Fridge the fly?

Splog

Splog

Suspended / Banned
Messages
6,257
Name
Steve
Edit My Images
No
Hi all

Is it acceptable to freeze or refrigerate insects? for the sake of 'great macro shots' ?

Personally, I wouldn't but just wondered what everyone else feels about this?
 
Insects being cold blooded have a very high tollerance to cold.
They will go into a "torpor" a sort of hibernation when the temprature drops.
as long as they are not in that state too long they will survive quite happily ( the problem comes when its just warm enough for bodilly functions and they starve to death because they are not mobile enough to feed)
fishermen keep maggots chilled to keep them fresh ( stop them turning too quickly)
And crickets are often put in a fridge before being fed to what ever, to stop them "pinging" all over the house.
 
I used to know some bloke who would go out looking for wild lizards in the mid-morning, put them in a cool bag, presumable with a bit of ice inside, and take them home. He would then photograph/study them and take them back to the precise location he found them to realise later the same day. No idea if that’s the done thing but he seemed to be extremely careful not to upset their routine too much.
 
I guess it depends on what you're after, there's a strong case that a chilled insect won't behave naturally for the shot but if you're just after a "portrait" I suppose that doesn't matter.

Personally the fun part of macro for me was learning how to get a shot by watching the subject and then being in the right place at the right time. In a commercial setting I would think sticking subjects in the fridge is probably the tip of the iceberg (groan) :coat:
 
I agree with Gary do it the natural way, that way you might appreciate your efforts more?

I don't know really its up to you!
 
Totally agree with the last two comments.
Just doesn't seem right to me. I'm a photographer, not a scientist.
 
Confession time...I caught a little bee thing and thought I'll calm it down...so into tupperware and into the freezer for 2 mins...except I forgot..for a long time :(

I feel baaaad :shake:

And I won't do it again!!!


Out of respect to the poor bee I have removed his image :(

And I do feel bad about it and do deserve Betty's 'idiot' tag! :(
 
That is an awesome picture mate!!! Bee's nope they don't have souls neither do wasps!
 
Dark Star said:
Confession time...I caught a little bee thing and thought I'll calm it down...so into tupperware and into the freezer for 2 mins...except I forgot..for a long time :(
Click to expand...

Sorry John I know I shouldn't laugh but that is soooo funny :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
Paul - I felt baaad! :(

Maybe I should stick to architecture!!!
 
Grendel said:
Sorry John I know I shouldn't laugh but that is soooo funny :lol: :lol: :lol:
Click to expand...

:nono:









:whistling:















I am NOT laughing....honest!! :naughty:







however, in regards the OP's question, going into an almost lifeless state is how many insects survive the winter, but personally, I prefer doing it the hard way.....


....which is why you never see macro insects from me, I am just way too lazy :lol:
 
Are you kidding me? I thought people here were better than that.

Jesus.
Click to expand...

Wow, at the end of the day yeah it was bad and that, but you've got to see the funny side to things ...

And its not like its that bad, least it wasnt a human in the freezer !
 
The hell I have. I think it was awful, and Dark Star knows. Whats funny about it? Seriously?

If anyone wants a pop at me, I suggest they PM me, Ill end up starting an argument in here, and that isnt the point of this thread.
 
There is a basic rule where insect macro is concerned and that is if you have to harm the insect in any way whatsoever then the shot ain't worth having and you shouldn't do it, at some point you will get the opertunity to get the insect in its natural habitat without harming it, and you will be much more satisfied with the result.
 
I have never or felt the need to chill insects, if you approach slowly and try not to cast shadows or catch them while busy I don't have a problem. Not all insects let you get close but that adds to the fun TBH. Going out early also reaps rewards as the insect are naturally cold and easier to photograph.
 
To answer the original question, no I wouldn't do that for a shot. I always thought it was me that had to suffer for my art........ and others when they have to see it of course. ;)

Not in a fence sitting mood today, I'm on the not funny side too. I found the comment about wasps and bees not having souls quite interesting. It may be totally correct for all I actually know but I still like to err on the side of treating all creatures with the respect I would show any person. :)
 
Well you have your answer, NO dont do it!!!!
And if you do, don't tell anybody :p
 
Dark Star said:
God I'm feeling worse by the post on this one :(
Click to expand...

