would it be useful to have a separate macro section?

[DanK]

Hi. I'm new to this forum. I have done more macro than anything else for the last several years, both flowers and bugs. I'd look forward to exchanging critiques, suggestions, technical tips, etc. Here are a few shots by way of introduction:

[Daisy Mae]

Hi Dan and welcome to CIC. Some lovely macro's there. I especially like the tulips and the seedpod.

I haven't been here that long myself but I don't think I would welcome a seperate Macro section or indeed lots of other specilalised sections as people would tend only to visit their specific area of interest and miss out on some terrific shots and indeed inspiration from other areas.

See how you feel about it after you have settled in.

[DanK]

Hi Sharon. thanks for the reply. I agree--best for me to see how the forum works first. In fact, I had intended to change the title and only realized that I hadn't after I posted.

[Bobobird]

Welcome Dan.

Those pics are amazing.

I intend to get more into macro come next spring. The more macro experts around here the better as their work will serve as inspiration.

[FrankMi]

Welcome to CiC, Dan. From those marvelous images you have posted, I'm betting that you have some fantastic macro shooting techniques to share!

[DanK]

Thanks for the comments. I don't consider myself an expert, but I would be happy to share what I know.

[shreds]

Dan,

Do you use specialist macro lenses or tubes/bellows or some other combination? How do you light your subjects?

PS love the close up on the eyes. Amazing!

[Geoff F]

Further sub division of forums is something which gets mentioned occasionally but the consensus has always been that there is a risk of getting too 'departmentalised' which may mean some people just visiting their own specialised area instead of visiting the overall site.

Which has happened on a number of other sites.

[DanK]

Ian,

Many thanks. I use specialized macro lenses--mostly the Canon EF-S 60mm for flowers and the EF 100mm L for bugs. I shoot with a crop sensor camera (50D). If I had a "full frame," I would probably opt for longer focal lengths. I use a set of Kenko extension tubes with them when I want more magnification. The butterfly is a 36mm tube, and I suspect the dragonfly eyes was probably all three (68mm). I use natural light for some, but for bugs, I mostly use flash which has a lot of diffuser and is held near the end of the lens with a home-made rig. For flowers, I often use household lights. The tulips were illuminated by a 50W halogen hanging over my breakfast table. The others were illuminated with two incandescent reading lights that I can aim. I often put a sheet of manfrotto diffuser over them.

Dan

[Goldcoastgolfer]

They are fantastic shots. Very well done!

[Rob Douglas]

Macro is also one of my favorite subjects so I'll be keeping an eye on your posts. Great introduction images! #1 & 2 are my favorites.

[elfbob]

[IMG][/IMG] My neighbors probably think i've slipped a gear when they see me sitting on the lawn taking pictures of "who knows what", but there's a whole world of wonder amongst the grass blades