PART 1 FIELDCRAFT
Understanding your subject is the key to capturing great images
PRO SHOT
Black Darter
Understanding insect behaviour is essential for images such as this one of a female Black Darter dragonfly.
E ven before you take the shot, there is the considerable challenge of finding your subject
– not to mention getting close enough without it flying away. Understanding locations, insect behaviour and how to approach insects are key to getting into the right position to capture a good image.
Locations
I look for spots that are fairly ‘wild’ – not overly manicured – with an abundance and diversity of plants, especially wildflowers. Many photogenic species, such as butterflies, flies, beetles and bees, are pollinators. Dragonflies and damselflies spend their larval stage in water and lay their eggs there, so ponds and rivers are good places to find these creatures.