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The only male...

Discussion

14 replies
Posted by David Taylor on March 10, 2010 at 3:31 PM
The only male...
Wool Carder Bee to visit my garden last year, sunning itself but ready with its three pronged weapon in its tail to ward off any intruders.


Sigma SD14 dslr
Sigma 50mm EX DG macro lens
Sigma Ring Flash
ISO 50
Hand Held
RAW processed with SPP3.5
Adjusted in PictureWindowPro5



:toast: :toast: :jump:
Posted by Craig Jones on March 10, 2010 at 4:31 PM
He looks a tough 'Bee',would have to make sure he did'nt get near you :eek: :eek: beautiful detail David, and I like the composition :wink: :wink: :wavey:
Posted by Ian Macdermott on March 10, 2010 at 5:30 PM
Hi David,

wonderfully sharp picture and colours so no nits from me :toast:
Posted by Major Gilbert on March 10, 2010 at 5:38 PM
Where's that black BG David?
Lovely image and not only like the detail On the Bee but the fringing on the leaf adds also to a fine image.

Major.
Posted by Brett Lewis on March 10, 2010 at 7:13 PM
Nice detail on the bee and well done for reducing the impact of the framing. I think it works much better for having a simpler frame since they are delicate subjects..

Brett :toast:
Posted by eric weight on March 11, 2010 at 12:49 AM
Hello David,
That is a beautifully sharp and detailed shot. I just wonder if it is possible to diffuse the flash a bit more or reduce its impact somehow as the light looks harsh to me. I realise that insects do have a lot of reflective bits and that a ring flash might be difficult to diffuse, but they do catch my eye. If it was a bird, I would be looking to introduce some negative flash exposure compensation. Those reflections take the edge off an excellent shot for me.
:toast: eric
Posted by Sandra Hendrikse on March 11, 2010 at 1:23 AM
Lovely image with great detail.
Posted by Andy Shepherd on March 11, 2010 at 3:12 AM

Thats a really good image David and thats one cool looking bee :cool: the shape of the eye is superb, nice one.

Andy...
Posted by Matt Cole on March 11, 2010 at 3:34 AM
that's a nice looking bee David and now I'm certain I've never seen one of these 'in the flesh'. I'll have to try your Purple Toadflax tip.

The light is erring on the side of harsh but I realise those ringflashes don't lend themselves to diffusion.

Matt :toast:
Posted by Mark Green on March 11, 2010 at 4:11 AM
Cracking image, nice sharp detail, nits covered above.

:toast:
Mark.G
Posted by David Taylor on March 11, 2010 at 4:32 AM
Thanks folks for your comments. :wavey: The bee was sunning itself so the lighting was strong, which is how I have captured it IMO. I like to portray how things are, rather than how I would like them to be. :smile: . There's enough subterfuge in this world without me adding to it. :eek: :smile: :wink:

:toast: :toast: :jump:
Posted by John Chapman on March 11, 2010 at 5:08 AM
Hi David, this is great. No nits from me. :toast:
Posted by Justin on March 11, 2010 at 1:11 PM
Hi David,
The vibrant yellow colouring and fine detail are shown very well here. The downward pointing hairs on the edge of the leaf add an extra element of interest too. :toast:
Posted by Paul Hobson on March 12, 2010 at 5:41 PM
super macro work, very detailed and sharp

Paul
Posted by Maggie Campbell on March 13, 2010 at 4:30 PM
Agree with Major re the detail in the fringing on the leaf as well as the bee.
Have yourself another pint of the Black Stuff :toast: