Summer macro photography gives me something productive to do when the heat changes my usual routine. Our drought has brought temperatures above 100 degrees to the areas I photograph in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Larger wildlife is harder for me to find during daylight hours, so I start looking at smaller subjects.
Summer Macro Photography in Extreme Heat
During hot summer weather, I shift my attention to smaller subjects.
I have shared several tree frog photos from this season. Insects have also given me some interesting opportunities at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
I shared another insect encounter in Mating Dogbane Tiger Moths at Sequoyah Refuge.
One surprise was an American Bird Grasshopper on my truck. I found it after returning from a walk at the refuge. Its long body and detailed markings stood out against the smooth truck surface.
The encounter did not require a long search or a planned setup. The grasshopper was waiting on the truck when I returned. That is a good reminder to keep watching, even after a walk seems finished.
Close-Up Work With the Canon RF 100-500mm Lens
The Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM does a great job with these close-up subjects. I carry it for larger wildlife, and it records the fine details I want in insects and frogs.
On another walk at Sequoyah, I located a Pearl Crescent Butterfly resting on a green leaf. Its open wings showed the orange and dark pattern. The soft green surroundings kept attention on the butterfly.
Finding a cooperative subject gives me the chance to work on focus and composition. I also study the background before taking the photo. Small changes can make a large difference when the subject fills much of the frame.
Small Subjects Keep Summer Photography Going
I would still like to see more mammals during my summer trips. However, the heat and drought make those daylight encounters more difficult in the places I visit.
Frogs, grasshoppers, and butterflies help fill that gap. They also give me more chances to practice my macrophotography. Even during the hottest part of summer, slowing down can reveal something worth photographing.
Oh my, how Beautiful!!!!! 😍😍😍😍