Winged carpenter ant
There is only one way to photograph insects — up close. The closer it is, the better because insects are such a tiny creature that their photographs can only be useful if you get to see their minute details.
Here are some amazing insect photography taken by photographers around the world and all of them (the insects, not the photographers) have one thing in common: they make a stunning subject for macro photography.
The advent of digital cameras and their ability to shoot very close to a subject, makes it relatively easy to shoot macro photographs of insects compared to using DSLRs. The flip side is, this can also be a problem because with compact cameras, you need to get real close to be able to shoot macro photographs of insects; and some insects, like butterflies, are difficult to get close to.
Some of the best insect photographs, especially those that freeze insects in mid-flight, are taken with DSLRs equipped with purpose-built macro lenses.
For the purpose of this write-up, however, we shall discuss insect photography using compact cameras.
I’m using two compact cameras, which I use interchangeably for all my photo-taking needs. One is the Canon PowerShot G6 and the other is the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS. The picture above is the G6 with the macro lens attached.
With the G6 I can zoom in when shooting in super macro mode albeit in lower resolution of 3 megapixels but with the SX1 IS, in super macro mode, I can shoot at zero cm distance at full resolution of 10 megapixels. I just wish I could attach a macro lens on the SX1 IS. [UPDATE: Yes, a super macro conversion lens can be attached to the SX1 IS]
Here are 10 tips on how to photograph insects using point-and-shoot compact cameras:
#01. Set the camera on tripod, utilise the camera’s remote control feature
First thing first, let’s take on the hardest to shoot insect — butterflies. You can’t get near them as they will take flight as soon as they sense that you are closing in. But there is a way to overcome this — by using a tripod and a remote control.
This butterfly looks like a dead leaf
Some compact cameras like the Canon PowerShot G series and the SX series, have a remote control feature that allows you to operate the camera from a “safe” distance of, say, four meters from the subject. If there are many butterflies around, chances are they are flowers nearby and they will soon settle on one of them.
Set your camera on tripod, position it near one of the flowers, switch it on, select macro or super macro mode, check the aperture, the focus and composition, activate the remote control and step away but within the remote control’s signal.
And then wait… until one of the butterflies land on the flower; and then press the shutter release on the remote control unit. Take as many pictures as possible and you will eventually get at least one useful shot.
#02. But my camera has no remote control feature…
Giant stinger about to take flight
It will be difficult to implement the trick above if your camera has no remote control feature.
But if you are at a park you can position your self near a flower and stay still, with the hand holding the camera ready to snap pictures the moment one of the butterflies settle on the flower.
I’ve tried this trick on this big stinging insect but as you can see, I was not very successful.
#03. Shoot in shutter priority mode
Shutter priority... Tv mode
When shooting macro, I always shoot in shutter priority mode or “Tv” rather than in Auto or Program mode, especially if I am shooting outdoor with plenty of light. By shooting in shutter priority and setting the speed to 1/300 and above, I am more likely to succeed in freezing the movement of fast moving insects such as butterflies, ants, grasshoppers and so on.
#04. Shoot with a combination of high shutter speed and burst mode
Some newer compact cameras have outstanding continuous shot performance. The SX1 IS for instance, can shoot 4fps while others such as the Sony HX1 and Nikon P90 can shoot faster.
By combining these two features, you will be able to freeze the movement of the insects as well as improve your odds of having in-focus pictures.
This “armoured” spider below was busy moving from one end of the web to another but with the burst mode and fast shutter, I managed to freeze it at the right moment.
The right moment...
#05. Shoot with “P” mode
If you just want to take pictures without having to worry about the camera setting, then the “P” mode will be ideal. But this mode does not always give you the speed required to shoot fast moving insects.
This bug will pose for you until you run out of angles
You should also observe the other “P” in photography — patient. A lot of it.
#6. Look for out-of-the-ordinary occurrences
An ant dragging a dead fly
The insect world may be small but they are no less dramatic. If you look closely there are plenty of actions in the tiny universe of insects, like ants hauling up their trophies.
They also fight for reasons best known to them. The effect can be quite dramatic and this is where fast shutter speed is required to freeze the action.
#07. Avoid antagonising dangerous insects
Bee macro... too close for comfort
For instance, you don’t want to get close to a bee hive unprotected because the consequences of such action can easily outweigh the benefit of having taken close up photos of angry bees.
Having said that, I can’t begin to explain the thrill of having shot a bee hive and get away with it. I guess bees are like that. If you approach them gently, and not make any sudden move, they will stay still and not bother you. Be careful of the camera flash though as it can rile them up.
#08. Exhaust all possibilities
Ladybug... take as many pictures as you can
If you are photographing slow-moving insects, like ladybugs, you have all the time in the world to compose their pictures. Just shoot them from all directions and angles — left, right, sideways, from the top or from down below, and with different shutter speeds and aperture settings. There might be a surprise or two in store if you practice this often.
#09. Take photos in the shadow
Sunlight does not always provide good lighting in macro photography environment. The glare from the sun can spoil an otherwise well-detailed images of insects. The picture below is too bright because of the sunlight and could have appeared better had I shot it in the shadow.
"Bulldozer" bug
Compare the shot above with the one below, which is more pleasant to the eyes.
Cooler under the shadow
#10. Use reflector rather than flash
I have had little success taking macro photos of anything using the compact camera’s flash. They are often too bright for close-up photography and in the case of SX1 IS, the protruding lens always block part of the flash light, leaving a dark area in the photos.
In this case, it is better to use one or two reflectors to sufficiently light the subject. If you must use the flashlight, consider powering it down.
Dragonfly macro... with flash powered down
Well, that has been my tips. Please feel free to add yours through the comment section.
