Posted by jack chapman on April 2, 2008 at 11:53 AM
from the weekend in my garden after another little experiment with macro,
i don't have flash so i'm using bathroom mirrors for lighting(when i start venturing outside my garden for macro i'll use shaving mirrors), i had a little play around with lighting effects and i have another shot thats the same only backlit that i'll post next,
i'd apreciate if anyone could tell me what type of ladybird this is also
350D + Mount Converter + 12,20&36pentax extension tubes + SMC pentax 40-80mm macro
1/320 @ F?
ISO 400
I'd recommend a reflector, 12" ones are not expensive and adequate for macro, and you can avoid the harsh light you sometimes get from using mirrors. My only nit with this pic is the focus point is a little too far forward and you've wasted DoF that could've been used on the subject. You could've got away with a slower shutter speed for more DoF as well, though I appreciate that this is a toss up between DoF and a nicely blurred background, which you have here. (My monitor is not calibrated, but the whites look on the verge of blowing).
Very nice capture! I like the choice of DOF and the blurred BG is great! I agree the whites are a tadge hot! Reflectors are great tools and not expensive!
Posted by Malcolm Muir on April 3, 2008 at 4:08 AM
Nice shot Jack
For this particular subject, I'd be tempted to recommend a couple of bricks, brought sharply together! It's a harlequin (Harmonia axyridis); an invasive alien species that is predating our native ladybirds and causing a growing problem in the south. They haven't reached us up here yet, but it's only a matter of time, I suspect. This Asian species was introduced into the USA as a biological control agent in 1916 and then into Europe in the 1980's. Inevitably, they are now out of control and it is feared that they may cause havoc among our native species.
I really like the composition and good sharpness on the eyes. The lighting is perhaps a touch harsh but I always find ladybirds very difficult to expose nicely because their wingcases and 'head' are so reflective.
Discussion
6 repliesi don't have flash so i'm using bathroom mirrors for lighting(when i start venturing outside my garden for macro i'll use shaving mirrors), i had a little play around with lighting effects and i have another shot thats the same only backlit that i'll post next,
i'd apreciate if anyone could tell me what type of ladybird this is also
350D + Mount Converter + 12,20&36pentax extension tubes + SMC pentax 40-80mm macro
1/320 @ F?
ISO 400
full frame
It's a Harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis.
Greg
Very nice capture! I like the choice of DOF and the blurred BG is great! I agree the whites are a tadge hot! Reflectors are great tools and not expensive!
For this particular subject, I'd be tempted to recommend a couple of bricks, brought sharply together! It's a harlequin (Harmonia axyridis); an invasive alien species that is predating our native ladybirds and causing a growing problem in the south. They haven't reached us up here yet, but it's only a matter of time, I suspect. This Asian species was introduced into the USA as a biological control agent in 1916 and then into Europe in the 1980's. Inevitably, they are now out of control and it is feared that they may cause havoc among our native species.
Malcolm
Nice idea like the comp.
Danny
Rene de heer
Matt