Assignments 307 and 310.

Assignment 307 Photo imaging output and Location Photography.

In this assignment I intend to produce 10 quality Macro images of insects close-up and 10 images of water drops. The insect images and water drop images will be taken on location around the grounds of various places that I visit. The equipment that I will use will be: Nikon D200 body with Macro lens of 50mm and 150mm. Also I will use a Sony 450 body with a 70mm Macro lens attached. There will also be various attachments such as tripods monopods filters and bean bags for stability.

I intend to get the water drops after it has been raining as this will give me the natural light. The insect work will be done over a period of time, early mornings when they are not so lively and evening times.

The Equipment that I will use and statement of intent.

These are the bodies and lenses that I will be using to take the images for the course.  The Bodies are  Nikon D200, Sony 450, Lenses are 150mm Sigma Macro lens, 70mm macro Lens and a 50mm Macro lens.  There will be tripods and Monopods used for stability.  I will also be using filters, cable releases and bean bags for stability.






My statement of intent.


The photography that I have chosen to do is Macro.  I intend two produce 10 images of good quality.

I have been interested in Macro photography for some years now, and decided to do this on the course that I have enrolled on now.

The equipment that I will use is as follows A Nikon D200 body with a 50mm Macro lens and 150mm Macro lens.  Also a Sony 450 body with a 70mm Macro lens Along with the flash unit for the macro lens that goes with it and can be attached to the camera and the lens.  I will also be using a small and large tripod for stability.  As well as a bean bag.  These items will allow me to get in close and stop any camera shake, this stopping blurred images.  I shell look at the light that will be available when taking the shots as this could determine the aperture and the ISO speed at the time the shots will be taken.

The photography thyme for this will be insects and flowers, so this is going to very close up photography.  I am thinking of getting eyes of a subject but this may alter depending on the subjects that I pick, but, I will go for the eyes of the subject.

Light could play a major part in this, I will try and get natural light were it is possible.  As I would rather work with natural light then artificially light.  I will play about with the ISO if the light fails along with the + and - compensator.  The flash unit that I will be using will be to close as I only have a 50mm Macro lens so this means me getting in close to the subject, so the flash will not work properly.  I intend to use the ISO more than the flash but, I will use photo shop to the minimum.

All heath and safety will be considered while taking photographs.  Also when entering conservations areas that I stick to the paths and observe the country code at all times.  If I set any hides up that I have permission and that it is put up in a safe way observing any plant life and anything of that nature.

The environment and the country side is to be respected, there are certain things that you cannot photograph without a licence if I come across anything like this I will seek advice and get the proper paper work put in place.  I shell seek the right authorities to gain the right licences.

Ross hoddinolt.

Even from an early age, Ross had a deep passion and fascination for the natural world. He would spend hours peering into ponds and observing and learning about the wildlife close to his parent’s home in north Cornwall. His parents introduced him to photography when aged 10 - giving him a compact camera as a Christmas present. Ross instinctively photographed wildlife and, while the results were poor to begin with, he was soon hooked. He soon began using his parents SLR – an old, Russian Zenit 11. A year later, in 1990, Ross won BBC Countryfile’s junior flora and fauna category in their annual photo competition – with a photograph of paired dragonflies. Encouraged, Ross continued taking pictures. By the time he won the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition a few years later, he had already decided to pursue a career in photography.

Now aged 33, Ross is among the UK’s leading outdoor photographers. A regular contributor to a number of national magazines, including Outdoor Photography and Digital SLR Photography, his work is published widely. Ross is contracted to NaturePL and the RSPCA Photolibrary, while the National Trust is among his list of clients. He has enjoyed multiple successes in the international Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and in 2008 was on the judging panel for the competition. In 2009 Ross won the British Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition at the annual BWPA awards. He is also the author of five photography books, including The Digital Exposure Handbook and The Landscape Photography Workshop. Ross is also one of the 2020VISION photo-team – the largest, most ambitious multi media conservation project ever staged in the UK.

