Insect Photography

[Satchmo]

Hi guys, I'm just looking for a few tips on taking some pics of insects in my local area. I have seen several Dragonfly knocking about but they never really seem to land apart from the odd time before lunchtime (I noticed this whilst fishing). Is this a trend or was it luck?? I would love to get a pic of one of them so I want to maximise my chances as much as possible. As with the Dragonfly, is there a better time during the day to get pictures of insects in general??

Also, I guess it would be a dumb idea to wear insect repellent whilt attempting to photograph insects right???

Cheers

Simon

[mh68]

I wouldnt worry too much about insect repellants, most are simply to stop insects biting, they dont stop insects landing on you (not in my experience anyway) so shouldnt affect how close you can get for photos.

This thread , posted recently might provide some good info....

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...range-tip.html

A lot depends on which camera you`re using? , some allow shots to be taken a bit further away which helps with skittish subjects, with other cameras you need to get really close to the insect so a stealthy approach is necessary to avoid scaring the subject away.
Basics are to always approach an insect slowly without making any sudden movements,try not to move across the insects field of vision (approach in a straight line)and to work out where you need to be to take the shot before you approach. With a lot of insects once you get close they cease to regard you as a threat after a while and pose quite happily for photos.

Mark H

[Words]

I agree with everything Mark says about approaching close. With darters they seem pretty relaxed even with a macro lens a few inches away, though chasers seem a tad more cautious.

As for time of day? Most of my shots were taken around lunchtime, and more success when the sun is out (better shutter speed, but also more dragonflies).

[mh68]

Something else to bear in mind, which i forgot to mention previously, is that even individuals of the same species can react differently.....some are easily spooked while some allow you to get very close.Don`t be put off if an insect is spooked away by your approach, keep finding new subjects and you`ll come across some that let you get close enough to photograph.

Mark H

[rscott74]

Try not to cast a shadow on or near the subject and watch out not to disturb foliage. Practice will make things better and you will get to know the best resting spots - I find it's often fairly flat surfaces in full sunlight.

[mh68]

The shadow thing is a good general rule, but with some subjects i`ve deliberately cast a shadow over them so i can get a more evenly lit shot with bounced flash, as opposed to harsh shadows caused by bright sunlight.
Butterflies won`t tolerate a shadow cast over them at all i`ve found,but some smaller insects aren`t as easily disturbed by it.Again all species are different.You just have to learn by trial and error what individual species will/won`t tolerate.

Mark H

[rscott74]

Another thing I try to do for any close shot at low level when camera is handheld is to get into a kneeling position and then close in by bending from the waist with elbows on thighs. If the subject is on a wall or a fence rest on one elbow and use that as the fulcrum. Both these give steadier shots and are physically easy while adjusting position and camera (even more so when you're 60!).

PS - I sometimes take a plastic bag to kneel on for pics of plants, It saves getting wet and dirty knees but might not be ideal for insect photography.

[jennyb]

I'm also interested in this thread because I have lots of dragonflies in my garden - when the sun shines (actually I have forgotten when it last did shine 12 degrees today and grey grey grey). However, in my experience they never seem to land. How long are they likely to remain airborne and what time of day are they most likely to land?

Jenny

[matt_xyz]

Originally Posted by jennyb

I'm also interested in this thread because I have lots of dragonflies in my garden - when the sun shines (actually I have forgotten when it last did shine 12 degrees today and grey grey grey). However, in my experience they never seem to land. How long are they likely to remain airborne and what time of day are they most likely to land?

Jenny

dragonflies are most likely to land when they have caught prey and when the temperature drops. So early mornings and evenings they are often at rest. On warm days they seem to spend the majority of their time in the air.

Some species are more approachable than others, Brown Hawkers are particularly wary for instance.

Matt

[Satchmo]

Thanks alot for all of your tips guys, I'm going to write them down and take them out with me tomorrow. I had wondered about creating a shadow because I was getting alot of reflection from the wings on some of my shots. Those darn Dragonflies were taunting me today! I got one pic, though I have not looked at it yet, but it was too far away unfortunately. I will scour through them and see if there is anything wort keeping.

As for my camera it's just a Fuji point and shoot (F460) but I have seen some great pics taken with the camera so I know it's capable of fairly decent shots.

Thanks again