how to contain subjects for macro photo's

[the naturelover]

Hi. Can anyone help me with suggestions as to containing feisty subjects for macro photo's. I've tried the old trap em in an upturned glass on a beer mat but it stresses the subject the depth of field is almost impossible to control and the glass always distorts the picture and lighting is always a problem. I,m talking about subjects such as crane flies, beetles, etc. obviously i would prefer to pickie them in the wild but some subjects do not lend themselves to macro photography. which obviously takes some time to set up. I am not prepared to kill or stun the subject so how do you proffesionals do it??
any suggestions gratefully recieved. regards. tn.

[Meta menardi]

One way to quiet them down is to lower their temperature, a quick time in the fridge can help and is not harmful.

The other thing I use is some thick perspex (about 8mm) that is used for making exhibition stands and is very clear. I got a load of off-cuts of this and have drilled various sizes of holes through it. I then use microscope cover slips to make a cell and put the beast in that. Quite fiddley.

[bripriuk]

Hi
I use plastic Petri dishes, cheap and crystal clear. The lids are loose fitting, so you need a rubber band to keep them closed. Sample of a Silver Y moth in a dish:



Quite often if you leave them for a few minutes they will settle down a you can remove the lid for a quick shot without disturbing them.

Petri Dishes 90mm Single Vent pk 20 on eBay (end time 24-Sep-10 12:25:08 BST)

Brian

[the naturelover]

many thanks for the suggestions. liking the fridge idea. will keep trying!

[nightshade]

I begged offcuts of glass and made small tanks for aquatic photos, many insects used to settle if placed on pieces of bark I collected for the purpose and added a spot of rosehip syrup or the equivelant as a bribe

[Ollie]

At the risk of getting my head chewed off I don't believe in catching or putting an insect into any sort of container to photograph it. If you are extremely patient most insects with a very careful approach can be photographed in their natural habitat. If it's for scientific research or some other very good reason then I can accept that containment may be necessary. If it's just to satisfy one's own needs in getting a photograph then it's a no go as far as I'm concerned

I certainly don't believe in putting them in a fridge to slow them down. it may not be harmful but it's not an idea I like. I have no problem with snipping off the odd blade of grass etc that might be in the way and even very carefully moving an insect into a better position if it allows.

I'll get me coat

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by Ollie

At the risk of getting my head chewed off I don't believe in catching or putting an insect into any sort of container to photograph it. If you are extremely patient most insects with a very careful approach can be photographed in their natural habitat. If it's for scientific research or some other very good reason then I can accept that containment may be necessary. If it's just to satisfy one's own needs in getting a photograph then it's a no go as far as I'm concerned

I certainly don't believe in putting them in a fridge to slow them down. it may not be harmful but it's not an idea I like. I have no problem with snipping off the odd blade of grass etc that might be in the way and even very carefully moving an insect into a better position if it allows.

I'll get me coat

Chew your head off for expressing an opinion? I would hope not. I agree with you sentiments, this kind of interference should not be undertaken without thought.

[John D]

Originally Posted by Ollie

At the risk of getting my head chewed off I don't believe in catching or putting an insect into any sort of container to photograph it. If you are extremely patient most insects with a very careful approach can be photographed in their natural habitat. If it's for scientific research or some other very good reason then I can accept that containment may be necessary. If it's just to satisfy one's own needs in getting a photograph then it's a no go as far as I'm concerned

I certainly don't believe in putting them in a fridge to slow them down. it may not be harmful but it's not an idea I like. I have no problem with snipping off the odd blade of grass etc that might be in the way and even very carefully moving an insect into a better position if it allows.

I'll get me coat

I agree 100% with what you have said Roger.

John D

Zenfolio | John's Wild World

[the naturelover]

Fair points. many thanks tn.

[wizzo]

In the light of previous posts and on reflection...I'll, ermmm withdraw my suggestion of using hairspray... lol