Critter photography

[pdcpic]

I wonder how you guys do it? do you set up a tripod, then put signs up for your critter  so he or she knows where to go?
Do you speak critter?

How???

[annie]

Lol....

 

I stalk them...Bugs attracts them, JohnP charms them...

[pdcpic]

My best shot so far of a fly.
I would love to get closer but they fly away so quickly

full set of extention tubes and 50mm lens with flashring

[bugmeister]

It does depend what critters you are trying to get but in most cases the main requirement is either luck or knowledge of where and when they are likely to be

 

Things like butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies you can often (sometimes) get them to land on your hand or walk onto your hand if you place your hand correctly and slowly (Annie has the evidence of that in action). A tripod is normally useless for these since they won't put up with you moving a lump of metal around near them. Use a 'pod at a longer range with a zoom lens instead of a macro lens and you can get good results, though.

 

For other insects that are slower moving a tripod or monopod is handy

[JohnP]

I wonder how you guys do it? do you set up a tripod, then put signs up for your critter  so he or she knows where to go?

Do you speak critter?

How???

 

Tripods are a waste of time, by the time you get set up the insect would be long gone in most cases. I've tried a Raynox and extension tubes with reasonable success, but since getting a macro lens I feel things have just got better. DOF is your enemy in macro, by using my ringflash I've found that my starting point with regard to settings is usually f16 & 160th sec, this gives reasonable DOF. Without the flash would mean that f5.6 or thereabouts would be the likely aperture and DOF would be shallow. When I see my target insect I usually take a shot from a suitable range and work my way in (continually taking shots as I go) until I can get no closer. That way I usually end up with something that I can crop if the insect moves off suddenly.

[FUJI]

Seriously, critter capturing isn't easy, but you will go far if you stand very quietly and just ......Observe........like many living things insects, bugs and spiders are creatures of habit......a fly may buzz around, very often returning to exactly the same spot...........have your camera set to FLASH, the shutter to 160......the Aperture To 11-16 ......ISO to suit ambient light.

Using a DIY snoot to carry the light from your flash onto the subject is a good idea, there are many ideas for, DIY Flash reflectors/Diffusers On YouTube.......my version, is in a tutorial on here, if you search through the headings.

Obviously, at its simplest, use just the macro setting if using a Compact Camera, a dedicated macro lens, a lens reversed, or a RAYNOX Auxilliary macro lens, that fits on the front on many lenses and cameras.

No excuse now........get bugging! ;-)

FUJI

[Leon]

I used a raynox got some ok results, nowhere near as good as these lot though..

[annie]

You have done some lovely ones Leon...

Edited March 15, 2014 by annie

[JohnP]

Stick at it Leon!  It justs gets better and better I promise you.

[Leon]

I have tubes now for the old M42, no bugs yet though, I'll not give up don't worry

[Paul]

Little critters can be impossibly difficult - especially for myself, as I have to rely on a tripod because I'm not so good hand holding.

 

Patience is the key for me. Slow approach, stealthy movements.

 

Paul.