New to macro in arizona... some questions

Hi all

I live in phoenix arizona and would really like to try my hand at some macro photography ( insects ). I have a few questions...

1.) With it being as hot as it is right now I am not seeing much insect life out there. Now at night that seems to change. Any suggestions on AZ insect activities in the summer?

2.) Bark Scorpions. I got stung multiple times by one of these 10 yeas ago and would like to catch some photos of one. Black light at night? Capture and then photograph durring the day?

I currently have a canon 100mm macro ( Purchased recently ) and a 420ex flash. Hope thats enough to get started.

Any tips welcome...

Berno

Welcome to the forums Berno, I'm not totally sure how to answer your query, since I don't live in Arizona, but...

1) I'm pretty sure there'll be insect life there, it's just a matter of training the eyes to see it. You'd be surprised at how much life the average person's eyes fails to even see.

2) Not sure, my best suggestion is to read up on the Bark Scorpion first and learn how it lives, when it's active, where it lives etc. That should help you find them and from there you'll be able to make a decision on how to proceed with capturing images of them.

I look forward to seeing your images!

Dave

you might want to check out this link - shows the insects are there if you know how to attract them. likely many would still be clinging to the sheet come the morning.

http://nitro.biosci.ar​izona.edu …butterflies/mot​hlist.html

there are 11 species of Swallowtail in southern AZ - i'm sure the Phoenix metropolis must also have abundant insect life if you know where to look. If not some weekend bug hunting trips may be in order.