In June 2023, Mark Overmars set out to learn everything about insect photography. Buying a new camera, watching hundreds of hours of tutorials, and spending 20 weeks shooting in the Netherlands. He took more than 15,000 pictures. This book is what he learned.

It covers the full arc: choosing the right gear, finding insects in the field, working with flash and natural light, nailing focus on subjects that won’t sit still, building compositions that tell a story, and refining your images in post. Each chapter corresponds to one week of his journey, so you can follow along at your own pace or jump straight to the topics you need.

Mark’s approach is practical and approachable. No mountain of equipment. No hunting rare species in remote locations. Just clear technique, honest field notes, and 250+ shots from his own camera to show what’s possible with focused effort and the right knowledge.

What’s Inside

  • Cameras & Lenses: Macro lenses, extension tubes, and what actually matters for insect work
  • Flash Techniques: Ring flash, diffusers, high-speed sync, and when to skip flash entirely
  • Focus & Depth of Field: Focus stacking, single-shot techniques, and working with moving subjects
  • Finding Insects: Where to look, what time of day, and how to approach without spooking them
  • Composition: Backgrounds, angles, and creative choices that make a shot stand out
  • Post-Processing: Editing workflows for sharpness, color, and bringing out insect detail
  • Insect Species Guide: Butterflies, dragonflies, bees, beetles, grasshoppers, and more
  • Exposure & Camera Settings: Fool-proof settings for sharp, well-exposed shots in real field conditions

More Free Ebooks from Mark Overmars

  • A Complete Guide to Flower Photography — 246 pages covering macro techniques, focus stacking, UV fluorescence, indoor setups, and editing in ON1 Photo RAW. Learn More
  • Photographing Butterflies and Dragonflies: A Practical Guide — Expert tips, gear advice, and field techniques for capturing butterflies, dragonflies, caterpillars, and moths in the wild. Learn More

About the Author
Mark Overmars is a nature photographer and former professor of computer science at Utrecht University. After years of academic research, he turned his curiosity toward the natural world — first to insects, and now to flowers. His insect photography guide blends scientific rigor with genuine passion for the craft, making advanced techniques like focus stacking and flash photography approachable for photographers at any level.

You can explore more of his work and find additional resources at insectphotography.org.

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