Think like an insect to capture respectful shots filled with the wow factor
To help your macro shots stand out from the crowd, try capturing some element of subject behaviour. Invertebrates don’t display the same character or expression as feathered and furred creatures, making it harder for photographers to capture engaging, interesting shots. But if you can capture your subject ‘doing’ something – for example, moulting, mating, laying eggs or flying – your shots are more likely to grab the viewer’s attention.
These types of active images usually rely on good knowledge of the subject. Google your subject’s life cycle, habitat and food plants to gain a better understanding of its habits. Then, ideally, take time to study the subject in person – this will help you to anticipate or react to photogenic behaviour. For example, photographs of dragonflies and damselflies emerging from their exoskeleton can look extraordinary, but require regular visits to the water’s edge during spring and early summer, to find nymphs climbing out of the water to hatch on reeds and grasses.
Mating insects can also produce exceptional shots. Damselflies form a wheel or heart shape when paired, but capturing two subjects sharply in one frame can prove challenging. Be sure to select a narrow aperture, and keep both insects within the same plane of focus.
Although capturing insects in flight isn’t easy, the speed and accuracy of modern AF systems help, as do camera modes like Olympus’s Pro Capture. When shooting action and behaviour, prioritise a fast shutter, increasing ISO manually or selecting Auto ISO to enables speeds upwards of 1/1,000 sec.
