Dressing for a Shoot

ONE can take a lesson in dressing from the bird-watchers, or twitchers as they are often called. Avoid colourful and “glaring” clothing. Dress in some old and drab clothes that you do not mind getting soiled. You may have to kneel, squat, sit on the ground or even lie on your stomach to get that shot of a lifetime. A ramble in the belukar or the forest in pursuit of butterflies will soon get you quite dirty whether or not you get your prize-winning picture.

In my experience, khaki trousers and a light-brown, long-sleeved shirt are best. I get a lower success rate when dressed in light or colourful garb. In my experience, butterflies are more aware of the movements of any light-coloured or colourful objects. It also makes sense to wear a pair of leech socks when you venture into the bush or forest. These are made of tightly-woven material, such as muslin, to protect you from leeches. You can concentrate on photography only when you are secure in the knowledge that you have been “insulated” against these insidious blood-suckers.