Posted by Barry Southon on November 11, 2012 at 8:07 AM
It's been a while since I last posted now using new gear I trust to better effect. Whilst still on this years project getting up close.
Canon 5D mk111 Canon 180mm handheld (Will I never learn) 1/500sec ISO800 f/6.3 subject distance 2ft2in (remember them?)
RAW to lightroom 4 then resized to post in PS this is a cropped to eliminate the dead plants.
Critique, Comments and Advice most welcomed as ever.
Thanks for looking.
Posted by David Sewell on November 11, 2012 at 12:15 PM
Two minor things with this, Barry, and I think you are already aware of one of them. Firstly, the subject is a little too close to the left hand edge of the frame in my opinion. Secondly, you do need some sort of support as critical sharpness is lacking in the large version. I appreciate that it is not always easy getting a tripod in close, but a monopod ought to be possible and will make a huge difference to the end result.
David
Posted by Barry Southon on November 11, 2012 at 1:07 PM
David
I have addressed one of your points acquired a monopod which I brought back with me. I'll try to get to terms with it for the future. Your other point more room on the left, is no problem to redress I can adjust the crop as it was fairly substantial no doubt another factor for losing sharpness quality. In fact I'll post the original for consideration as to when, where and how to apply, a crop is yet another interesting question upon which I would welcome advice.
Posted by Oscar Dewhurst on November 11, 2012 at 1:43 PM
Barry,
I agree with what David said and might also add that I find the image a little cluttered. I will be interested to see the original. One thing I would say is that one of the great benefits of a macro lens is the fact that it allows you to get very close to subjects, close enough to obtain 1:1 magnification. If you're cropping images heavily, it suggests that you are not using this function to its best ability.
Oscar
Posted by Barry Southon on November 11, 2012 at 2:22 PM
Oscar
Fair comment, all factors working in your favour but with a prevailing wind and a skittish subject with a jump advantge I tend to take what I can get and then do my bit with the result.
Yes I couldn't agree more cluttered it is, but that's where you find them, that's the environment where they dwell I too read with interest comments on images that highlight a twig or leaf even a blade of grass as being in the wrong position. How far do you take the PS changes? The end result could well be nothing like the original. So are people demonstrating their PS skills or their photographic abilities?
All interesting points thanks for contributing.
Here is the original.
Posted by Nick Mckeown on November 11, 2012 at 2:39 PM
Hi Barry,
Very interesting subject and you did well to get the image since a closer approach would probably have spooked them. If a subject is difficult to approach then you could try using a 300mm lens to get a tighter shot or put a 1.4 TC onto the macro lens. I have cropped the original, see what you think.
Nick.
Posted by keith mitchell on November 11, 2012 at 3:06 PM
Barry it's interesting reading,i recon that you have done very well to capture this
Keith.
Posted by John Robinson on November 11, 2012 at 4:30 PM
First one not right for comp Barry but I reckon there's a shot there somewhere.
JR
Posted by Bob Johnson on November 13, 2012 at 8:24 AM
As you say Barry you take what you are given. At the end of the day it is a very interesting natural history shot
Discussion
8 repliesCanon 5D mk111 Canon 180mm handheld (Will I never learn) 1/500sec ISO800 f/6.3 subject distance 2ft2in (remember them?)
RAW to lightroom 4 then resized to post in PS this is a cropped to eliminate the dead plants.
Critique, Comments and Advice most welcomed as ever.
Thanks for looking.
David
I have addressed one of your points acquired a monopod which I brought back with me. I'll try to get to terms with it for the future. Your other point more room on the left, is no problem to redress I can adjust the crop as it was fairly substantial no doubt another factor for losing sharpness quality. In fact I'll post the original for consideration as to when, where and how to apply, a crop is yet another interesting question upon which I would welcome advice.
I agree with what David said and might also add that I find the image a little cluttered. I will be interested to see the original. One thing I would say is that one of the great benefits of a macro lens is the fact that it allows you to get very close to subjects, close enough to obtain 1:1 magnification. If you're cropping images heavily, it suggests that you are not using this function to its best ability.
Oscar
Fair comment, all factors working in your favour but with a prevailing wind and a skittish subject with a jump advantge I tend to take what I can get and then do my bit with the result.
Yes I couldn't agree more cluttered it is, but that's where you find them, that's the environment where they dwell I too read with interest comments on images that highlight a twig or leaf even a blade of grass as being in the wrong position. How far do you take the PS changes? The end result could well be nothing like the original. So are people demonstrating their PS skills or their photographic abilities?
All interesting points thanks for contributing.
Here is the original.
Very interesting subject and you did well to get the image since a closer approach would probably have spooked them. If a subject is difficult to approach then you could try using a 300mm lens to get a tighter shot or put a 1.4 TC onto the macro lens. I have cropped the original, see what you think.
Nick.
Keith.
JR
Bob