Wasp and Hornet Portraits
22 worksFirst upload: Jun 2019Peak: 2019Last 12 months: 3
📝 Description
These images are close-up portraits of wasps and hornets. Photographers utilize macro lenses to reveal the intricate details of these insects, such as their compound eyes, antennae, and distinct yellow-and-black coloration. The subjects are captured from various frontal angles against blurred backgrounds to isolate the forms. The collection includes common species like *Vespula vulgaris* alongside larger hornets. The group is united by its focus on the detailed facial features of these stinging insects.
How to shoot it
📍 Where to shoot
The shoot takes place outdoors in the natural habitat of wasps and hornets.
🕐 Time of day
Most shot between 12:00 and 15:00 (33% of frames)
Based on 18 frames with camera data. Camera clock time; the time zone is unknown.
Filming is usually done during the day, mainly from 13:00 to 16:00, when insect activity is highest.
🗓️ Season
Most shot in: August, July, June
Based on 18 frames with camera data
The best time for filming is summer: June, July, and August, when the hymenopteran population is most active.
🎒 Gear
Use a macro lens with a focal length of 60–100 mm (e.g., Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro or Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L). To increase magnification and work at close range, macro rings are used.
Cameras and lenses the authors used (10)
Olympus E-M1 3Canon EOS 500D 2Sony ILCE-7M4 2Canon EOS R7 2Nikon D7100 1OLYMPUS M.60mm F2.8 Macro 4Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 2Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM 1TAMRON SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD MACRO1:1 F017 1SMC Pentax-FA 1:2,8 Macro 1
🧰 Special equipment
Flashes are necessary for even lighting of small objects; two flashes with DIY diffusers are often used for soft light. A tripod or stable support is desirable for precise focusing.
⚙️ Settings
Shutter 1/60 (1/250 – 1/8)Aperture f/5.6 (f/1.4 – f/9)ISO 200 (100 – 200)Focal length 60 mm (35 – 100)
Based on 14 frames with camera data. Median and 10-90% range across the idea frames.
The key parameter is aperture: the median f/5.6 (range f/1.4–f/9) provides a balance between depth of field and detail. Shutter speed is short (median 1/60 s, usually faster), ISO is low (median 200).
⚠️ Good to know
When working with hornets and wasps, exercise caution: do not approach nests and avoid sudden movements to prevent provoking an attack. Shoot in protective clothing or from a safe distance, using tele-macro to minimize risk.
📈 How the idea developed
works uploadedshare of all site uploads, per 100k
The date is when the file was uploaded to the site. The chart counts works assigned to the idea.
✅ How to repeat it
- Use two flashes with diffusers to eliminate harsh shadows on the insect's shell.
- Shoot at midday (13–16 h), when wasp and hornet activity is peak but light is even.
✨ Interesting facts
- 🏆 How the best frame was shot: Nikon D7000, 1/200, f/3.5, ISO 200, 50 mm
- 🔇 89% of frames were shot at ISO 400 or lower: almost no noise, any modern camera will do
- 📐 82% of frames are landscape orientation
- 🥇 1 works reached the finals, 1 won. Best contest: Yellow Color 2024
- 👤 Most frequent authors: Олег Савицкий 6Юрий Юрьевич Подгрушный 2Риганов Борис 2Мария Бузыцкая 2
- 🌍 Authors by country: 🇷🇺 RU 17🇧🇾 BY 1🇺🇦 UA 1🇪🇪 EE 1🇱🇻 LV 1
Some tips are prepared by AI from the idea description, photos and their EXIF. Check the rules and access to places before you travel.
Works
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