Macro
Let’s call this the colourful page
I’ve only recently started to delve into macro photography. Everything is different. The subjects are so tiny, and you need to get incredibly close. Instead of a focus ring, I now focus with my body, slowly rocking back and forth, relying on focus highlights, to ensure the critical areas are sharp. And that’s a challenge I’ve been enjoying.
As you’ll find out very soon, I prefer to shoot the relatively big, colourful bugs: butterflies. They are charming and fairly easy to approach once they start feeding. Plus, they come in all different sizes, colours, and patterns!
I’ve captured most of the bugs on this page either within 10km of my home or in my dad’s plot in Portugal.
Vibora!
“Snake in the pool!”
I already had my macro lens mounted when my father shouted. In his Portuguese garden, snakes are regulars. At times, they find themselves in his pool. He carefully lifted the snake out with his rake, letting me take some snapshots to identify the species.
“Definitely a viper…” I remarked.
“Nope. There are no venomous snakes here. Locals told me!” My dad answered.
Turns out, there are venomous snakes in the hilly center of Portugal. And this young animal just took a bite of one of his too-curious dogs, too. The dog’s snout got swollen, and she started whining. We quickly pieced the information together, after which a quick emergency vet trip saved her life.
The snake was released in an undisturbed patch moments after I took its portrait.
Lataste’s viper | PT