Hello! I am an amateur interested in macro photography, and I often use flash to capture clear pictures. However, my principle is to not disturb my photography subjects, and I’m wondering if using flash might cause harm. I mainly photograph arthropods.

then perhaps also cave dwelling species

If we talk about cave arthropodes, they’re doing just fine with each photo of them being made with flashlight. :D

No, using a flash is perfectly fine, and recommended if you want higher quality photos that can be identified easier. Many flies and other insects are light-sensitive though, so they will fly away once you take a photo.

A bit off topic, but autofocus on a DSLR uses a small laser I believe. Does this affect birds at all?

But it’s infrared, birds shouldn’t even detect it.

FWIW I recently stopped using a flash for daytime photography in favor of auto ISO and high ISO. Modern SLRs and mirrorless cameras can easily take IDable photos at 6400 ISO. The savings in weight carried into the field and ease of handholding is totally worth it IMHO.

Your ease of access might be better, but the quality of photos decreases greatly with high ISO.

Not for macro, you need the lowest iso possible, not 6400 for sure, it’s not a way for regular photos too.

The newer Canon and Nikon DSLRs are dramatically better at noise reduction. Mine is 10 years old and ISO 800 is the max usable in any situation, 200 in macro. That 200 is equivalent to about 1600 on the newest models, and 6400 is still very good. It’s kind of shocking having been used to always usin…

Which species do flash photography harm?

Nature Talk

mamestraconfigurata July 17, 2021, 12:23am 10

Ok, thanks for that. I’ve always wondered…!

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Which species do flash photography harm?

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