Introduction: Insect Cooperation Assistant
Ever wanted to get up close to a bug but you really don't want to just sit with it in your hand? I do lots of extreme macro and this makes the subjects more coopertive without harming them.
Step 1: Materials
1 Bic round Stick Pen (or similar removable on both ends pen)
1 piece of soft cloth
Masking Tape
1 Rubber Band
Fishing string or thread
Scissors
Step 2: Preparation
Remove both ends from the pen and cut a small section of cloth about as shown. You want to fold it over about 4 times and have it not much wider than the end of the pen.
Step 3: Band Hand? Fold!
Fold the cloth over 4 times then to keep it together use a couple pieces of masking tape.
Step 4: Affixiation
Tape the cloth to the pen fairly tight so it doesn't slide around and cut off the excess.
Step 5: String It
Thread your string over both sides of the cloth down and out the bottom of the pen. Tie a knot in the end and trim to the desired length. I would say about the length of the pen coming out the end would be enough you can always trim it down.
Step 6: Banding Experience
Wrap the rubber band around the pen and the string going back up the side of the pen. This will make your string stay in place and not be too tight to hurt your subject.
Step 7: Subject Aquisition
This was the first subject I have found so far so I just used it for the instructable. This was a little small but as you can see without really any pressure on the spider I was able to keep it still and get this beauty shot. The only thing I would say is if you have a pair of latex gloves it makes it easier to get it on at least then afterwards you don't need to worry. Using the white cloth and since my macro is so close you can get some good shots without the string in the way.
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32 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
I just realized how much those really scare me Dx
11 years ago on Introduction
Really awesome instructable, but it doesn't reduce the extreme fear I have of bugs/insects.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Well from everything I've seen on tv is exposure to your fears is how you overcome them. And when has tv ever been wrong?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
When you fear tigers?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I would go on safari or maybe to a trained one. Then again I live in Michigan if I see one out of a zoo I don't know what I'll do
11 years ago on Introduction
Most pro photographers just put the insect in the fridge for a while. Most insects metabolism slows down as it gets colder. Apparently it does not harm them if you don't freeze them solid.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
After reading the above comment...
Hubby: "I like 'em better from the freezer. They're crunchier."
Me: "Gross"
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
That's nothing; here in Oz we have the Queensland Toadcicle, a frozen cane toad on a stick.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Yea I'm guilty of that one sometimes
11 years ago on Step 7
A very good idea. I love to photograph BIG GAME such as Moose, Bears, etc but sometimes the VERY SMALL wildlife is just as cool.
To shoot insects and arachnids, I just SLOWLY crawl closer and closer. One WOLF SPIDER offered me some shots e.g. this one:
http://www.sticksite.com/insects/bug(13).html and if you remove the bug(13).html part, you can see the others.
THIS made me realize one of my all time favs in NOT on that page; will try to add it today.
Thanks for the Instructable!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
awesome I just did some good ones where I was letting one run free. The newest are at the bottom of the set but I was pretty happy with it http://www.flickr.com/photos/jongavinliz/sets/72157602540392366/with/5660392002/
Reply 11 years ago on Step 7
@ StickMaker, Fretka and jeoncs
VERY NICE.... what do you folks use for macro ?
I have a set of extension tubes I use with a 70-300mm lens (+crop factor) My pics are up on Facebook, If anyone's interested in a look, send me a message.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I decided to sign up for a flickr account. check it out
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neuralatrophy/sets/
Still in the process of getting figuring it out and getting everything up.
Reply 11 years ago on Step 7
Lately, I've been using the Canon SX20 IS and nothing else. Has a SUPER MACRO mode that works fine.
Maybe my own fav is this one which I printed, framed, and hung on the wall full-size:
http://www.sticksite.com/insects/bug(10h).JPG
Good enough for an amateur such as I anyway.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I use a reversal lens 28-80 canon and a ring flash sometimes a manual bellows
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I just had to say... I went to your page and spent a good portion of my day looking at the photos...I didn't get any housework accomplished, but I totally enjoyed my self looking at the amazing pictures you took !!
Thank you for sharing and the work you did !
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
THANK you for that, Fretka; that made the page(s) worth doing. Must be tough to be an entomologist!
11 years ago on Introduction
This is a great idea.
I wonder if a very thin, transparent, monofilament thread would not serve as well as the string or thread and be less noticeable.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
depends on how close you are getting. I've used fishing string before and because of how closer you get you can still see it. Main thing with this it really is good for cataloging or if you a REALLY close which I only operate in REALLY close haha
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
In my experience with insects the closer the better. They are rather small, at least in Ontario where I live.
If I were in the jungles of South America I would be a little more circumspect (cautious, cowardly, stand offish).