DON'T!! It was an accident and the bee would have naturally gone into torpor anyway so would have known nothing. Yes it was silly, but not worth getting such a battering for, I am sure its something you won't do again. :hug:
 
Splog said:
...Is it acceptable to freeze or refrigerate insects? for the sake of 'great macro shots' ?.....
Click to expand...

Back to the original question......

First part......for me personally, it wouldn't be acceptable.

Second part......I wouldn't consider it a "great macro shot" if I'd done that to obtain it. It may seem like a "great shot" to others viewing it but I take the shots primarily for my own pleasure and I couldn't derive any pleasure by doing this.

Bob

Climbs down from his moral pedestal.....
 
LadyLens said:
DON'T!! It was an accident and the bee would have naturally gone into torpor anyway so would have known nothing. Yes it was silly, but not worth getting such a battering for, I am sure its something you won't do again. :hug:
Click to expand...

I'd better check on the cat!!

.....JOKE!!!!!
 
Splog said:
Hi all

Is it acceptable to freeze or refrigerate insects? for the sake of 'great macro shots' ?

Personally, I wouldn't but just wondered what everyone else feels about this?
Click to expand...

Back on track...NEVER AGAIN!!!
 
Canon Bob said:
I recommend a full spin cycle before putting in it the fridge....don't want it catching a chill ;)

Bob
Click to expand...

Rofl!

Personally I don't really consider bad / go to hell worthy. Yes it's a little harsh, but don't they live outside anyway? I don't see people out there with electric blankets in the winter for all the flies etc?

If sticking them in the fridge for 5 mins makes them a little dopey, fine. being outside in winter is worse no?

Just don't stick them in the microwave to warm them up again after :D
 
Just don't stick them in the microwave to warm them up again after
Click to expand...
hahaha rofl, people kill cattle day in day out, one accidental insect, im sure god might forgive you ?!?
 
Personally, I think anything that messes with nature is not good - putting creatures/insects etc isn't really my bag and I don't agree with it!

Learn how to be patient and sit by that flower or whatever, don't just go and start trying to speed up a shot by 'cooling them down'...
 
Personally its not something I'd do, and i would get no personal satisfaction from looking at picture I'd taken from a staged 'chilled dopey' insect.
 
But the original post did state

Personally, I wouldn't but just wondered what everyone else feels about this?
Click to expand...

So if you think its funny or if you think its sick, who care, an opinion was asked for !
 
I haven't done it, dunno if I would.
I'll say something though, I've squashed a few bees and wasps in my time, also a few thunderflies, spiders, moths, daddy long legs etc. Do I feel guilty? Do I 'eckers like.
My RAID can is my friend in summer.
 
Woodsy said:
S'ok, I'm well aware of the difference in opinion. I didn't say all that for a fight, and I do have things I hold dear / have strong feeling about, they just tend to be things (IMHO) that matter a little more in life. :p
Click to expand...

I would not beat myslef up about it, but I would feel like a **** though. When I was younger, I was pretty mean to beasties - likea lot of kids I would stand on spiders, capture bees in Jars, and cut worms in half.

Looking back, I wish I had not done any of it, I really do feel like a right barsteward...

I often wonder...

If there is a family unit of some beasties (dunno what kind would live in a family group), and then one of us kills one, how do we know that the rest of the family will not crave and need the poor thing we have killed?

I know they are only beasties, but we cannot pretend to understand the emotions and needs of all the creatures "beneath us".

Anyway, relax - silly thing to do, guessing you won't do it again :)

Gary.
 
Marcel said:
I haven't done it, dunno if I would.
I'll say something though, I've squashed a few bees and wasps in my time, also a few thunderflies, spiders, moths, daddy long legs etc. Do I feel guilty? Do I 'eckers like.
My RAID can is my friend in summer.
Click to expand...

Exactly.

Oh Gary, sorry chap, I wasn't havin a stab mate :) just clearing things up is all :)
 
Darkstar, don't worry, God drowned most of the life on the planet. I'm sure he won't mind accidentally freezing a bee :) ;)

I wouldn't, but only because I couldn't be bothered.
I would prefer a natural shot of the beasty, but then I don't really like beasties so its not something I think that I'd ever do :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top