Macro practice with roses and a bug

Got a little more practice in with the macro lens (60mm) and here are some of the better results. I played around with the f stop to try and see the different effect that it would have and I was really trying to get the bugs head in good focus. The rose pics were done at f14 and the bug pics; the first one is f4.5 and the other 2 were at f11.

As always any comments, critiques, or feedback of any kind is most appreciated.

1.
http://i60.tinypic.com/e700ib.jpg

2.
http://i60.tinypic.com/w6p9vd.jpg

3.
http://i57.tinypic.com/o0936.jpg

4.
http://i61.tinypic.com/2nvtda1.jpg

5. Side View
http://i58.tinypic.com/30wtlow.jpg

6.
http://i61.tinypic.com/qoj88p.jpg

Gorgeous flowers Rita, the last bug image...did ya break his leg to make him hold still. :D :D

WoW! All beautifully photographed, and composed and truly special.

My favourite of the roses is the 1st for the unique composition, and gorgeous colours.

The bugs are also all exceptional. My favourite being the 2nd because it looks like a work of art, followed by the first and last because the pose is so cute... (and tack sharp, beautifully photographed, etc)

Thank you Chauncy. The third image is a sad but true story. I thought this bug was just being cooperative and staying fairly still just so I could get a good shot. The reason for the odd angle in #3 is because the bug died. No kidding, right after I clicked the shutter the bug was belly up and I lost my model just like that. I mean really, how inconsiderate can a bug be :) :) :)

Christina, thank you :)

I grew up in Vancouver and we had roses much like the ones you shot. The colours and textures are superb. Although perhaps a little too intense in 1 and 2. I envy you your weevil shots especially 1.

Lovely close ups Rita. The side view of the bug is most interesting what with it's flat underside and long legs.

Irene

Nicely done, your bug looks almost mechanical.

Brian, thank you for commenting. On the roses #1 is pretty close to the way the rose is but on #2 I agree with you there is a bit too much intensity in it. Thank is an easy fix I will tone it down a tad later. Oh, is this what a weevil is? I honestly had no idea what it was. Just saw a slow moving bug and grabbed the camera :)

Irene, thank you. It does have an interesting profile. It almost looks like a miniature armadillo without the armour :)

Thanks for commenting John, not mechanical just about to breath its last and die. One can sure see where sic-fi movies get there ideas for characters from.

Very nice Rita, I like the roses as is:) very well captured!

Thanks David.

Surprisingly close to those bugs! Interesting perspective from which to see them.

I love the weevil Rita and the story.

There's a small beetle we have here and after a couple a tries to move them to a staged area for shooting they just keeled over and I thought they were dead. I then noticed they were not where I'd left them and have found out all they are doing is playing dead. Knowing this now it's just a matter of carefully placing them where you want them, the right way up, waiting a few minutes focussed and watching through the viewfinder and snapping as soon as they think they are safe:)

Thanks Nick and Grahame.

Grahame, it is amazing what/how some creatures protect themselves.

Hi Rita . Lovely roses :)

Thank you Binnur.

hi rita well close up my favourite 2nd rose and 2nd bug they are very interesting

Thank you Vaez.

Rose #1 and bug #5 are the best for me. Did you try the roses at other f stops? And be gentle next time with the poor-poor creature will ya!:D How do you like your new 60mm, is it Canon?

Louise, appreciate the feedback. The roses I only did at f14. The bugs I played with different f stops and these were the best results of the ones I took. My 60mm is an Olympus lens as a shoot with an Olympus E-M5. I purchased it about 6 months ago but up until recently I hadn't played with it much. Now that I am getting used to it I can say that I am enjoying it.

I promise to be more gentle with my next bug :) :)

Rita,

These are beautiful. I like the #1 rose for the composition and color, very nice. The photos are so sharp and detailed. I have to get me a macro lens!