Achieving My Second Fellowship: The Bug-of-War Journey
Hello and welcome to my blog! Today, I want to share an exciting milestone in my photography career—achieving my second Fellowship with The Societies of Photographers (IFSWPP). This time, it wasn’t portraits or traditional subjects; it was something entirely out of my comfort zone: macro photography. Let me take you on the journey of how my Bug-of-War panel came to life.
The Idea
The idea for this panel started as a casual conversation about trying new genres. Macro photography had always intrigued me, but I’d only dabbled in it before. Still, the challenge called to me. What could be more creative and unique than entering the miniature world of bugs? I wanted to push boundaries and tell a story that was both imaginative and technically strong. Thus, the concept of “Bug-of-War” was born—a playful depiction of bugs in a tug-of-war competition, surrounded by an audience of cheerleaders, family, and even a bit of drama.
The Process
To create the panel, I used a WeMacro rail, which allowed me to take precise 44-micron steps between shots, ensuring incredible detail in every image. My equipment included a Sony A7III camera paired with a Canon 100mm macro lens and two Godox AD200 flashes for consistent and beautiful lighting. The images were meticulously stacked using Helicon Focus software, combining the thousands of individual shots into the final compositions you see in the panel.
Creating this panel involved shooting a staggering 8,414 images, each step carefully calculated and executed to achieve the depth and detail required. It was a technical and creative challenge that tested my patience, skills, and determination, but the end result made every moment worth it.
The Judges
The judges who assessed my “Bug-of-War” panel brought a wealth of experience and insight to the process. James Musslewhite, known for his dynamic and creative work, provided invaluable feedback on the technical and storytelling aspects. Tracey Lund, a multi-award-winning wildlife photographer, appreciated the intricate details and the imaginative concept. Claire Osbourne, with her expertise in portraiture and lighting, recognised the effort in creating such detailed and engaging compositions. Duncan Cauchi, celebrated for his fine art photography, admired the artistic and technical execution. Finally, Kris Anderson, a creative photographer with a unique perspective, commended the narrative and originality of the panel. Their collective expertise and encouragement made this achievement even more special.
A Bit About Me
I’m Gemma Sains, a creative portrait photographer based in Basildon, Essex. I specialise in family, newborn, child, and headshot photography. My work focuses on capturing personalities and emotions, creating images that tell unique stories. In addition to my recent macro photography project, I achieved my first Fellowship with The Societies of Photographers in portraiture. My award-winning panel featured 20 striking images of drag queens and kings, showcasing their artistry and individuality.
For Fellowship qualification submissions, photographers are required to present a personal project shot specifically for assessment. My drag queen and king panel was initially submitted as an Associate panel, but the judges, including Kelly Brown, Panikos Hajistilly, Martina Wärenfeldt, Louise Sumner, and Jocelyn Conway, upgraded it to Fellowship level. Their recognition of my creativity, skill, and technique was an unforgettable moment in my career.
Reflections and What’s Next
Achieving this second Fellowship has been a reminder of the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. Macro photography was a genre I had little experience with, but with determination, creativity, and a willingness to learn, I created a panel that I’m incredibly proud of. It’s amazing how even the smallest subjects can tell the biggest stories.
If you’d like to book a portrait session—whether it’s for newborns, children, families, or headshots—please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d love to work with you to create something truly special.
Thank you for being part of my journey! Here’s to more creativity, challenges, and storytelling through photography.
“Even the tiniest subjects can tell the biggest stories.”
