These are examples of macro photography shots of bees and butterflies at the Toronto Botanical Gardens taken the summer of 2016. All of these shots are taken with a Nikon D810 with a 105mm Nikkor. This type of lens, and focal length, is the best if you want to take macro shots.
The settings on the camera, for these shots, are typically set at Exposure 1/1000 or higher, Aperture F6 or wider, and ISO around 200. Many cameras have a Shutter Priority setting to allow you to accomplish a faster shutter speed (exposure). A 105mm lens was used (Nikon). Canon would be the 100mm lens. A ring flash is also a recommended piece of equipment for this type of photography. A tripod or monopod is also helpful but I do not bother with either as it’s cumbersome to move around with them.
The Bokeh effect is accomplished when using this type of camera setting; focusing on the main subject with distorted or blurred effects in the background. These settings can be used when photographing human subjects as well.
I’ve never felt threatened by bees. I was told, at a young age, they won’t hurt you if you don’t disturb them. The Toronto Botanical Gardens has an abundance of flora to sustain various types of bees and butterflies.
I find that the Toronto Botanical Gardens is the best place to shoot these types of shots in Toronto. The staff who manage the gardens maintain it quite well. Allan Gardens is another place to do this but there are few insects there since it is indoors.
Macro Photography can be quite enjoyable and addicting. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop!
