As a passionate wildlife photographer, my adventures often take me to fascinating encounters with creatures big and small. In this blog post, I’ll take you through one of my encounters with a Robber Fly, a moment that showcases the thrill of capturing wildlife in its natural habitat.
The Robber Fly’s Charisma:
I’ve previously shared a captivating moment with a Robber Fly that turned towards my camera for a frontal shot (Robber Fly Turned For Camera). This time, the stage was set on a rustic log in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, offering a completely different backdrop for my photography.
Robber Flies, scientifically known as Asilidae, are remarkable insects to observe and photograph. Their intriguing features and behaviors make them a subject of interest for any wildlife photographer. One of the remarkable aspects of these insects is their relatively calm demeanor, allowing photographers to get up close and personal.
A Wildlife Photographer’s Approach:
On a sunny day, I embarked on a photo walk along a quiet county road nestled in the Ouachita Mountains. My eyes, finely tuned to spotting nature’s hidden gems, quickly fell upon this magnificent Robber Fly perched gracefully on a log. Without hesitation, I steadied my camera, ready to capture this moment of natural beauty.
Gear Used:
Capturing the essence of wildlife requires the right tools, and on this day, I relied on the following equipment:
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
- Lens: Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM
Technical Details:
To ensure that every detail of this extraordinary Robber Fly was immortalized in my photograph, I paid close attention to the technical aspects of the shot:
- Location: Ouachita Mountains (Arkansas)
- Date & Time Taken: September 6, 2015, at 08:33:46 A.M.
- Shooting Mode: Aperture Priority
- Aperture: f/8.0
- Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec. (as determined by the camera)
- ISO: 500
- Exposure Compensation: 0 EV
- Focal Length: 400 mm
Conclusion:
Wildlife photography is an exhilarating journey that constantly surprises and amazes me. Whether it’s capturing a Robber Fly on a log or witnessing the grandeur of larger creatures, each moment is a testament to the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Stay tuned for more adventures from my wildlife photography expeditions as we explore the diverse and enchanting world of creatures both big and small.
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer