A few bugs

[lesno1]

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[Geoff F]

Some tricky subjects there Les.

The Green Nettle Weevils are always very reflective even without direct sunlight so well done with this shot.

I'm not good on Red Ant identification (called red even though they are brown) and the one or two segment waist decision is hidden from this angle. Myrmica sp is the most likely.

Deraeocoris ruber is another of those shiny bugs which always causes me serious problems with over exposed areas from the reflected light; so another good shot here.

It might just be me, but I seem to think that there have been a lot more of these Green Shieldbugs around this year. An interesting alternative angle.

[lesno1]

Thanks again Geoff i do need to diffuse the flash a bit more and yes ive seen plenty of shieldbugs this year and they are still around

[Geoff F]

With many of these subjects, diffusing the flash doesn't make any difference. Reducing the flash output compensation can help but with some shiny subjects you will still get over exposure hotspot issues whatever you do; even in shadow lighting situations.

I often find that slightly under exposing the overall scene then using a little fill flash to brighten the shadows is the best option because it helps to equalise the light levels. Shooting without flash in dull light often results in unacceptably slow shutter speeds or too high an Iso setting.

With most of my shiny subject photos I have to do a bit of clone work to cover over the hotspots. There isn't any one simple work around.

[billtils]

Les, good set, and excellent comments from Geoff (as ever!).

[lesno1]

Les, good set, and excellent comments from Geoff (as ever!).

Thanks and i agree about Geoff he realy is a great help

[Wavelength]

Excellent!!!

[Shadowman]

Nice series.