[pic] some of my first macros

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Troy Piggins - 22 Nov 2007 11:03 GMT

Getting into my car this morning and this little fella was on the
door handle. No idea what it is - looks like a ladybird, but
green? At first I thought it was just a small leaf and was going
to swipe it off, then looked closer. [S]He looked exhausted and
not moving much, and the wings weren't retracted all the way in.

http://piggo.com/~troy/photos/2007_11_21/img_4385.jpg

I've never had a real chance to use my Kenko tubes properly since
I got them. Quite happy with these since I am such a noob
photog. I make a DIY flash diffuser out of a 3L milk container,
seemed to do ok job. I believe with my 100mm macro lens and full
set of tubes these pics are 2:1 lifesize.

There's clearly something wrong with the little ladybird, coz he
was there where I left him when I got home tonight also. So I
took some more shots. I promise he is alive and still moving his
antennae and wiggling legs.

http://piggo.com/~troy/photos/2007_11_21/img_4388.jpg
http://piggo.com/~troy/photos/2007_11_21/img_4392.jpg

And just to put his size into perspective, this is the end of my
pinky finger next to him. No, I don't have gi-normous fingers,
and it isn't my thumb:

http://piggo.com/~troy/photos/2007_11_21/img_4394.jpg

I also shot this moth which I thought had cool woman's eyes with
makeup on it's tail/wings:

http://piggo.com/~troy/photos/2007_11_21/img_4402.jpg
http://piggo.com/~troy/photos/2007_11_21/img_4403.jpg

Anyway with Summer coming I want to practise heaps of
macro/insects etc.

Signature

Troy Piggins
Please feel free to provide constructive criticism on any photos I post. I'm
always learning and appreciate feedback.

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Pete D - 22 Nov 2007 19:31 GMT

> Anyway with Summer coming I want to practise heaps of
> macro/insects etc.

Normally I try not to make to many comments on other peoples photos but the
big thing I would recommend here is you need need to work on getting more
light to the subjects with some of your shots. Do you have a dedicated macro
lens? I am using a Tamron 90mm F2.8 and it is a superb lens.

Cheers.

Pete

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Troy Piggins - 22 Nov 2007 20:37 GMT

* Pete D is quoted
* & my replies are inline below :

>> Anyway with Summer coming I want to practise heaps of
>> macro/insects etc.
>
> Normally I try not to make to many comments on other peoples photos but the

Why not? Why post photos if there's no critique? ;)

> big thing I would recommend here is you need need to work on getting more
> light to the subjects with some of your shots. Do you have a dedicated macro
> lens? I am using a Tamron 90mm F2.8 and it is a superb lens.

I have the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens and the set of Kenko
extension tubes.

I'm learning about the lighting side of things - that's why I am
playing with diffusers etc. Perhaps a flash bracket would help
direct the light better when working with subject so close to the
lens.

Thanks Pete.

Signature

Troy Piggins
Please feel free to provide constructive criticism on any photos I post. I'm
always learning and appreciate feedback.

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Douglas - 22 Nov 2007 21:42 GMT

>* Pete D is quoted
> * & my replies are inline below :
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>
> Thanks Pete.

-----------------------------------------------

Some people have great results with a flash diffuser like this:
http://www.weddingsnportraits.com.au/previews/pics/FZ50.jpg

You get a warm tone used in the direction in the pic and a more neutral tone
when you use the dish at 90 degrees to the camera. Best results are obtained
when using a remote cable. You can then position the light where it's
needed. Most ETTL speedlites will need -2/3rd to -2 stops at close range.

Another (more expensive) but easier to use alternative is a LED ring light
on the lens. No shadow and 5400k light colour. The LED solution will run you
about $350 off eBay and the diffuser about $15 of eBay.

You might be able to find a ring flash too but these are not as successful
as LEDs.

Douglas

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Pete D - 23 Nov 2007 04:35 GMT

>* Pete D is quoted
> * & my replies are inline below :
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>
> Thanks Pete.

I use both a deflecter and a sofbox, both made by Glanz, collapsable and
moderately priced.

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helensilverburg@hotmail.com - 22 Nov 2007 23:13 GMT

> Getting into my car this morning and this little fella was on the
> door handle. No idea what it is - looks like a ladybird, but
[quoted text clipped - 35 lines]
> Please feel free to provide constructive criticism on any photos I post. I'm
> always learning and appreciate feedback.

http://piggo.com/~troy/photos/2007_11_21/img_4385.jpg

I could be wrong but I believe that it is a green Christmas Beetle.
Nice macro BTW.
Helen

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Troy Piggins - 22 Nov 2007 23:46 GMT

* helensilverburg@hotmail.com is quoted
* & my replies are inline below :

> [---=| Quote block shrinked by t-prot: 29 lines snipped |=---]
>>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> Nice macro BTW.
> Helen

Thankyou Helen! I think you are right! This looks like him -
/Anoplognathus prasinus/ :

http://australian-insects.com/green-christmas-beetle.php
http://members.optushome.com.au/awnelson/davidavid/aprasinus.jpg

Thanks again!

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Troy Piggins
Please feel free to provide constructive criticism on any photos I post. I'm
always learning and appreciate feedback.

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