Some inspirational moth photography

[Brownbear]

Just sharing because I think these are absolutely gorgeous, and if we had more moths in my area I'd be giving it a try... Perhaps Grahame and Brian (JBW) could give it a whirl. The texture looks so real yet soft, so much so that I want to stroke these moths.

http://www.audubon.org/magazine/may-...-urges-birders

[chauncey]

Ya don't need more Christina...all ya need is one. Capture it>chill in fridge>shoot it.

[Shadowman]

Nice link.

[DanK]

stunning images. Thanks for posting. The idea of using a lighted surface to attract them is a good one. I think I will try it at some point.

[Geoff F]

I just have a normal room light hanging close to a window. Standard low energy 100 w equivalent seems to work reasonably OK. Florescent tubes don't seem to work quite as well.

Then simply scoop up the moths and chill before placing on a suitable natural surface for photography.

[chauncey]

Then simply scoop up the moths and chill before placing on a suitable natural surface for photography.

My man...must be an echo

[jcuknz]

What does the RSPCA say about this chilling business ?

[Geoff F]

They prefer it to the alternative which is used by professional entomologists.

[chauncey]

What does the RSPCA say about this chilling business

Goeff...you mean when they secure them with pins through the spine?

[Brownbear]

With respect to chilling moths or any kind of insect I couldn't do it even though I myself have annihilated a few bugs during my life time (more so during my reckless youth... these days I look at most of them like pets, excluding cockroaches)... Anyhow, the possibility that insects might have emotions is something to think about.

http://brainblogger.com/2015/06/26/d...s-and-empathy/

One of the studies in the article implies that agitated honeybees exhibit pessimistic cognitive biases. ie; depression.

Chauncey, that moth just might have six hungry kids waiting for him/her at home.

[IzzieK]

Thanks for the link, Christina...very informative...I am not into killing a pretty butterfly nor a moth so since chilling is just a temporary thing to slow them down enough to take a photograph or two, I'd rather prefer that because once warm enough, they go back doing what they do...

[Brownbear]

Hi Izzie,

It's nice to know that the link is appreciated.

Thanks for sharing. Makes sense, and perhaps on a hot and humid day they'd find it refreshing...

Thanks for the link, Christina...very informative...I am not into killing a pretty butterfly nor a moth so since chilling is just a temporary thing to slow them down enough to take a photograph or two, I'd rather prefer that because once warm enough, they go back doing what they do...

[Stagecoach]

these days I look at most of them like pets, excluding cockroaches)

I have always thought cockroaches could be a great subject Christina but my efforts to date have all failed. They seem to be able to sense when you get near and run off

You only have to notice the lack of good photographs of them around that are not of one conveniently placed on a lovely white background

[Brownbear]

Indeed! I met 2 cockroaches (the size of mice) while visiting the Cook Islands. Not my favourite insect, to say the least. I suppose if I ran across the two beasts again today, I might try to photograph them.

I bet they are also huge in Fiji!

I have always thought cockroaches could be a great subject Christina but my efforts to date have all failed. They seem to be able to sense when you get near and run off

You only have to notice the lack of good photographs of them around that are not of one conveniently placed on a lovely white background

[JBW]

Just sharing because I think these are absolutely gorgeous, and if we had more moths in my area I'd be giving it a try... Perhaps Grahame and Brian (JBW) could give it a whirl. The texture looks so real yet soft, so much so that I want to stroke these moths.

http://www.audubon.org/magazine/may-...-urges-birders

Nice link. We do have some nice moths/butterflies here and one day, soon I hope i will be able to shoot some of them with the new gear.