Shooting Dragons

I have spent a lot of time lately at the Green Bottom Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bottom, West Virginia shooting macro shots of insects (mostly dragonflies). I wanted to share some of the methods that I’ve used, in the hope that it helps others get the shots they want.

I shoot hand-held because it allows me to move around better. I tried a tripod early on, but found that by the time I move it into place, I have either scared them away or they died of old age. Because I’m shooting hand-held, with a 180mm lens and fast moving subjects, I try to keep the shutter speed as high as possible. I shoot Aperture Priority and adjust the aperture to balance depth of field vs shutter speed. Another trick that I’ve been using lately is to put my ISO on auto. The camera is smart enough to balance ISO and shutter speed to get you the maximum shutter speed for each shot. I also never shoot only one shot. When I line up, I hold the release down and take two or three shots in a row. This is done in the hope that at least one will be in good focus. At the macro level, moving as much as a millimeter, will pull you out of focus. Also, manual focus is the only way to go. My technique is to use the focusing ring to get close, then rock my body slightly, back and forth, to fine tune it.

While stalking is generally frowned upon in social settings, it is key to getting good insect shots. Patience and slow movement will (sometimes) let you get close enough to land that great shot that will put you on the cover of National Geographic. When I see something interesting, I shoot a series-moving closer with each shot. Occasionally, they will let you get as close as a few inches away.

Just like when taking a photo of a person, keeping the eyes in focus is paramount. The depths of field are so narrow, in macro,  that getting the entire body in focus is nearly impossible, but if the eyes are focused correctly, then the shot will be pleasing. The faceted eyes are particularly cool when sharply defined. I’ve noticed that the reflection on the sun makes a dot on their eyes. I concentrate on this spot for my focus and let the aperture carry as much of the eye/body as possible. It really sounds harder than it is. Just an excuse to take lots of pictures, right ?

If I can leave you with three words to help take better macro shots, they would be: patience, patience, patience. Sometimes it is frustrating, but if you take your time the good shots will come.