again so got back out of the car and got this shot.
It was pure chance and it was taken my pocket fugi camera.

[tristanba]

As someone who photographs a lot of bugs and leafhoppers in a studio setting, I think the most valuable asset is patience. After a few hours in a container with some foodplant, many insects will settle down and can be photographed much more easily, if you are careful not to agitate them.

Having said that, many will not co-operate so easily! Getting good studio pictures of some groups eg Carabid beetles and Diptera is very difficult.

[MartynA]

I have to confess that, before reading this thread, I hadn't really thought about bringing insects home to photograph. I guess it beats mud and rain!

How do people think this fits in the wild 'real' wildlife/captive picture debate? Should people disclose that their shots are studio shots? Do people go to the trouble of returning the insects the the place they came from afterwards ?

[nightshade]

I only move stuff in from the garden and it goes back where I found it afterwards or if I am away in the tin tent it goes there, then back to its home afterwards. It could be the last one of a breeding pair.

[pressld2]

I'm with Roger and John in being uncomfortable with the idea of putting insects in the fridge. It's not something I've ever done and I don't plan to in the future. One alternative is to get out early in the morning, at first light, and photograph them before they've had a chance to warm up. I think this is the best technique for damsels, dragons and butterflies.

Similarly, I was out photographing fungi yesterday and found lots of hawthorn shield bugs about. They were all pretty lethargic - presumably due to the weather, so much so that I managed to do a bit of focus stacking, including this stack of 9 images...



Normally they won't sit still long enough for that.

Most night-flying moths will be very static in the day but are not always easy to find. Other insects, like crickets and grasshoppers are relatively sedentary so, as Roger says, a slow and careful approach is all that's needed.

Dave P.

[Lacerta]

Have to agree with the sentiments on fridges! Early mornings just before sunrise has the same effect without the inteference, plus the light is much better and consequentially the images will look better and more natural. But as already mentioned, will require a lot more patience.

Heath