Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Gidders
I'm intrigued by, but havent tried, this type of photography.
What I can't get my head round is - how do you get your bug/damsel fly etc to stay around while you set a tripod like that up  |
Gidders: With great difficulty is the truthful answer. Last weekend I got up at 6am and drove to the New Forest. In the early morning the insects are docile, and can be photographed while they perch, although it can be hard to find them. Gradually as the sun warms the air, the insects become more active, and tend to skidaddle given half a chance. At that stage stalking skills and a long lens are needed. That means using slow careful motions to position a camera and tripod close to the insect. Some of the Hawkers are the worst in my experience, though Migrant Hawkers are fairly easy to snap as they enjoy hanging from tree leaves. I've also seen Golden Ringed Dragonflies perching in bracken on heaths. Recently I heard a rustle, looked up, and saw two mating Hawkers, probably Hairy Hawkers, hanging from a branch near me. Sadly my setting up of a tripod disturbed them and they scarpered.
Of course another problem is the wind, as the insects tend to cling to flimsy bits of vegetation. Then it is a case of waiting until a break in the wind, and then with luck, you have your photo. Or alternatively you can use a handheld camera with one or more flash units to freeze motion. I don't like full flash as to my eyes it can look unnatural, but some people on WPF use fill flash. I think Avi Meir does to very good effect.
An alternative is to trap an insect, take it home, and place it in the fridge to make it docile. You can then take studio photographs. I don't do this, as I don't really approve of it, though it's probably okay for common species.
Leif