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Insect photography

jwolf6589

jwolf6589

macrumors 601
Original poster
Dec 15, 2010
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Colorado
I don’t believe I have discussed this before but does anyone here shoot the bugs in the insect world? Yes technically a spider is no bug but it would be interesting if someone could get a close up to one of those wolf spiders. What type of camera and lens is required for this? Mr. Powershot as good a camera as it is would not do a good job here.

Please stay on topic thanks…
 
Bugs are great because it's something you can just go out and shoot, you don't need to travel anywhere. It may take some learning/practicing to get things right, but there's no reason the Powershot couldn't do it. Here's three insect photos, one was with my DSLM, one was a Powershot, and the other was an iPhone. There's definitely a difference, but it's not that big. Not the best shots I've ever taken, just the first of each camera to come up when I searched "bug" in the Photos app!

IMG_2988.jpg


IMG_5045.jpeg


199A9342.jpg
 
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jwolf6589 said:
I don’t believe I have discussed this before but does anyone here shoot the bugs in the insect world? Yes technically a spider is no bug but it would be interesting if someone could get a close up to one of those wolf spiders. What type of camera and lens is required for this? Mr. Powershot as good a camera as it is would not do a good job here.

Please stay on topic thanks…
Click to expand...

This is a very specialized subject with lots of approaches…I use a Canon Macro 100mm F/2.8L IS…
I suggest you do some initial reading up here
www.exposureguide.com

The Ultimate Macro Photography Tutorial for Beginners - ExposureGuide.com

Want to explore macro photography? Our guide will help you get started in no time. No special equipment necessary! Macro photography, or taking
www.exposureguide.com
 
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Butterflies taken on an RX100

https://flic.kr/p/2jJoAdm

Or.

An alternate approach is to use a telephoto lens from a distance - zoom in and stand back a bit. This one was taken with a 500mm lens.

https://flic.kr/p/2iNSA3L

Also this thread started by MollyC (tag not working - wonder why) has a fantastic example of a spider right at the top.

forums.macrumors.com

before/after share thread

I've seen various comments over the past few months about a before/after thread. Well here it is. 🙂 Anyone is welcome to share their own before/afters, and try to explain what you did. It doesn't have to include every layer or LR tweak, but just a general rundown as to your thought process...
forums.macrumors.com forums.macrumors.com
 
Last edited:
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Not a big fan of shooting insects here, unless they happen to be hanging out on a flower that I'm shooting! :D. Spring, summer and early fall are the best times for capturing shots of bugs, whether accidentally or purposefully. A macro lens is best if one wants to get really up close and personal with the critter, or, as Kenoh mentions, one can use a long lens and get in "close up" without actually physically being all that close to the subject.
 
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Clix Pix said:
Not a big fan of shooting insects here, unless they happen to be hanging out on a flower that I'm shooting! :D. Spring, summer and early fall are the best times for capturing shots of bugs, whether accidentally or purposefully. A macro lens is best if one wants to get really up close and personal with the critter, or, as Kenoh mentions, one can use a long lens and get in "close up" without actually physically being all that close to the subject.
Click to expand...

The long lens option is great for subjects planning to hurt you too…..

Like this guy:

https://flic.kr/p/23NWNFS

And this guy:
https://flic.kr/p/25cc9Xv
 
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jwolf6589 said:
Wow! Impressive photos!


How did you take the black panther photo without getting tore up?

Anyone have a pic of a spider?
Click to expand...

There is a Land Rover between us just out of shot. Pretty sure my legs wouldn't have worked if he decided to taste some fat English guy. Interesting point. In Africa a Black Panther is a Black Leopard. In South America, it is a Jaguar.
 
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The lens depends on the subject size, and how much it is moving. I have tried to shoot bees with a 100mm macro lens and didn't have much luck. You have to get close with a macro lens and the bees in my yard don't stay still for more than a second. With bees, I actually shoot them with a 400mm-700mm setup so I can be further away, but still fill the frame.
2Q1A0794_mod.jpg


For subjects that move slower like spiders, praying mantis, etc. Then I like to use a 100mm macro. Getting the subject lined up and focused takes me longer as you cave to be 1-2 inches from the subject. For me, it only works with slower subjects like this one.
_21A5552_mod.jpg
_21A5592_mod.jpg
 
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dmccombs said:
The lens depends on the subject size, and how much it is moving. I have tried to shoot bees with a 100mm macro lens and didn't have much luck. You have to get close with a macro lens and the bees in my yard don't stay still for more than a second. With bees, I actually shoot them with a 400mm-700mm setup so I can be further away, but still fill the frame.
View attachment 1932317

For subjects that move slower like spiders, praying mantis, etc. Then I like to use a 100mm macro. Getting the subject lined up and focused takes me longer as you cave to be 1-2 inches from the subject. For me, it only works with slower subjects like this one.
View attachment 1932318View attachment 1932320
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Very impressive photography. Perhaps this is why most won’t photo a spider or centipede for fear of the deadly bite.
 
jwolf6589 said:
Very impressive photography. Perhaps this is why most won’t photo a spider or centipede for fear of the deadly bite.
Click to expand...
No LOL, that's not it. Even with a macro lens you don't need to worry about getting bit.

I don't see many big spiders here where I live, but I do have one big spider photo in my collection. It's on an archive drive somewhere. I'm sure if you go to a photography forum and look in their macro section, you'll see tons of great spider pictures.
 
dmccombs said:
No LOL, that's not it. Even with a macro lens you don't need to worry about getting bit.

I don't see many big spiders here where I live, but I do have one big spider photo in my collection. It's on an archive drive somewhere. I'm sure if you go to a photography forum and look in their macro section, you'll see tons of great spider pictures.
Click to expand...
Hmm… or perhaps I can go to google images but I may find crappy shots in stead.
 
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