Bronze coloured beetle. My most stunning (not perfect) macro shot to date

[JBW]

There are always ways to improve a shot. T 90mm 272E, a touch of subdued flash, F/14, ISO 200, 1/20s, pp in Capture 1 Sony Pro. Suggestions?

[Stagecoach]

I will totally agree with you Brian that this one is your most stunning to date.

It also goes to show that good controlled use of the on camera pop up flash can produce excellent results on such a difficult subject, well done.

Suggestions.........................(w.r.t improving an already good image)

Firstly, have you, and if so by how much have you cropped this image? Posting the original would be a good idea.

I ask because of the noise and am wondering what has caused this. Cropping, exposure, PP, camera?

[JBW]

I will totally agree with you Brian that this one is your most stunning to date.

It also goes to show that good controlled use of the on camera pop up flash can produce excellent results on such a difficult subject, well done.

Suggestions.........................(w.r.t improving an already good image)

Firstly, have you, and if so by how much have you cropped this image? Posting the original would be a good idea.

I ask because of the noise and am wondering what has caused this. Cropping, exposure, PP, camera?

This shot is scaled down a little more than 50%. I put in a bit of film grain because I like it. I never scale up after cropping. ISO 2OO doesn't usually produce noise. A tad too much 'clarity' can add noise.

[Stagecoach]

Brian, as I suspected that is a very significant crop of the original for posting at the size you have.

So my only suggestion is that when you get a great subject opportunity like this is to get closer and fill the frame with more of the subject. Take many shots as well

[JBW]

Brian, as I suspected that is a very significant crop of the original for posting at the size you have.

So my only suggestion is that when you get a great subject opportunity like this is to get closer and fill the frame with more of the subject. Take many shots as well

I was close, he was about 4mm long. I might have gotten a little closer. I took shots until he hid.
I just did a test at the desk. At maximum up close a 4mm target just occupies the center zone focus cross hairs. If I just cut off top and sides without up sizing why would that effect iq?

[Stagecoach]

I was close, he was about 4mm long. I might have gotten a little closer. I took shots until he hid.

That's small Brian. So for 4mm in length even at the closest you could get at 1:1 magnification (subject to sensor plane around 12 inch distance) he would only have filled the frame by around 1/6th of its width. (All rough and not taking account of bug angle to sensor)

But considering the crop it's still a really good result, most significantly the lack of spectacular highlights

[Shadowman]

Nicely done.

[JBW]

That's small Brian. So for 4mm in length even at the closest you could get at 1:1 magnification (subject to sensor plane around 12 inch distance) he would only have filled the frame by around 1/6th of its width. (All rough and not taking account of bug angle to sensor)

But considering the crop it's still a really good result, most significantly the lack of spectacular highlights

ADI flash setting with a white cotton baby booty over the flash with adjustments made through the shutter setting to adjust exposure seems to be the way to go.

[JBW]

Nicely done.

it did turn out well.