fly pictures

[pittendrigh]

You must be Walter (Walter)!

[Uncle Jesse]

The best fly photos are while they are in the jaw of a fish. IMHO.

[Jayatwork]

Good tips everyone.

Macro mode, good lighting, background, tripod...

I'll suggest using the camera's self timer. If your pushing the shutter release button, there's a possibility of movement.

[johnstoeckel]

IMO, the easiest method to get consistent results with a basic point and shoot camera is with the styrofoam cup method described in this thread ... http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/s...ight=styrofoamWith any method, you'll want to use your macro mode (to get close focus) and probably the self-timer (to prevent camera shake). The cup serves as a light tent / light diffuser and it also holds the camera and fly. Here's my simple setup. It took me about 20 minutes to build and takes about 2 minutes to setup. P2160001.JPG

[ducksterman]

Is styrofoam the best material or would others work as well? For example, milk jug material or more opaque plastic containers?

[tailingloop]

Do experiment with standard mode instead of macro mode for large flies. The tiny lenses in point and shoot cameras have great depth of field but you do lose some of this in macro mode. This is more problematic for bulky flies like buggers and large flies like bass bugs or large streamers. The result is that more of the fly may appear out of focus. Macro works great for small flies but isn't always optimal for larger patterns. It doesn't hurt to experiment.

Also, the autofocus of most point and shoot cameras will focus on the nearest thing in the field of view. This might be the tips of hackle or even the vise. If your camera allows you to select the focus point, choose the area that you want to be in best focus. Many cameras have an option to force them to focus on the center of the view. If your camera has this option you can point the center to the portion of the fly you want in best focus. Some cameras also allow you to select which focus point to use from their multi point AF system so you can frame the fly and select the focus point you want.

[Silver Creek]

How did I take this photo?



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With a styrofoam cup using the method I wrote about.....

[TyroneFly]

Here is a depth of field calculator you might find helpful. http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

Will not be of much use when using a p&s even those with manual focus.

[hap]

And for internet posting it is probably good enough... But it is much too strongly backlit for serious use. The thorax is a complete guess for color. Were there anything in there to be inspected it would not show up...

How did I take this photo?



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With a styrofoam cup using the method I wrote about.....

[rvrwader]

I have been using a cheap Fujifilm E500 4.1MP point and shoot camera using the marco setting against a white background. While I know I need better lighting the pictures of the flies turn out very well. Almost too well actually. I can see flaws that I cannot see with the naked eye. LOL