This guide focuses on making a very small subject readable in a photograph. Start with the general springtail photography guide for background.

Check magnification before cropping

Check the closest focusing distance of your equipment. A macro lens, suitable close-up accessory or supported phone macro mode may fill more of the frame than cropping a distant image.

Stabilise the camera and light

Use a steady support and arrange light so the subject separates from the background. Review a test frame for glare before waiting for the animal.

Choose motion or depth

For a moving subject, capture short sequences and select a sharp frame. For a still subject, a sequence of focus positions can be combined into a focus stack. Subject movement can prevent a clean stack.

Review the result

Check the important detail at full size. Keep a record of the equipment, distance and lighting so you can repeat an effective setup. Include a scale reference if size is the point of the image.

Technique reference: Canon macro photography guidance. The settings are suggestions, not claimed Isopods.co.uk test results.