Here be Dragons
A Thai grasshopper, shot with 60mm macro lens.
A Thai grasshopper, shot with 60mm macro lens.
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Mar, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in a rigged home studio. I have a couple of hot lights, and use 3 plain shower curtains to create a large softbox effect. The grasshopper was a dead specimen I was given.Time
The joys of having rigged my little "studio" are that I can shoot things like this at any time!Lighting
I am quite proud of my set-up - and it's great value! Of course, a proper pro studio would be ideal, but for macro work like this, it works great! I have 3 shower curtains that are hung in a "u" shape from the ceiling. These form the sides & back of the shooting area. I can take down the back curtain and replace it with a paper background, depending on what the shot calls for. I got the lights second hand for about $50, and the curtains etc were a bit less. For about $90, I could create a small but functional shooting box.Equipment
This was with a Nikon D90, 60mm macro lens. Two hotlights.Inspiration
I am fascinated by macro photography, and especially in exploring the details we can't see or often overlook. I think like many people, I think that magnified insects look like amazing monsters, and I love trying to capture some of that! I will admit, even though this was a specimen, I still don't really like handling them, but once the camera is between me and the insect, I'm fine!Editing
Very little for this shot. It was shot in colour and then converted to black and white. As I live with 4 cats, there would have been an inevitable photoshopping out of a stray cat hair or two.In my camera bag
My Nikon D750, along with memory cards, spare batteries etc. Depending on what I'm shooting there may be a variety of lenses, but my 3 go-tos are: 80 - 200mm f/2.8 85mm f/1.4 60mm macro I know it isn't the best technically, but I adore the 60mm. For macro, I often use it along with a ring light.Feedback
For insect macro photography, which can be really tricky with live insects in the field, you often have to be quick! It can help to think about angles etc before you move in for the shot (especially with a 60mm), as you often only get a couple of chances before it takes off! One thing I found helpful was to work with specimens like this, or even dead flies etc I find around the house - to play with them and get a close look before trying to capture live insects.
