Strategies for Close-up and Macro Insect Photography

This month’s presentation deals with potential problems that photographers often face when they attempt to take pictures of insects. Our speaker, Al Alvis, will provide strategies for overcoming common obstacles. Strategies will include finding, approaching, and developing artistic photographs of insects.

Al’s presentation will come in two parts. First, how photographers can take closeups without getting physically close to the subject. Second, addresses true macro photography of smaller insects and the tools you can use to capture these elusive subjects. All the photographs that will be presented were taken of live insects in the field. In other words, NO capturing of insects, NO refrigerating insects for photographic purposes, and NO photo stacking.

Al Alvis is a Past-President of the Chicago Area Camera Clubs Association. He is currently on the Board of Directors of that organization in the capacity of Co-Chairman of the Nature Division. Additionally, his current project is organizing photo critique sessions which are available for viewing remotely and provides a learning experience for all the members of that organization.

His interest in photography began as a freshman in high school and he joined his first camera club in 1979 and is still a member of that club and three other CACCA affiliated clubs.

His current favorite subjects to photograph are nature (primarily birds, dragonflies and small insects), professional tennis, and flower photography.

Al has been providing photography related presentations for various groups for over 40 years. He is very grateful for the knowledge that was passed on to him from all the friends, teachers and mentors who helped him through the years and enjoys re-paying the photography community any way he can.

Recording: Strategies for Close-up and Macro Photography
Warning – due to a technical issue, the audio for first 15 minutes is bad.

Al’s Notes: Speaker’s Notes