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Probably a question suited to those who take macro photos of insects etc.

I'm just curious how others conduct their photography in regards to this issue.
I generally try and stick to the first option but have been know to progress further down the list.

When i take photos of insects i try and do it as natural as possible and dont try and move them if i dont have to.. but if im photographing something like a jumping spider, then ill catch them in a container and give them a bit of cooling down in the fridge, just makes em calm down alot quicker and doesnt harm them in any way... gives you about a minute or 2 to take photos before they go super active again

Tim

Touch a spider? Are you kidding?!

I'm usually 1 or 2

I definately try not to disturb the insects if possible.

However I will sometimes gently move a leaf or 'perch' if there is no way I can get the angle or light I need.

Paul

with nature shots in general I adopt the cavers code:

leave nothing but footprints
take nothing but photographs
kill nothing but time

as far as insects are concerned, I wouldnt have problem with moving them around to a more favourable locationm but would put em back when finished.

Steve

What an interesting poll!

Can't believe that some members would squash when finished and deprive something else ( a bird, spider etc) of it's tucker.

D70 members are a funny lot eh?


Cheers

Graham

bago100 wrote:Can't believe that some members would squash when finished and deprive something else ( a bird, spider etc) of it's tucker.

I would have assumed that the majority of people would squash/spray spiders with or without photography being involved. Especially the larger ones that seem to love heading indoors.

Which option should I tick if I use hair spray or mortein to immobisize them for a photo?

greencardigan wrote:

bago100 wrote:Can't believe that some members would squash when finished and deprive something else ( a bird, spider etc) of it's tucker.

I would have assumed that the majority of people would squash/spray spiders with or without photography being involved. Especially the larger ones that seem to love heading indoors.

Spiders in our house get caught (using a container and cardboard) and get taken outside... Usually close to the neighbours fence

Paul

Au natural

The bigger ones are usually quite good at controlling other insects and as somebody said, there is always something else in the food chain that will find them as food. So best to leave them alive.

Find out what your insect likes to eat, and provide it with a feeder. I saw some really good work on naturescapes with a supply of food being a over ripe banana half squashed with honey. Really did the trick for some hornets and the guy in question captured some amazing shots. If you're ever on NSN check out the photo essay that the guy wrote.

I have no hesitation in moving the insect a little to get a better angle with the camera when its safe to hadle. Poisnonous or large fanged spiders I generally photograph where they are, or sometimes prod a little to get their attention
I dont squash them afterwards though!!

Last night I was trying to move a frog to get a better angle, but then it settled on my thumb, unfortunately my right hand! I did manage to hold the D70 with my left and get a pic, but it wasnt easy...

Gordon

im guilty of moving geckos... there was no way i could take this series of photos last night without moving

http://dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?t=13668

Photo of a gecko on a wall would look plain.. and since the gecko was white its hard to see... i reckon there are points in time where you need to move a subject to gain a better photo but natural is always alot better

Tim