FOR THE LOVE OF BUGS

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"Entomology? What’s that? The study of bugs? Sure. Whatever. I just need to fill my non-lab science credit.” I would have taken a class that studied the migration habits of tree sloths, the rate of grass growth, or the best techniques for popping pimples. I just wanted to complete my last science credit for my English degree from the University of Maryland.

However, on the first day of the class, the professor ate a bug. I’m not sure what type of bug because my eyes were sealed tighter than the J.K. Rowling lips were about the ending to the Harry Potter series. As gross as that moment was, I was hooked. Every class I took feverous amounts of notes and laughed at every joke. I felt like a drug addict. I would almost start to itch before class. And if class were cancelled, I was not a fun person to hang around.

Then the professor gave insects to take home and raise as our very own. We started off with mosquito larva. They swam around in their little container of water until my roommate sat on it. The maggots I received didn’t fare too well either. They fell out of their container that was in my coat pocket and rolled around until a I put part of a sandwich in same pocket. Fortunately, I  discovered the open container first and checked my sandwich second. Disaster averted. However, the contents of my pocket still ended up in the trash but not my interest in insects.

I knew I could never be an entomologist because bugs still make me scream like a child in the toy section of Wal-Mart. But that’s only when they surprise me (bugs not children). From this college experience, I have developed a love for the tiny, creepy creature. And it quickly translated into my love of photography. My first major photography purchase was a Canon Rebel XT followed by my second purchase of the Canon 100mm macro lens. Over the years, I have developed some non-textbook habits while trying to learn how to capture the detail and personality of bugs.

First, you don’t always need a tripod to shoot macro. Yes, you get more detail and sharpness; however,if you can get a bug to sit around and wait for to set up a tripod, the bug is either dead or waiting fora bird to reenact the food chain for you. For me, I use burst shooting. I’ll fire off five to ten shots.Don’t worry about your shutter life span. Your camera will be obsolete in three years anyway. In all seriousness, if you keep your arms locked and your camera has optimal settings for whatever lighting condition you have, a few of those shots will have the sharpness you desire. Try to keep your shutter speed around or above 1/125 sec. Adjust your ISO and aperture accordingly. 

Noise can be a factor but minimized in Photoshop.Menace the bug but don’t be cruel to the critter. What I mean by menace is simple: if you want to see a spider mandibles move put a piece of grass near its mouth or be patience and watch it catch something.But don’t feed butterflies to praying mantises. No one wants to see that. It’s right next seeing or thinking about dead unicorns (in a movie-I know they don’t exist). Having knowledge of insects also helps. Some caterpillars have defensive horns that pop out when squeezed or tapped. Just don’t over squeeze or you’ll have to deal with some personal guilt or a crying child that was watching you take the picture. 

The Audubon Society has excellent field guides to assist in identification of the bug and explain the insect’s habits and features.But be careful because sometimes bugs menace back. I’ve been on a few bug hunts where I’ve encountered bees that have become territorial. Fortunately, the bees hover, and you can get some great shots of them in the air. When the bees start to dart at you, it’s time to go.Bugs are obviously great at blending into their environment. Either move slow and or sit still when trying to find them. It’s worth the mosquito and chigger bites to capture a jumping spider revealing its hidden location to devour its prey. 

My other secret is my wife. She has an uncanny ability to find bugs. She might not be able to find her car keys(usually in the car), but a dragonfly eating a moth is no problem. However, you can’t have her. Use your own spouse.Overall, I have three macro lenses in my kit. Wait. Sorry, I have two now. I lent one to my sister, and she never returned it. Don’t let Saleen Chenevert borrow things from you. Anyways, I always have a macro lens with me even when I’m on assignment. I found an awesome spider trudging through the grass as I waited for some cross-country runners to pass by. I pulled out my second camera with the macro attached and fire off several shots. Then I helped the little guy into the woods so he wouldn’t get crushed by the oncoming runners (I used a cup-not my hand).

In retrospect, I think my college professor used a gummy worm to deceive us. However, he didn’t lie to us about his passion for insects. Bugs are everywhere and have intricate lives worth investigating.Don’t get me wrong, I’ll kill those blood thirsty ones but I might take a picture first.Pictures that go along with the story:

TENT CATEPILLAR

CRAB SPIDER

CAMOUFLAGE GRASSHOPPER

DRAGONFLY UP CLOSE

THE BUSY BEE