Macro Photography: Shooting Insects and Bugs

You will learn that the first consideration is the choice of macro lenses. Do you use the 105mm, the 200mm, or the 55mm? It all depends on how close you can get to your subject. When you are shooting insects, Layne suggests discarding the tripod and going hand-held. Insects flit around, and you have to keep on the move to follow their activities.

Layne explores areas cluttered with plants to find his insect subjects. He has a routine. “I get close to my subject quickly, making sure my exposure is dead-on.” He always uses a fast shutter speed and then shoots rapidly until the insect flies away. Fast shutter speeds yield sharp images. You will learn to find out where insects hang out. Butterflies like butterfly weed. Bees go from flower to flower to soak up the pollen. Caterpillars hang out on leaves and trees.

Layne shoots a caterpillar crawling across a leaf. He explains, “Anytime an insect is moving, it usually results in a better image.” Shooting insects means getting down to their level, crouching, kneeling, or flat on your belly. It’s also important to pay attention to the natural lighting. Is the light from the front, the back, or the side? What about shadows? Or contrast? He photographs a white butterfly and makes sure the background is dark. “If the insect blends into the background,” he says, “you won’t like the result.” In shooting insects, it’s all about the details.

Go on a safari with pro shooter Layne Kennedy, who takes you into the macro photography world of shooting insects up close and personal.

MORE IN THIS COURSE:

Macro Photography: Inspiration, Insight & Creativity – Course Preview
Macro Photography Tips and Techniques
Basic Equipment for Shooting Macro Photography
Comparing a Telephoto vs. Macro Lens
Capturing Details of Nature Photography
This video: Macro Photography: Shooting Insects and Bugs
Macro Photography Ideas for Your Next Shoot
Backlighting in Translucent Photography
Using Texture Photography to Capture a Unique Shot