Photography Fact Sheet
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ERIC P. GARNETT ARPS CPAGB

BUTTERFLIES
Butterflies please where they go and are pleasing wherever they are found.

I have been studying and photographing butterflies for 3 to 4 years, a small amount of time when you consider the complexity of macro photography and the knowledge required regarding the pursuing of butterflies (i.e. Where are they to be found? How do you approach them?)

I am no expert on the subject and in no way technically minded but, like with everything I do, I approach it with enthusiasm and perseverance and hope that this will carry me through. At this point I should note that, despite what my wife says, I do not do it just to get away from her and my four children….that is merely a pleasant side affect!

EQUIPMENT
Firstly, whilst there are many ways to reverse and convert the lens to focus closer, I was convinced from the start that a true macro lens was the way to go. A quality macro lens has superior optics which have been corrected to produce the sharpest results and will focus one to one, i.e. life-size. It is important to limit the numerous variables to a minimum, so when the final image is not what you expected then you have to look inward at yourself and your technique to solve the problem.

CAMERA
Any camera will do. Like with all forms of photography, it’s the lens and the photographer that matters. Mine, for the record, is a Canon EOS1N for slides and a Canon 20D for digital.

TRIPOD
For ultimate results, you must use a tripod. I changed from my Manfrotto 055C to a Benbo MK2 for its flexibility and its ability to go close to the ground, an important requirement. Just as important is its weight. It needs to be heavy; a pain to carry on hot days but invaluable on soft spongy terrain where the slightest vibration at slow shutter speeds will result in unacceptable images. The head is a heavy duty Manfrotto ball and socket with a quick release. Combined with the Benbo, it gives me complete flexibility.

WHEN TO SHOOT
The best time to shoot is either first or last light, not only for the quality of light which is beautiful and soft, ideal in rendering detail, but more importantly the subjects are less active, particularly in the morning where you will find there unable to move giving you more time to compose yourself as well as your picture. Shooting in the day requires a different approach and a command of your technique, equipment and your temper. A subject’s movements are linked to their body temperature, which is generated by the sun, and, as a consequence, they are extremely active on sunny days and can be absent on cloudy, cooler days.

IN THE FIELD
Time in the field is the only way to develop your field craft and it’s an ongoing process. Don’t forget, these creatures expect to be eaten and so are extremely alert. Before you go charging in, estimate the height of the subject and adjust your equipment accordingly. Keep low, approach carefully without sudden movements, and be vigilant as to where you cast your shadow. If your shadow crosses or goes too close to the subject then it will be off leaving you with only unrepeatable expletives! I will often move around in a wide arc to avoid my shadow going too close enabling me to approach from a better direction. However, I then often lose sight of the subject and have trouble finding it again. Another moment for those unrepeatable expletives that make me feel so much better!

I could go on forever, and some may say I already have, so I’ll end it by giving you a few useful internet sites/sources/locations:

INTERNET SITES
www.fredmiranda.com - have a look at this forum which covers all aspects of photography which includes a great macro section, loads of pics and info.
www.ukbutterflies.co.uk - it has a wealth of info from when they emerge, their peak times, plus a list of nature/breeding sites with grid references and a link to a map - all invaluable. I also have a small gallery of pics you might want to check out.

LOCAL NATURE RESERVES
Formby/Ainsdale
Moore Nature Reserve
Pickerings Pasture (where it all began!)
Wigg Island
Risley Moss
Rixton Claypits

GUIDE BOOKS
After seeing and reviewing many field guide books, I have found that the very best for identification are the books which contain the highly detailed and true to life illustrations by Richard Lewington. His drawings are superb and are without a doubt the best around. Highly recommended guides include:

Field Guide to the Moths of GB and Ireland by Paul Warning and Martin Townsend (illustrated by Richard Lewington)

Pocket Guide to Butterflies of GB and Ireland
(illustrated by Richard Lewington)

Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of GB and Ireland by Steve Brooks (illustrated by Richard Lewington)

Finally, happy shooting! I can recommend a good therapist which you will surely need the services of by the end of the season. May I also state that I am in no way responsible or liable for any side effects, such as nervous twitches or mental/marriage breakdowns from participating in the above activities!

Please send any comments to Eric