My education is in horticulture and I was a Master Gardener for many years. I am an avid birder and have traveled several times to South America on birding adventures. In the summer of 2020, I began photographing insects in my garden. Being a gardener for so many years, I am knowledgeable about insect pests and beneficials, but I am continually astounded by the diversity of small animal life in my own backyard.
My gardens are a feast for the eyes and a smorgasbord for hummingbirds and pollinators. Anything that moves gets photographed.
I'm an amateur entomologist and I am indebted to iNaturalist experts who have identified so many of my observations!
As for camera gear, I use a Sony a7R V camera and a Sony Macro lens FE2.8/90 G OSS. The camera settings are usually F9, 1/500 sec with a varying ISO speed. This lens does not perform well in low light, and medium light requires an ISO near 1000. In full sun, the ISO is about 400-600. Most of the photos are noisy due to the ISO speed, so I use a Topaz DeNoise filter which has the option of sharpening at the same time. Works like a charm.