My, very jammy, encounter with that Southern Emerald Damselfly on Worth Marshes RSPB Res. has provided the spark for a continued dalliance with this wonderfully diverse family of insects. So it has become routine, whilst out with Bruno, to carry my binos, as usual, but the camera kit now includes a set of extension tubes, thus allowing me to play around with the macro capabilities of the equipment I own. It would appear to be a good decision as I am really starting to push the boundaries of my photographic skill-set.
 |
| Scarce Chase - female |
 |
Four-spotted Chaser with a deformed lower left wing.
It certainly didn't impair its' flying ability. |
Quite obviously YouTube offers masses of assistance to anyone seeking advice, yet I find it much better to "learn from my mistakes" as I seek to improve my results. I seek nothing more than to be able to capture images which will assist my written efforts to describe my adventures, via the platform of this blog. Magazine covers or "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" - not for me, I'm perfectly content to record what I encounter, as it happens, simply to share the enjoyment of being outdoors with your eyes open.
 |
| Norfolk Hawker - at long last I discovered one perched up, opposed to patrolling a drain. |
 |
| Male Ruddy Darter, a very pleasant bonus on this morning's Bruno walk. |
Humming-bird Hawk-moths have now become daily visitors to the Red Valerian flowers that surround the off-road parking area. I have set myself a goal to capture an image of a moth, in flight, but with no blurring due to movement. I have been playing around with 1/3200 th sec exposure, but feel that 1/5000 th sec might be required to achieve my aim?
 |
| 1/3200 th sec - still I am unable to "freeze" the action |
Dyl these photos you’ve taken are stunning mate. I've personally not been out recently with my camera gear, but on the occasions, I frequented one of our local nature reservoirs I found using the trap technique for fast moving subjects worked for me.
ReplyDeleteThe Trap technique is simply pre-focus your lens to an area most frequented by your chosen subject! Sounds weird but I found it often worked. Your shutter speed is purely a matter of personal taste. The movement you gleaned in your hawk moth wings gives your image movement, Its excellent. This camera lark eh lol. Looking forward to seeing more of your photos.
Hi Bob,
DeleteThis messing around with insect photography is just another way of keeping myself busy as I slowly come to terms with Bev's passing. The desire to obtain a "freeze frame" image of a Humming-bird Hawk-moth is little more than an excuse to keep playing around with the camera gear as I discover just how far I can push my limited knowledge?
Hoping all is well with you and Wendy - take care - Dyl
Lovely shots there,well done.
ReplyDeleteI've planted a load of nicotiana plants in the garden this year, hoping to attract ( any ) hawk moths.
Many thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. Although I have Nicotiana, in flower, for much of the summer period it seems that the peak time when it attracts Hawk-moths (Convolvulus in particular?) is August/September. I'm sure that there are many other folk out in blogland who are far more knowledgable about this subject, but that is certainly how it appears in my experience. Cheers for the comment - Dyl
DeleteThanks for the advice, I'll keep my eyes open for them.
DeleteSome very pleasing images Dyl. I'm glad you're finding some comfort in photographing these super insects. Take care and look after yourself.
ReplyDeleteHi Marc, I'm having a great time playing around with the camera kit simply as a bi-product of having to take Bruno out for his daily excercise.Although my images don't come close to some of those you record they still provide me with pleasure and are certainly good enough to accompany the rambling drivel on my blog? Cheers for the comment and kind wishes - Dyl
DeleteGreat to see so many of them around this year and the Hummingbird Hawkmoth is always a pleasure to see.
ReplyDeleteHi James, yes it does seem to be a pretty good year for dragonflies, thus far. I have to admit that I am spending much more effort looking for them, than I've done in previous years, yet it would appear that "climate change" does have some positives? Hummers are alway able to brighten the dullest of days - I absolutely love them. Tight lines - Dyl
Delete