Macro Photography, Photographing Grasshoppers
Years ago - before I discovered the World of Macro Photography, I considered insects as pests. Now through though the macro lens I am fascinated and entertained by them. I had never known how beautiful insects could be - including grasshoppers.
Grasshoppers make an excellent macro subject for beginning photographers. If carefully approached they will sit patiently still for quite a long time, appearing just as fascinated with the photographer as the photographer is with them.
If you don't have a macro lens - not to worry. I've taken scores of grasshopper macros with many digicams using the 'macro' mode. An auxiliary close-up lens makes the task much easier. My favorite is the Sony 3358 close-up lens. The important thing to look for when shopping for close-up lenses is the number of elements in the glass. This particular close-up lens contains 2 elements and has a 3.3 magnification. This is an older lens but certainly among the best that I've used. I also have a Raynox which gets even closer should I need that.
Take note that some lenses work better with particular cameras. While the Sony might be a perfect marriage to my Fuji camera, it may not perform as well as another close-up lens with my Sony camera.
The first two grasshopper photos were taken with a little Sony H2 camera some years ago - with the Sony 3358 close-up lens.
There is an art to macro photography. While getting up close and personal is key to a good result, the camera should be stabilized. As a rule of thumb, I know that I can shoot most shots if the shutter speed is at least 1/50s. Anything less for me requires a tripod. Also, if I'm using a heavy camera - even 1/50s is not going to be in clear focus without stabilization - such as from a tripod and monopod. Even breathing can cause slight blur - so when shooting I tend to hold my breath when I push the shutter.
As we can see - the grasshopper changed positions, albeit slightly. The grand difference in the shots is the angle. When shooting, always make a point to experiment with different angles to see which result works best in the end.
Grasshoppers like to hide because they are huge targets for birds as well as other predators. On the flipside - while insects are generally small - it's interesting that even the small praying mantis can take down a hummingbird.
This particular grasshopper was feeding inside a thistle. The spines offer a layer of protection.
Be alert to unusual finds hiding amid the greenery. This is an empty shell of a grasshopper.
Photographers define photography with all sorts of words and phrases. To me, photography means one word: LIGHT because light is the controlling factor is all exposures. It will either make or destroy the picture.
Adequate lighting is a must when taking macros in the field. To begin with, growth tends to block out light. If your subject is situated in the understory - the upperstory trees and brush will block the light, more in summer than in winter when the leaves are prolific.
So which sources of light work best for outdoor macro photography? I would highly recommend a good ring-light. It easily attaches to the camera; mine takes batteries which require charging before use. The ring-light casts additional light onto the subject and is a good source of light in early morning and late evening when light from the sun wanes. It's also great for cloudy days.
Another source of light is of course the onboard flash of the camera which can render dramatic results when the amount of flash is controlled. Let's look at the following example; the first shot is without flash:
The additional light brings out the details and hides the splotches that were in the background in the first shot. Added light also boosts shutter speed therefore rendering a sharper image.
This grasshopper ate a 'window' in the plant. I simply liked the composition.
This grasshopper is blending with his surroundings as a mode of protection.
Most beginning photographers tend to center their subjects. Leaving room to one side of the photo adds interest to the shot.
Grasshoppers like to camouflage themselves and often choose foliage that conceals them.
Posted below is a profile of a grasshopper which is larger than the ones posted above to demonstrate details in the macro shot.
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