My first stink bug...

[IzzieK]

My husband came up my den to say he was taking Tucker to our hangar and won't be back until tonight. Yeyyy!! I am free for a few hours!!! Anyway, I was editing this bug and he said "That's a stink bug! When we were young, we used to put that on our hand and slap it dead and say 'ewwwwwww' to one another. (He's the third of 8 siblings from Kansas.) So this is my first stink bug. I do not have a macro lens so I dug up my 4 filters and tried this route. Here are two of my best. I know they are not good yet, but give me time...OK?

Anyoldwho...I dedicate these to David and Grahame...first and foremost...they are special bug people...

1. Stink bug 1


2. Stink bug 2

[bnnrcn]

Isabel,I like #1,it might look better if you turn it upsidedown

[Shadowman]

Nice, are you using close-up filters?

[Geoff F]

One of the problems with macro shots, Isabel, is getting everything sharply focused.

You were shooting at F4.5 which is giving a very shallow depth of focus. For that sort of shot I normally shoot at F11 or preferably F14. But that can cause other problems with shutter speed and Iso settings. So I often use flash; which creates another set of problems!

Your basic composition is fine and what is in focus is sharp and well exposed.

Getting the best angle for good focus is another headache when your model is running away from you.

But remember the warning:-

Macro photography is addictive and can seriously damage your wealth!

[sashakvor]

what do you mean Geoff F by "damage your wealth"? I was just looking into macro photography and I want to know more about it.

[Stagecoach]

Welcome to the 'bugworld' club Izzie

Did you take time to get to know him, explore his character and become friends?

Grahame

[Brownbear]

Beautiful colours and detail in the 1st image - terrific first try.

An especially beautiful Stink Bug that likely has many siblings, and perhaps children and a few grandchildren of his own so I hope you didn't slap him dead!

[IzzieK]

Isabel,I like #1,it might look better if you turn it upside down

Just for you, Binnur...Thank you for the suggestion. I think I like it better now too...

[IzzieK]

One of the problems with macro shots, Isabel, is getting everything sharply focused.

You were shooting at F4.5 which is giving a very shallow depth of focus. For that sort of shot I normally shoot at F11 or preferably F14. But that can cause other problems with shutter speed and Iso settings. So I often use flash; which creates another set of problems!

Your basic composition is fine and what is in focus is sharp and well exposed.

Getting the best angle for good focus is another headache when your model is running away from you.

But remember the warning:-

Macro photography is addictive and can seriously damage your wealth!

That was a subtle reminder for you to say -- Hey! you forgot to change your settings since the orchid shot.

About the macro lens, I was thinking of it too...and a new shoulder mount...and a hmmm...scary!!! I might become a better photographer if I have a new camera...

Seriously, I have copied your advice in my notes so I will remember to refer to it when I find my next bug, hopefully not another stinky...something safer...save my sanity.. Thanks. I really appreciate your comments and the laugh.

[IzzieK]

what do you mean Geoff F by "damage your wealth"? I was just looking into macro photography and I want to know more about it.

Exactly as he said it...literally...

And oh, may I remind you to fill in your profile so we know where you are from and what you want us to call you? Just asking now before someone else does...

[IzzieK]

Beautiful colours and detail in the 1st image - terrific first try.

An especially beautiful Stink Bug that likely has many siblings, and perhaps children and a few grandchildren of his own so I hope you didn't slap him dead!

Thanks Christina, no I didn't...but hubby said there might be some more in the backyard... thanks for scaring me ...

[FootLoose]

Those close-up lenses are tricky, Izzie. I have one that I play around with occasionally. I sometimes manage to get some part of the image in focus but generally not part of the subject lol.

Speaking of stink bugs, I recall some kind of black and orange insect that we called stink bugs. When you touched it, it released a little cloud of 'smoke'. They were fun to play with, though I don't know if the insect equally amused...

[deetheturk]

Well done Izzie,good job without a macro lens,and welcome to our gang

David

[IzzieK]

Nice, are you using close-up filters?

Yes...I have some from my old film days, a set of el cheapo arrow from 1-4. I started with 1 then stacked up the filters. Then at he end of #4 I ended up putting the ring flash to show more lights as the studio lights did not suffice. The ring light provided the fill in flash at the front. I got lazy to put the main light on but I did managed to remember to use the head lights hence the ring light.

[bnnrcn]

Welcome to CIC Sasha,not only macro photography but also all kinds of photography can be very addictive and can damage your wealth.When you get into it,you just can't stop and it empties your pockets

what do you mean Geoff F by "damage your wealth"? I was just looking into macro photography and I want to know more about it.