Research on the internet…
So after spending quite a bit of time in my yard and loving the macro capabilities of my new Nikon P6000, I have been able to take a few more interesting specimens for you and identify them!
The caterpiller that I posted last is a White-marked Tussock Moth caterpillar. The identification was made using BugGuide.net. This has so many great photos of insects and you can post photos and get expert advice on what is “bugging” you!
Here is my latest find…
This beautiful thing I knew was some kind of orb weaver simply because of the web, but what kind I didn’t know. By using a few keywords, I was able to find out about orchard spiders on wikianswers but the librarian in me needed to verify that information (editable websites or wikis should never be taken for gospel)…so back to BugGuide.net where I did a little search again and identified it as a Venusta Orchard Spider or Orchard Orbweaver! Fascinating huh?
I love to research and learn new things. There is so much useless knowledge rolling around in my head. My kids make fun of me but you never know when you’re gonna need that knowledge. So keep shooting and keep learning along the way!
Happy surprises
One of the best things about having a small pocket camera, is being able to keep it with you at all times. Then you have it handy for when you see something really spectacular. Now, I don’t normally carry my camera with me when I take out the trash, but on this particular day it was in my purse as I headed off to pick-up my daughter from school. I decided to clean up some trash in my car and take it to the outside can and this is what I found.
This little guy was fascinating and I photographed it from every possible angle. Later, I looked through my National Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Butterflies (Knopf, 1995) but could not find even a close match to this caterpillar. However, what I did find was a great reference in the back- “”How to Photograph Butterflies”.
In part, the entry talked about using a higher aperture for greater depth-of-field, a macro lens, and using a high ASA/ISO. All great tips! Additionally, the article also suggested shooting in “early morning when temperatures are fairly low and butterflies are just warming up.” Also, the photographer needs to keep “low and slow,” keeping your body even with or not much higher than your butterfly. “Kneel a few feet from the butterfly and slowly inch forward.” You should also avoid rapid or jerky movements.
On a recent field trip to the Armstrong Atlantic State University’s international gardens, my students had the chance to shoot bees and butterflies. Many were successful in capturing these sometimes elusive creatures. But as with all of God’s creatures- patience is a virtue!