Ross is best recognised as a close-up photographer, specialising in photography of insects and wild plants. He is also known for capturing evocative landscape images of the South West of England's stunning landscape and coastline. This region, and its natural history, is a constant inspiration to him. Working close to home allows him to gain an intimate knowledge of the area, while also minimising his carbon footprint. Ross and his wife, Fliss, presently live close to the north Cornwall/Devon border, together with their three beautiful children.

At the risk of sounding clichéd, Ross simply hopes that his images will help highlight the beauty and importance of our natural history and the environment on which we depend.

Ross Hoddiinolt Equipment.

DSLRs: Nikon D800 and D300

Lenses: Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S; Carl Zeiss 21mm; Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S; Nikkor 50mm AF-S f/1.8G; Nikkor 70-200mm AF-S f/2.8G ED VR II; Sigma EX 105mm f/2.8 EX DG macro; 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM; Nikkor TC-20E III teleconverter

Tripod: Gitzo Systematic GT3541LS legs and Manfrotto 405 geared head

Speedlight: Nikon SB800 AF DX

Backpack: f-stop gear Satori EXP

Accessories: Lee filter system x 2; graduated ND (hard & soft) filters; 0.9 ND filter; Heliopan 105mm circular polarizer; Lee Big Stopper; Nikon PK-13 extension tube; Nikon MC30 remote cord; Nikon MC36 remote cord; Lastolite reflector; Wimberley Plamp; Lexar memory cards; Paramo outdoor clothing.

Ross Hoddinott

My fascination for all things ‘wild’ grew the moment my parents moved to rural north Cornwall when I was 7 years old. Being surrounded by countryside, woodland and coastline ignited my passion for nature – particularly the miniature world of bugs and wild plants. As a teenager, most of my spare time was spent behind a camera. Now in my early thirties, I am a professional outdoor photographer and author.

Early in my career, I made a conscious decision to work almost exclusively in the South West of England. By doing so, I hoped to limit the amount I travelled and, therefore, my impact on the environment. I’ve not found the decision restrictive – instead, it has led me to thoroughly explore and genuinely appreciate the wildlife and scenery in my region.

Still images have the power to communicate much, which is why a large amount of responsibility accompanies the job title. It might sound clichéd, but I hope my images help highlight the beauty and importance of our natural history…

Ethical standards

As responsible and conservation-minded photographers, we recognise that photographs should not be obtained at any cost. We are committed to prioritising the welfare of living subjects above any consideration for the end result.
There shall be a presumption against the use of captive, domesticated or rehabilitated plant and animal subjects. In rare cases where there is no alternative, the circumstances shall be declared.
We undertake not to use digital manipulation in such a way that misrepresents the subject and that could be construed as an attempt to mislead our audience.
We undertake not to deploy live animals as bait to facilitate the photography of other animal subjects.

20 Macro shots Insects.

Hover Fly: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/125 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod.

This shot was taken at the side of where I live, there are some Poppy's that have been planted there for some years.  I spotted these hoover flies, set the tripod up got the Nikon D200 with the 150mm Macro lens and took some shots.  Pleased with the shot.

Dung Flies: ISO 400 F13 Shutter Speed 1/180 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod.

These dung flies matting where taken at Calke Abbey on a lovely summer morning.  I spotted these next to two ladybirds which was also matting.  (The shot below.) ( Must have been something in the air that morning.)  Very please with the shot as these are very small flies and some of the detail is excellent.

Ladybirds: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/160 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod.

This shot was taken at the same location as the Dung flies pleased with the out come of both the shots that I have taken the bushes were full of little insects as you can see their are some small insects that are blurred out of the main shots.

Dung Flies: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/320 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod used.

This shot was taken at the same location as the two above so I had a bit of a field day.  This is the last of these mating bugs in this selection.

Scorpion Fly: ISO 400 F8 Shutter Speed 1/80 Nikon D200 50mm Macro Lens Tripod Used.

This was taken at Calke Abbey on one of the lakes that they have.  I spotted the fly buzzing around and I watched it movement.  Managed to get this shot of and I am pleased with the out come.

Spider: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/60 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Tripod Used.

This was taken in my garden, just spotted this very small but very nice coloured spider near my pond that I had filled in.  I did try and get the spiders eyes.  And I am pleased with the outcome.

