SUMMARY
Ben Harvey details his technique for achieving sharp macro photographs of insects by balancing daylight with a low-power flash. He emphasizes the role of the diffuser and uses a modest Speedlite at 1/16 or 1/32 power to freeze motion and add catchlights, which is more effective than relying solely on shutter speed. This fill-flash approach, similar to outdoor event photography, helps separate the subject from the background and avoids overpowering the ambient light. Harvey's typical settings involve a fast shutter speed (1/200s), moderate aperture (f/8), and ISO 400, adjusting ISO as needed, and he notes that subjects rarely react to the flash itself.
TAKEAWAYS
A low-power flash with a diffuser is key for sharp macro photos, freezing movement and adding catchlights.
The flash acts as a fill light, exposing shadows and enhancing detail without overpowering daylight.
Using flash at low power (1/16 or 1/32) results in a shorter flash duration, effectively freezing subject motion.
Early morning shoots in shaded locations provide softer light and slower-moving subjects.