A geek and his camera: The reference guides by British Wildlife Publishing

Nikon D200 with Nikkor 105mm F2.8 macro
Common Darter - Sympetrum striolatum

I wrote a post last month on one of my favourite areas of photography, close up and macro. I discussed the tips and techniques that I had developed over the years and how I compared my work to that of master macro photographer, Robert Thompson. ( www.robertthompsonphotography.com )

Nikon D200 with Nikkor 105mm F2.8 macro
Blue Tailed Damselfly - Ischnura elegans

Nikon D200 with Nikkor 105mm F2.8 macro
Common Blue Butterfly - Polyommatus icarus

I want to expand on that previous post a little by writing about the field guides that I always carry in my bag when photographing insects, primarily butterflies, moths and dragonflies. Such guides are vital if the intention of the photographer is to submit images to stock sites or magazines for the purpose of marketing or publication, as they will normally require both the English and Latin names of the subject captured. Fairly straightforward with the more common species, but decidedly more tricky with the less common and rarer types. The books by British Wildlife Publishing ( BWP) are fantastic, covering all resident species of insect, moth and butterfly in Great Britain and Europe, as well as migrants.

The British Wildlife Publishing Titles

They can be a real lifesaver when you aren't quite sure of the exact species you are photographing and need a little help. The reason why I'm particularly fond of the BWP reference books is because not only do they make identification of the subject pretty straightforward, but also the artwork within each title by Richard Lewington is simply exquisite.

Nikon D200 with Nikkor 105mm F2.8 macro
Common Darter - Sympetrum striolatum

Nikon D200 with Nikkor 105mm F2.8 macro
Common Blue Damselfly - Enallagma cyathigerum

Nikon D200 with Nikkor 105mm F2.8 macro
Marbled White Butterfly - Melanargia galathea

Even when not traipsing around the edges of a busy lake or river being eaten alive by the thousands of ferocious horse fly that have targeted me for dinner, I like nothing better than pulling one of these titles from the bookshelf and perusing the pages with my feet up and a nice cup of tea, planning my next faraway photographic adventure or failing that the nearest local pond.