This is a small Nomada Bee (now identified as Nomada lathburiana female), about 10-12mm in length, on an Aubretia flower. They're very lively insects and don't tend to sit still for too long so aren't the easiest to photograph (apart from when they're asleep, I've recently photographed a couple asleep with their jaws locked onto a piece of conifer). They make nice subjects though in my opinion, particularly because of their eyes. A slight shame the antenna is clipped by the petal, but all other nits gratefully received.
Canon 5D with MPE-65 macro lens, f13, 1/160, ISO 50, diffused flashes on side brackets, handheld.
As you sat Matt -pity about the antenna. I reckon a slice off the bottom to bring the bee to the centre more. I know it breaks the thirds business but its no big deal anyway.Good flash handling too.
JR
Thats a great shot Matt. The eye is cracking. I dont know how you get pictures like this at such close range and the focus is spot on. Always enjoy looking at your images. Hat off to ya!
I reckon you have ice in your veins. Everybody else is using remote releases, heavy tripods and you do it hand-held. You know it's another good one. eric
Posted by David Taylor on May 19, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Tripods, who needs tripods? Excellent stuff, no nits from me.
many thanks to those who have taken the time to comment.
Eric, there are various tricks to taking this sort of shot handheld. Firstly the exposure is lit entirely by flash so that's equivalent to a very fast shutter speed which removes shake. And second, I will usually either support my hand or the lens on something (e.g. knee, ground, wall etc) or alternatively, if the insect will allow, I will hold the leaf or flower that the insect is on in my left hand to steady it and will then rest the lens on that hand (remember the working distance with this lens is only 2-3 inches). The subject and lens then move as one. It takes a bit of practice but works quite well after a while. The tricky bit is getting the DOF in the right place given how thin it is.
Discussion
8 repliesCanon 5D with MPE-65 macro lens, f13, 1/160, ISO 50, diffused flashes on side brackets, handheld.
Here's a 1100 pixel version.
All C+C welcomed
Matt
JR
Dale
Eric, there are various tricks to taking this sort of shot handheld. Firstly the exposure is lit entirely by flash so that's equivalent to a very fast shutter speed which removes shake. And second, I will usually either support my hand or the lens on something (e.g. knee, ground, wall etc) or alternatively, if the insect will allow, I will hold the leaf or flower that the insect is on in my left hand to steady it and will then rest the lens on that hand (remember the working distance with this lens is only 2-3 inches). The subject and lens then move as one. It takes a bit of practice but works quite well after a while. The tricky bit is getting the DOF in the right place given how thin it is.
Matt
no real nits from me apart from the antenna
Could have sworn I had posted a reply to this shot before
Old age is a terrible thing