Damselfly: ISO 400 F13 Shutter Speed 1/50 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod used.

Again taken at Calke Abbey I do a lot of Photography at this location as I live near by.  This was taken one Sunday morning as I was walking by the lakes pleased with the out come.

House Fly: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/100 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Tripod used.

This was taken outside near the filled in pond.  I had put some meat outside to attraced some flies resulting with this shot.  I am pleased with the out come and some excellent detail of the fly.

Field Digger Wasp: ISO 400 F6.3 Shutter Speed 1/1250 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod used.

This shot was taken in field near to were I live.  The wasp was busy looking for pollen, I do like the colours of this wasp and the large eyes they have pleased with the shot.

Field Digger Wasp: ISO 400 F6.3 Shutter Speed 1/1250 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod used.

This is part of three shots taken of the same fly.  Taken in a field close to were I live.  Pleased with the shots.

Field Digger Fly: ISO 400 F6.3 Shutter Speed 1/1250 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod used.

This shot was taken with the last two pictures, as part of this three shot footage.  Pleased with the out come of all three shots.

Honey Bee: ISO 400 F14 Shutter Speed 1/250 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod used.

This shot was taken at Calke Abbey in a meadow.  Please with the shot as I have captured the eyes of the bee and the wings 

Honey Bee: ISO 400 F2.8 Shutter Speed 1/4000 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Tripod used.

This also was taken at Calke Abbey in  Meadow, pleased with the outcome of the shot captured the eyes well.

Dung Fly: ISO 400 F14 Shutter Speed 1/200 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod used.

I do like this shot some nice detail of the bug, clear detail.  These are only about 5 millimetres in height and length so very pleased with the out come.

Flower Bee: ISO 400 F14 Shutter Speed 1/320 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod used.

A very pleasing shot, this was taken near my house in a field.  Wait  for some time for the bee to settle down on the flower but, worth the wait.

Honey Bee: ISO 400 F13 Shutter Speed 1/90 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Used, Tripod used.

This shot was taken on a Sunday morning while walking at Calke Abbey.  Saw a couple of them on the leaf and watched them for a while set the tripod up and was able to stand back as I had the large lens with me pleased with the outcome.

Dung Fly: ISO 400 F4.2 Shutter Speed 1/250 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens. Tripod used.

This was taken at Calke Abbey one Sunday morning had the 1500mm Macro lens with me so was able 

to stand back a little. 

Mad fly: ISO 400 F13 Shutter Speed 1/60 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens.  Tripod Used.

This aggressive looking fly was taken at Calke Abbey I was able to stand back a little as I had a 150mm Macro lens with me.  Pleased with the outcome.

Spider: ISO 400 F13 Shutter Speed 1/60 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens.  Tripod Used.

This shot was taken at Lake Albert near to were I live.  The spider was hanging from sum reeds and I was able to set the tripod up again having the larger lens I was able to stand back a-little which helps. 

Fourteen-spot Ladybird: ISO 400 F16 Shutter Speed 1/15 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens Tripod Used.

This shot was taken at Calke Abbey, I had never seen one before so I put it on a leaf and tok a few photos.  Pleased with the outcome

20 Macro Raindrops.

Dewdrop: ISO 200 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/160 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Bean bag used.

Taken at Calke Abbey one winter morning the weather Sunny and was a very bright day.  I could see the light go through the dewdrop, and was pleased with the final shot.  There on star burst filters on these's shots. 

Frozen dewdrop: ISO 800 F2.8 Shutter Speed 1/500 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Bean bag used.

This shot was taken early one crisp winter morning.  Pleased with the out come as this was difficult to get at and to focus on, but please with the shot as this drop was very tiny and very difficult to get at.

Yellow Leaf: ISO 200 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/320 Sony.   450 70mm Macro Lens Monopod used.

This was taken early one winter morning after the rains had come.  Pleased with the outcome as I have the light coming out at the bottom which is pleasing to the eye. 

Poppy Flower: ISO 400 F18 Shutter Speed 1/15 Sony 450.  70mm Macro Lens used Beanbag used.

