Macro result

Thank you for your comments on my last post I really find the advice and critique a great help. I can assure you I do try and apply the points to the best of my ability.

This subject was really so attractive and so small I just had to try and record the sighting.

A fair breeze was blowing on the top of Beachy Head hence the speed.

Canon 1D3 180mm HH ISO400 1/1000sec f/9 subject 1.1m

Critique advice comments most welcome thank you for looking.

Gorgeous colour against the greens and browns.

A tad too much definition in the background for me Barry, but the subject is just perfect - full of detail

This is very nice Barry. The butterfly looks lovely and sharp and is nicely posed. I would agree with Andy that a bit less definition in the background would have improved it further.

Matt

Wonderful shot Barry

Minor nit re background already covered.

Thank you once again. Can anyone point me in the right direction how to reduce the background definition please? I need to take it step by step with each learning process. I was always at the back of the class.

using a larger aperture will reduce the depth of field and hence provide a clearer background but the downside is you may then not have enough DOF for the subject. Like all things in photography it's a balancing act. Wherever possible you should choose a subject with as much space behind it as possible.

Point 3 on my blogpost below discusses how to improve backgrounds;

http://mattcolephotography.blogspot.com/2011/09/macro-photography-hints-and-tips.html

of course the other option is to try to smooth the background a bit in Photoshop but it's always best to get it right in camera.

Matt

Matt

Thank you so much a superb Blog and many questions answered I'll use it as a future reference.

A damn sight better than any macro shots I've done Barry. That one upright 'stalk' in the background does detract a little.