Post your insects

[Geoff F]

Guys a favour please - can you show a pic or 2 or your outdoors setup? I am finding it really clumsy and awkward dealing with a tripod, flash, etc and with a bag over my shoulder...

Yes, Bobo, that is typical for macro action shots.

I find that my Lowenpro Mini Trekker is a well balanced backpack which doesn't really hinder me too much. But by the time I start shooting it only contains a spare lens and a selection of lightweight items.

Although I often prefer to remove it and place in the shade to prevent my snack and water bottle from getting too hot if I am concentrating on working for a while in the same area.

Once everything is set up on the tripod, I keep it that way unless I am walking a fair distance with little chance of finding anything worth photographing. Just fold the legs together and tuck under my arm. A bit like the way a farmer/sportsman would carry a shotgun.

Moving a tripod around in dense undergrowth is a bit of a knack. I find that the best answer is to keep the legs fairly short and close together. Use the centre column to gain height rather than extend the legs by using another segment.

Completely the opposite advice for landscape photography; but in that case, you usually have plenty of space around you.

BUT VERY IMPORTANT - This will make you rig unstable so extreme care is always needed. I usually keep a hand on my tripod all the time. Which is another reason why a fairly fast shutter speed is needed.

[Letrow]

Clear the landing strip - I'm coming in to refuel.





The first one is Helophilus pendulus and the second is Platycheirus manicatus.

Nice and sharp Geoff. These are difficult shots to make I know.

[Bobobird]

Thanks Peter. Thanks for the warnings. Check the just posted $400 shots thread.

Geoff - those 2 in flights are awesome catches. Well done. Tell us how it was done. Pre-focus and wait? or did you actually track them with servo?

[Geoff F]

Neither, Bobo, just manually focused as they were hovering around some flowers. Keep adjusting the focus and hope one works; but expect a few rejects.

They were amongst some grass which tends to slow down and restrict their flight a bit.

This is one of those occasions where I find the quick release ball head on my tripod really works well.

Probably shot at 1/250, F14, Iso 200 and around -1 flash compensation. I have been experimenting with high speed flash, but not this time.

ps. Always check those bits of dirt/bird poo, Bobo. I have found some interesting insects like that.

[Bobobird]

Thanks Geoff.

After yesterday's mishap am going back to the same location and do the same things all over again. hehe

As for check for - yes I started doing this - "look for something that is out of place" could be poo, could be dirt etc.

[Captured]

So, I'm not so fortunate to have a dSlr or fancy lenses, YET ) ... here's an insect I really, really don't like in my garden!

[Captured]

So, I'm not so fortunate to have a dSlr or fancy lenses, YET ) ... here's an insect I really, really don't like in my garden!

[jprzybyla]

Looks good to me, sharp focus and good detail.

[Letrow]

So, I'm not so fortunate to have a dSlr or fancy lenses, YET ) ... here's an insect I really, really don't like in my garden!

Nice and sharp Krisztina. Apparently your lens gets you close enough.

[Letrow]

Syrphidae

[Bobobird]

Superb shot Peter.

[Nat]

Very nice! Remind me what setup you use to get these?

[Letrow]

Superb shot Peter.

Thanks Bobo

Very nice! Remind me what setup you use to get these?

I am lazy Nat, really, so I don't carry a tripod or use flash.
My setup is my D7000 and the 105mm micro VR lens. I rely on good light (preferrably direct sunlight) for my photos. Most shots (actually all of the macro shots) are taken on Manual (F/11 and 1/250 sec) with flexible ISO.
The reason I do it like this is that I walk around a lot during a photo shoot (this does sound professional, but isn't) and I don't want to be burdened with the set-up each time I see a nice flower or insect (and the insects would probably be gone by the time that I am ready anyway).

You should also read some of Geoff's posts above. He uses flash and a small in house studio for his results now and then.

[Dave Humphries]

So, I'm not so fortunate to have a dSlr or fancy lenses, YET ) ... here's an insect I really, really don't like in my garden!

Hi Krisztina,

A DSLR will actually make this kind of shot harder! (because much less DoF than your camera)

Not necessarily on this shot because so busy, but you could try blurring some of the background foliage in Elements/GIMP/whatever PP software you have.

No, I wouldn't like this eating my garden, but if it stays still and lets me take pictures ...

Cheers,

[Dave Humphries]

I am lazy Nat, really, so I don't carry a tripod or use flash.
My setup is my D7000 and the 105mm micro VR lens. I rely on good light (preferrably direct sunlight) for my photos. Most shots (actually all of the macro shots) are taken on Manual (F/11 and 1/250 sec) with flexible ISO.
The reason I do it like this is that I walk around a lot during a photo shoot (this does sound professional, but isn't) and I don't want to be burdened with the set-up each time I see a nice flower or insect (and the insects would probably be gone by the time that I am ready anyway).

Ah-hah, so I'm not the only that shoots 'lazy' macro like this

Another great result Peter, good complementary colours too

Cheers,

[Letrow]

This reminds me of the movie scarface somehow



two of the bees in Thijsse's Hof

[ktuli]

I think that has to be one of the best bee shots I've seen in a long time, Peter. Nicely done!

[geordie01]

[Letrow]

Lovely shot George. One of the most common (and sometimes irritating) insects around my house, but since I see them through the macro lens I am astonished by their colours.

[Bobobird]

Not sometimes irritating - they are VERY irritating. On a hot day and if I am sweating they will come at me in droves. Luckily for now only that particular park for some reason.