for those of us who enjoy insect macro photography I think we're going to have to be extra patient this year. This damp looking ladybird is the only sign of insect life in my garden so far...
Canon 5D with MPE-65 macro lens, F14, 1/160, ISO 50, diffused flashguns on side brackets.
Posted by David Sewell on March 10, 2010 at 5:23 AM
It isn't just the insect photographers who are champing at the bit, Matt. We herp photographers are finding subjects a bit thin on the ground at the moment as well (although I did see a few adders last week). This ladybird shot is a great close up, lets hope it is the first of many this year.
David
Posted by John Robinson on March 10, 2010 at 5:55 AM
Good one Matt
I,ve been waiting to do crocuses but the blasted Sparrows eat them all. few Adders out here but not posing well at all.
JR
Posted by Andy Gregory on March 10, 2010 at 6:00 AM
Posted by David Taylor on March 10, 2010 at 7:14 AM
Superb ladybird image. Great flash technique as ladybirds are highly reflective I find. How much diffusion do you use Matt? I tried to see your reflection in the rain drops but just can't make you out. If you want to attract Wool Carder Bees get some Purple Toadflax Linaria purpurea. A chance seedling appeared in my garden and grew, two years later WCBs appeared.
Posted by eric weight on March 10, 2010 at 7:19 AM
It's a great sign when you start posting your macro stuff. Spring must only be around the corner. An excellent start Matt and looking forward to more to come. eric
Posted by Andy Elliott on March 10, 2010 at 11:42 AM
Very nice. The detail of the 'leathery' black around the head and how you have lit this is very impressive. I'm not so enamoured of the OOF area bottom right as it is relatively bright - a minor nit as this is better than anything I have produced!
Posted by Craig Jones on March 10, 2010 at 4:36 PM
Strong composition,wonderful detail,love the water droplets and the OOF foreground takes you to the subject,beautiful
Posted by Major Gilbert on March 10, 2010 at 5:25 PM
Lovely detailed shot Matt and a great starter for the Spring. When you say diffused guns Matt in what way are they diffused. Would be interested to hear some more detail.
Major, I currently diffuse each flashgun with a Stofen omnibounce diffuser (basically a piece of opaque plastic that fits on the end of the gun). I then cover the flashhead (including the Stofen diffuser), loosely, with kitchen towel which I hold on with a rubber band (very high-tech!). By loosening the kitchen towel I'm able to effectively increase the size of the flashhead which always helps with diffusion. The other trick is to get the flashhead as close to the subject as possible as that also helps with diffusion.
Matt
Posted by Andy Shepherd on March 11, 2010 at 3:51 AM
In my opinion, this is one of the stand out images posted so far this year Matt, the detail captured is superb and done with such a difficult lense to master, excellet piece of work.
Andy...
Posted by John Chapman on March 11, 2010 at 5:18 AM
Discussion
20 repliesCanon 5D with MPE-65 macro lens, F14, 1/160, ISO 50, diffused flashguns on side brackets.
Here's a 1000 pixel version
All C+C welcomed.
Matt
Lets hope spring gets a move on
David
I,ve been waiting to do crocuses but the blasted Sparrows eat them all. few Adders out here but not posing well at all.
JR
Mark.G
Major.
Cheers,
Chris
Brett
Major, I currently diffuse each flashgun with a Stofen omnibounce diffuser (basically a piece of opaque plastic that fits on the end of the gun). I then cover the flashhead (including the Stofen diffuser), loosely, with kitchen towel which I hold on with a rubber band (very high-tech!). By loosening the kitchen towel I'm able to effectively increase the size of the flashhead which always helps with diffusion. The other trick is to get the flashhead as close to the subject as possible as that also helps with diffusion.
Matt
In my opinion, this is one of the stand out images posted so far this year Matt, the detail captured is superb and done with such a difficult lense to master, excellet piece of work.
Andy...
Paul