How to Photograph Insects and Other Tiny Creatures

Photographs of Insects and Arachnids

The sound of her screaming could be heard from three rooms further away. We ran into the kitchen to find out what the issue was.

“What happened? ” We asked in a haze of air.

“It was somewhere in there” She panted back at us.

“What was that?” I questioned again

Nearly falling unconscious, she was able to mumble, “I don’t know”.

On our knees now We walked into the kitchen’s space beneath the sink and the cabinet.

It was an insect. It was not even a large one, but a spider nonetheless. It was obviously large enough to make her feel adrenaline-inducing. The slim body, dark green color featured the yellow dots running along its back.

“What sort of spider is this?” I queried. “We aren’t sure” some of the observers replied, “but those are common everywhere in the world”.

Insect Species World Wide

According to the statistics, there are over two million species of insects that are known to exist within the Amazon Rainforest region alone. You’ve probably had your fair share of these creatures yourself. Insects are generally easy enough to spot.

The main characteristics of these are:

Have a body that has three distinct parts, including an upper thorax, a head and abdomen

Have an exoskeleton

Have two antennas extended

They are omnivores, which is consumes both animal and plant matter

Note that Spiders are arachnids and are not technically insects. They have a body that has the two legs and have eight segments, but not like insects.

This, of course, did not mean anything in the sense of “screaming Mimi” when she noticed the spider.

Alongside other traits among many other characteristics, insects and spiders are intriguing subject matter as well for digital photographers. This is, if you’re not too cautious.

The process of obtaining high quality digital images of insects could be a daunting task. So here are some ideas for how you can accomplish it.

Digital Photography Equipment required to photograph insects

The two most crucial digital camera settings that are essential for this kind of photography include the macro imaging setting as well as the capabilities of your telephoto lens. Certain cameras also have attachments to the lens to shoot macro photos that are up to 1 inch away from the lens of the camera. A sturdy and compact tripod with less than one foot in height collapsed is also included in the recommended items list , as is the flash unit along with an external slave or device if one is available.

for Digital Photographers the Life Cycle of Insects

A brief description of how insects live their lives to digital photographers is needed. In short there are four major phases in an insect’s life cycle. They are useful to know in case you’re considering trying your hand at collecting digital photographs of insects, such as mosquitoes, flies, and all sorts of creepy crawlies that you can find in your basement or yard.

Adult insects lay fertilized eggs on their substrate of choice: soil, plant stems or leaf or carcass of an animal or insect and dung, garbage material etc.

The eggs are transformed into caterpillars, worms or larvae. Insect larvae as well as other insects are known as maggots.

The larvae eat a large amount of food over some time before they mature or transform into larvae that resemble adults. In the case of butterflies, larvae known as caterpillars, create an encasement around themselves, completing the process of transformation which is known as metamorphosis. This process transforms the caterpillar stage to adult butterflies.

The young insects develop into adults, mating and laying eggs that reproduce the cycle of life

Due to the sheer variety of arachnid and insect species, there’s an enormous array of subjects, regardless of the location you live. (OK If you’re in Antarctica for instance it’s possible that you’re somewhat restricted.) An extensive collection of insect macro photos can be a great complement to your portfolio as well as enhancing your photography skills. Set up your photo shoot with insects or spiders in your region the earliest you can.