Not sure if this is the right place for this, but here goes:
I have a love/hate relationship with insects - from afar (and in photos) I find the quite fascinating, but handling them, even when dead, is a bit problematic for me. However, I've always wanted to photograph some of the larger (dead) insects out there (dragonflies, stag beetles, etc.), both on their own against plain backdrops, but also possibly in a still life set up. For some of you veteran Apuggers out there, you may remember Bosaiya, who used to be a member here, who did great still lifes with insects and who is an inspiration for me for this kind of work.
Long story short, as summer begins to wane a bit here in Japan, it means the end of cicada season, and I usually find them crushed or trampled on the streets and sidewalks as they die. But one made it onto my balcony and finally bit the dust last night. It's a good specimen, the wings are intact and I'm both equally fascinated and horrified by it at the same time. I've got it sitting in a container at the moment (on it's back) but really what I'd like to know is what is the best way to "handle" it so I don't break or disturb any bits? Is it best to use a pin/toothpick or are my hands/fingers (likely gloved to deal with the ick factor) okay? Also, is there anything I need to do to prevent it from decomposing, or do I not have to worry for a while? (seeing how there are so many insect specimens out there I would say not, but what do I know?) Any suggestions for lighting, or anything else that I'm not thinking of? [I know I'm WAY overthinking this, but feel very out of my element at the moment.]
I have a love/hate relationship with insects - from afar (and in photos) I find the quite fascinating, but handling them, even when dead, is a bit problematic for me. However, I've always wanted to photograph some of the larger (dead) insects out there (dragonflies, stag beetles, etc.), both on their own against plain backdrops, but also possibly in a still life set up. For some of you veteran Apuggers out there, you may remember Bosaiya, who used to be a member here, who did great still lifes with insects and who is an inspiration for me for this kind of work.
Long story short, as summer begins to wane a bit here in Japan, it means the end of cicada season, and I usually find them crushed or trampled on the streets and sidewalks as they die. But one made it onto my balcony and finally bit the dust last night. It's a good specimen, the wings are intact and I'm both equally fascinated and horrified by it at the same time. I've got it sitting in a container at the moment (on it's back) but really what I'd like to know is what is the best way to "handle" it so I don't break or disturb any bits? Is it best to use a pin/toothpick or are my hands/fingers (likely gloved to deal with the ick factor) okay? Also, is there anything I need to do to prevent it from decomposing, or do I not have to worry for a while? (seeing how there are so many insect specimens out there I would say not, but what do I know?) Any suggestions for lighting, or anything else that I'm not thinking of? [I know I'm WAY overthinking this, but feel very out of my element at the moment.]
