How to Photograph Butterfly Wing Scales

Tools needed to Photograph Butterfly Wing Scales

Photographing the tiny scales that cover the wings of butterflies requires a lot of gear. This morning I've been photographing the patterns of the brilliantly colored rectangular scales.

Here is the gear I am using:

A. Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera (DSLR) with remote release
B. Dissecting Microscope - Leica MZ8 with a 10X - 80X magnification
C. Dual Fiberoptic 150 Watt light source (Techniquip)
D. Compressed air, tweezers, small tools
E. Studio Monitor to check exposure and focus (video cable to camera)