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A spring Drone fly

Discussion

9 replies
Posted by Paul Whippey on April 8, 2012 at 7:14 PM
A spring Drone fly
Here is a drone fly (Eristalis pertinax I think) basking in the sun on a superbly named, but not so pleasantly smelling, American skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus). I was lucky as the ground is very dry with the lack of rain we've had lately, so I was able to get close to the insect action. I consider this to be my best macro work so far with my limited experience.

Taken with a Canon 7D and EF100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM lens. Techs: ISO400, f/16, 1/100th sec. Canon 430EX II flashgun with an Apollo softbox, handheld, around 10% crop. Imported with ACR and processed with CS5. I used NR only on the BG to avoid "smearing" the wonderful leaf detail.

Thanks for viewing and I hope you like it. :wavey: C's & c's welcome as always.

Thanks for the comments on my last photo. I've been busy with projects lately, so not had much time to participate on the forum.

Thanks,

Paul.
Posted by John Robinson on April 9, 2012 at 6:02 AM
Hi Paul
Looks pretty good to me. Pity the back wing wasn't down out of the way but you take what you can get.
Sharp where it counts.Macro season about upon us !!
Cheers :smile: :smile:
JR
Posted by Barry Southon on April 9, 2012 at 7:57 AM
Paul

What a great start to the Macro season.
:wink:
Posted by Bob Johnson on April 9, 2012 at 8:13 AM
Keep them coming Paul :wink:

bob :smile:
Posted by Robert Lawrence on April 9, 2012 at 10:46 AM
Excellent Paul. Plenty of space around it. I might try taking a little off the top but that is just a thought. Very nice indeed. :toast:
Posted by PhilH on April 9, 2012 at 3:22 PM
I too would lose a little from the top... I am also not too fond of the light patch in the background on the left, as it is near to the edge it draws my eye a little, so perhaps a touch of burning in/toning down.... but great to see and as said good and sharp where it counts...

:toast: :toast: :wavey: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Nick Mckeown on April 9, 2012 at 3:44 PM
Excellent macro shot Paul!

Nick. :wavey:
Posted by David Taylor on April 9, 2012 at 3:44 PM
I've a soft spot for these fellows as they pollinate my pear blossom far more than bees do at this time of year. Very good image, looking forward to seeing more.

:toast: :toast: :toast: :jump:
Posted by Paul Whippey on April 9, 2012 at 5:20 PM
Thanks for the comments everyone. Very much appreciated. Yes, the macro season is finally here! I can be seen patrolling gorse bushes most weekends now! :biggrin: I'm looking forward to a few more plants flowering though once this spell of rain subsides and to photograph some different species.

I thought the same of the light patch, its a bit distracting. I need to work on my burning in techniques/masks etc.

Thanks for looking! :wavey:
Posted by David Kjaer on April 10, 2012 at 3:19 PM
Super macro image.

David :toast: