Amateur Photographer - UK (2020-07-04)

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk

3 Backlit bugs

Working so close to home should promote creativity

and experimentation. Light is a key ingredient to any

photo and, when shooting small subjects, it is easy for

photographers to control, alter and manipulate it. Use a

small LED light – for example, a Manfrotto Lumimuse

or an inexpensive LED torch. Unlike a refl ector, an

LED allows you to generate light from any angle and

you can vary its intensity by moving it closer or further

away. Being a continuous light source, you can preview

and fi ne-tune its e ect before taking photos. Light is

often in short supply at high magnifi cations, so an LED

can be useful for providing extra illumination. But be

creative. Try positioning the light at di erent angles for

di erent e ects. Backlighting is particularly dramatic.

Hold your LED behind your insect to highlight

translucent wings, shape and form, or add sparkle to

dewy bodies. Backlit close-ups have oodles of impact.

shots to get one perfectly sharp. You
will struggle to record subjects sharp
throughout with your lens wide-open,
but you can create arty results with
insect’s wings and body drifting into
soft focus, contrasted against
colourful bokeh.

Common blue

damselfly

Nikon D850 200mm,

1/160sec at f/8, ISO 2500

Common darter

dragonfly resting

on reed

Nikon D800, 200mm,

1/400sec

at f/10, ISO 400

Common blue

damselfly on lake

Nikon D300, 150mm,

2sec at f/11, ISO 200