When it comes to photographing insects have you ever wondered how photographers get super close-up shots? Well it’s similar to photographing flowers - it’s all about high magnification macro photography. We know, it sounds extremely complicated, but trust us it’s not! Here at Parrot Print we’ve got a brief introduction to insect photography, so you can create creepy crawly canvas prints (that aren’t so creepy!)

Get very close
We know it sounds pretty straight forward, but yes, you have to get as close to your subject as possible. Since our hands tend to shake when we try and keep still, we suggest using a tripod to make sure you capture a clear image. Once you’ve got everything set up switch your camera to manual focus, as this will help you to focus better. The more you practice the more you’ll be able to make minor changes to your settings to make sure you get the photo you desire.

Is having a macro lens important?
Although macro lens are brilliant at capturing close-up shots, it’s actually not a requirement in this type of photography. You can use almost any lens, but just remember that every lens has a minimum focusing distance. Some can range from a few centimetres to half a metre depending on the type of lens. If you don’t know the difference, a macro lens has a much shorter focusing distance compared to a non-macro lens, so it’s up to you to choose the best one to achieve the images you want.

Focus on it
Once you’ve found your subject and you’ve gotten as close as you possibly can, you’re able to change your depth of field. This will allow you to see what is in focus and what isn’t until you’re happy with the shot. If you have decided to use a macro lens, we advise you to be a little more careful about shooting with a shallow field of depth. Once you’ve tried it you’ll understand, as there’s very little that’s in focus and this can be hard to work with, especially if you haven’t got a lot of experience with this style of photography.

Best bugs to capture
We know that insect photography is all about showcasing your subject, however if you want to create a striking canvas print it needs to be bright and eye-catching. We suggest capturing fluttering butterflies and pretty lady birds. The bold colours will help to make the intricate detailing even more interesting.

Are you a fan of insect photography? Or do you prefer flowers? Do you have anymore macro photography tips? Don’t forget to share your insect photos with us on Facebook or Twitter