This Poppy Flower shot was taken in my back garden.  It had been raining very hard, so I thought I would go out and try to get some refection in the drops.  Pleased with the outcome as I have managed to to get the Yellow flower refection in the drops. 

Raindrop: ISO 400 F2.8 Shutter speed 1/125 Nikon D200 50mm Macro Lens Tripod Used.

This was taken in by back garden after the rain, the sun came out so I went out to photograph the drop. Set small yellow flowers up behind the drop and focused at the centre of drop.  Pleased with the out come.

Raindrops on Leaf: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/160 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Hand held.

This again was taken at Calke Abbey the leaf was on the ground and I love doing things like this were you capture the drops and the detail of the leaf.

Raindrops on leaf: ISO100 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/160 Nikon D200 50mm Macro Lens Hand held.

Similar to the shot above this one but still is effective, like the detail of the leaf love doing these sorts of shots very pleased with the outcome.

Raindrop: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/100 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Bean bag used.

This shot was taken after a good thunder storm.  Taken on the top of a wall in between the moss, I like the reflection in the drop it looks clear and stands out well I like the shot, i like hoe the drop just sits there.

Dewdrops: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/320 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens bean bag Used.

This shot was taken at Calke Abbey, this is a very small flower on top a wall I have focused on the dewdrops on the stem on the very small flower among the grasses on top of a wall.  Putting the flower out of focus this is what I intended to do to give the shot creativity. 

Droplet: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/500 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Bean Bag Used.

This shot was taken very close to were I live.  It had been raining heavy, then the sun came out so I picked the camera up and went out.  I was looking for a shot like this among the grasses with the refection on the side of the droplet.  A very pleasing shot.

Droplet: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/125 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Bean Bag Used.

This was taken outside of were I live again after the rains the sun came out and was able to take a few shots.  This was very difficult to get at but pleased with the out come.

Frozen Raindrop: ISO 400 F5.0 Shutter Speed 1/800 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Monopod used.

This shot was taken near lake where I live, with all this strange weather that we are having I decided to go out and try and get some drops that are frozen.  Pleased with the out come of the shots.

Raindrop on Leaf: ISO 200 F2.8 Shutter Speed 1/400 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Tripod used.

This shot was taken outside by back garden one sunny morning after the Rains.  It was spring time, so I set the tripod up and focused on the rain drop and aimed the focus through the drop to get the Spackle that you can see in the shot.

White flower raindrop: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/20 Nikon D200 50mm Macro Lens tripod used.

This shot was taken at Calk Abbey after the rains.  I like the reflection of the leafs of the plants that were below the drop.  I have managed to get a good refection in the drop, pleased with the shot.

Raindrop on Small Plant: ISO 400 F5.6 Shutter Speed 1/640 Nikon D200 150mm Macro Lens tripod used.

This shot was taken at Calke Abbey one Sunday morning after the rain.  I do like the colours and the dewdrops that are on this small plant.  Very pleased with the shot. 

Raindrop: ISO 400 F16 Shutter Speed 1/15 Sony 450 70mm Macro lens used, Tripod used.

This shot was taken near Calke Abbey, set the tripod up as I could see the drop on the side of this plant.  Pleased with the outcome as I tried to get the reflection of the flowers to the side.  Which I succeeded.

Red Flower RainDrop: ISO 400 F2.8 Shutter Speed1/1250 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens Tripod Used.

This shot was taken in my back garden after the rains.  The aim was to get the refection of the small flower in the drop, which is were I focused the lens.

Raindrops on Line: ISO 400 F11 Shutter Speed 1/100 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens used Tripod Used.

This was taken outside my house after it had rained.  Set the tripod up and tried to get the refection of the conservatory in the drop.

Orange Flower: ISO 400 F2.8 Shutter Speed 1/1000 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens used Bean bag used.

Again this was taken in my back garden after it had bee raining.  Used a bean bag to steady the shot I like how the drops are on the flower.  Pleasing shot nice colours.

Web: ISO 400 F8 Shutter Speed 1/40 Sony 450 70mm Macro Lens used tripod used.

This shot was taken at Calke Abbey near the ponds.  I set the tripod up to steady the shot.