Lavendar Bumble + Repo

Marylynne, I've used and enjoyed that camera and lens combo for macro.  I especially like the extra image quality and higher dynamic range that the 5D3 provides relative to the 7D2.  Yes, the focal length does limit you to approachable subjects.  The extra magnification that comes with the 7D series is a fine feature with more skittish subjects (like dragonflies) but more magnification means less dof, which can be good or bad depending on the shot.  I think you'll find that the subjects that you go after with the 7D will quickly have you wanting a longer lens,  I use both the 180 macro and the new 100-400.  The 180 also offers 1:1 magnification while the 100-400 has outstanding close focus capabilities for a long zoom (1:3 magnification).  Pick your poison or go for broke and get both...

This is a good look at this bumble bee, the details around the bee's head give a feeling of a "punk hairdo" fresh from the shower.  The "into the flowers" look works well.  I do think this could use some overall brightening and maybe some subtle warming since it looks like it was taken on an overcast day.

Hi Marylynne, I am fairly new here, so this is the first post I have seen of yours, but I think it is very impressive.  I agree with Mark's comments, especially a bit of warming might improve this fabulous image.  I too use the 5D Mark III and 100 L, and I find it to be a great combination.  I move slowly to my subject, talking to them when necessary in a calm and soothing voice, and sometimes I don't seem to disturb them.  One thing I have started using of late is a KuangRen KX-800 twin flash with a plastic document protector and a sheet of copy paper in it, and have attached it with long twisty ties so that it hangs out in front of the two flash heads, and they are pulled back significantly.  It makes for a nice diffused soft natural looking light, and lets me get in there on some of the little critters with enough light.  Hope that helps.  I also use the 100-400 L, and thinking of the 180 L, but it doesn't have image stabilizer, and I do enjoy my freedom from the tripod.  It is all a give and take, and we just find what works best for us.  I definitely like my 100-400 L, and use it for birds, etc. as well.  Looking forward to many more shots of yours that you will be posting. 

Thanks Mark and Shirley.  I hadn't noticed the cool temp, but it was indeed a lovely cloudy day, which allowed some softer lighting.  I did three things here:
1. Brightened overall and lifted shadows a tish
2. Raised color temp by almost 500 degrees
3. Played with the crop to eliminate that darker bit of flower in the top of the original from protruding toward the viewer.  It moves the bee off to the left more, but I feel like that works given the direction of the bee and the flower.  Let me know if that works as well, better, or not at all .  I'm perhaps pushing cropping potential here?

I also tried a square crop, which I will share below.  I'm curious about whether you like it better than the vertical.

Thanks a million for helping me get back into shape. Holler if you now see new things you recommend.   It's been a couple of years since I have done macro, and I need a little bit of a workout!
ML

Hi Again,
here is the square crop:
 

Marylynne, I like the first redo better than the square version as it causes the bee to be a bit too close to the edge.  Just my taste, probably.  I like what you did, and it looks real nice on my screen.  Looking forward to more of your macro shots. 

The color adjustments in the reposts work well and add some nice pop.  I like the crop in the first repost with the extra room up top relative to the square version.  In both reposts the crop does a better job of emphasizing the bee and the in focus parts of the flower.