46 DIGITAL CAMERA^ AUGUST 2019 http://www.digitalcameraworld.com
SUMMER SCENESGettyummer is a true paradise
for nature lovers. The longer
days mean not only more
time spent outside, but also
the opportunity to capture
wildlife big and small, as well as flora and
foliage. Insect life is most abundant in late
July and August, when you can get to know
moths, dragonflies, crickets, grasshoppers
and beetles, among other fascinating
minibeasts. The seashore can provide a
magical array of creaures, too, particularly
if you’re prepared to wade in rockpools.
We can’t give camera settings that’ll work
for every species – the key thing is to find
out more about your intended subject so
that you can predict its whereabouts and
behaviour. Organisations (in the UK) like
The National Trust and Wildlife Trusts have
websites full of local info to get you started.S
1 Go macro
Summer is a great time to hone your macro
skills, thanks to an abundance of bees,
butterflies and insects. Some species
appear much earlier than others, so check
wildlife guides to find out when and where
to look for them. Insects are generally
slower in the morning; the first hour or so
after sunrise often presents stationary bugs.
If you’re struggling to lock focus on flighty
subjects, prefocus manually on a spot you
know they’ll land – think leaves and flowers.
A tripod and remote shutter release will
help to keep shots sharp.0ɴȵǼȒȸƺɎǝƺǕȸƺƏɎȒɖɎƳȒȒȸɀ
In summer, nature is buzzing with busy animals and blooming foliage
MACRO LENSES
While many standard zooms
are capable of focusing at close
distances, a macro will enable
impressive life-size reproductions
of subjects such as insects. A 50-
60mm focal length is suitable for
general macro images – but for
closer distances, a 100mm lens
is the one to have in your bag.2 Wildlife and nature
f/5.61/500
secISO
400