Hi Sheila,
I ALWAYS use the LCD, using the viewfinder really sucks IMO. And you can get much closer to the subject.
I have to go against Joe on the matter of closing in too much as well, sorry Joe ;o) Get AS CLOSE as you can, BUT do it VERY slowly. Also take shots while youre moving in. That way, when the bug decide to leave before you get there, you always have the shots from a bit further away. In my experience once youre really close (3 - 5 cm approx) the bugs wont be startled as easily anymore... as if they have 'excepted' the presence of the cam :o)(this is why using the viewfinder doesnt work for me)
Sometimes, especially with dragons and butties, you really need to move in ridiculously slow. Especially when theyre sitting on the ground. Keep in mind that your shoes move the fastest, even when youre walking slow... so move your feet slowly through the air and put them down softly. Believe me youll look like a fool :oP LOL
Also with try to move in horizontally the last 30 cm or so, bugs are afraid more of what comes from above than what comes from the ground. DO NOT make any unsuspected or jerky movements, DO NOT touch the leaf, stick or whatever they are sitting on (especially with flying insects). When its windy you can touch it, but preferably below the insect, grab hold of the twig or leaf they are on, put the cam on your hand and snap away. Cos the wind shakes the vegetation anyway they often wont notice you. And by holding the plant you hold it still.
Uhm... oh yeah dont ever cast your shadow over an insect, they tend not to like that at all ;o)
Also watch your subjects, learn their patterns of behaviour. Learn the surroundings too, come back often... so youll know which insects tend to be in which places.
Dont follow an insect too long, just leave it be and concentrate on another one.
Be an opportunist, dont go out wanting a pic of a bee... go out wanting A pic. Go to your photo places look around and take in the environment. If you dont see bugs right away, sit down or calmly walk around enjoying nature... they will come to you LOL. Pretty soon youll start to see all sorts of bugs.
DO NOT go out shooting in your shorts btw. LOL sometimes youll have to walk through nettles and thistles and what more to get that shot. Also, were i live, there are these horseflies... and although theyve never bitten me i prefer them not sitting on my bare leg LOL ;o)
Hmm... what more can i say... i dunno... if you have any questions you can always ask Sheila :o)
I hope my writing is understandable, its a bit un-structured LOL

Anyways, have a great day and happy hunting !! :o)
Jeroen

P.S. The insects in the "hovering" pics i uploaded recently were hoverflies, not bees ;oP

Message edited on: 07/30/2005 05:24