How to ?
Jul 11, 2014 09:47:57 #
I see some really close, perfectly focused photos of bugs, wasps, etc. Are these shots straight out of the camera or are they stacked. I have attached my best effort. I am using a Nikkor 105 micro at about 1 foot from the wasp nest. How can I improve my images? They just don't seem to be as sharp as photos I see from other people.
Original Shot
Cropped
Jul 11, 2014 10:50:23 #
Some are stacked, some are not. Some handheld single frames are better than some stacked sets. Stacks are usually better.
Compose your subject so more of it is in focus. The quartering view may be visually more interesting but it is also the most demanding.
Compose your subject so more of it is in focus. The quartering view may be visually more interesting but it is also the most demanding.
Jul 11, 2014 14:51:44 #
If you are truly seeking improvement, we must be able to enlarge your image for evaluation. Please re-post images to this thread, and check the box labeled (store original). That will also provide Exif info.
I use a Nikkor 105G macro lens, and I do NOT focus-stack.
I use a Nikkor 105G macro lens, and I do NOT focus-stack.
Jul 11, 2014 14:55:25 #
Jul 11, 2014 15:12:45 #
Here is the original again with the "download"
Jul 11, 2014 15:16:34 #
OK, just did it. I also have some questions. Just how close can you safely get to the hive - I really do think they know me. Will a flash startle them? If so, flash is out of the question. Is there a way of getting closer optically?
Jul 11, 2014 15:39:24 #
Exif info of original:
Camera Model: Nikon D7100
Image Date: 2014-07-10
Focal Length: 105mm
Digital Zoom: 1.330x
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure Time: 0.0080s (1/125-sec)
ISO equiv: 2000
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Center Weight
Exposure: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No
Using ISO 2000 will degrade your resolution via increased digital noise. By using "Digital Zoom" (in-camera cropping) you enlarge the digital noise. Aperture f/16 will provide a bit deeper DoF, but requires more light than f/8. Your choice of 1/125-sec is appropriate for a 105-mm lens.
Camera Model: Nikon D7100
Image Date: 2014-07-10
Focal Length: 105mm
Digital Zoom: 1.330x
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure Time: 0.0080s (1/125-sec)
ISO equiv: 2000
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Center Weight
Exposure: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No
Using ISO 2000 will degrade your resolution via increased digital noise. By using "Digital Zoom" (in-camera cropping) you enlarge the digital noise. Aperture f/16 will provide a bit deeper DoF, but requires more light than f/8. Your choice of 1/125-sec is appropriate for a 105-mm lens.
Jul 11, 2014 15:59:02 #
Howard5252 wrote:
No rule on closeness. Use your own discretion.Just how close can you safely get to the hive?
Will a flash startle them?
Is there a way of getting closer optically?
Will a flash startle them?
Is there a way of getting closer optically?
I use speedlight illumination with bees & wasps on flowers, usually with minimal annoyance of insects.
Longer focal length lenses allow greater Working Distance. 200-mm or a 300-mm telephoto lens could provide enough magnification of wasps on a wasp nest.
Jul 11, 2014 16:25:09 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
I wouldn't be concerned about using a flash if I were taking a picture of a wasp on a flower. I'm concerned about using it on a nest of wasps. that's why I asked. As for using a longer lens, I'm reasonably comfortable close to them. As I said, I really believe they know me. I've been photographing them for almost 3 weeks - up close. I am using ISO 2000 so I could use the aperture/shutter combo. The nest is in constant shade. I will try cranking it down to 1000 and use 1/60. Let's see if this improves the sharpness. I was using the camera's digital zoom to get me as close as possible. I will take some test shots both with and without it. I'm trying to improve the sharpness.No rule on closeness. Use your own discretion. I use speedlight illumination with bees & wasps on flowers
Jul 11, 2014 17:03:04 #
Howard5252 wrote:
A guideline to reduce camera movement is that shutter duration should be shorter than lens focal length. 1/125-sec is as long as you should be used with a 105-mm lens.I will try cranking (ISO) down to 1000 and use 1/60-sec. Let's see if this improves the sharpness.
Jul 11, 2014 17:07:45 #
My elbows are resting on the top of a ladder. The camera is very still. I would hope mirror vibration would be damped enough ... it's a Nikon.
Jul 11, 2014 18:37:09 #
Howard5252 wrote:
If you want advice on working near wasps, you should really consult with an apiarist or a wasp professional, not photographers. You know more about wasps than we do. My elbows are resting on the top of a ladder. The camera is very still. I would hope mirror vibration would be damped enough ... it's a Nikon.
Also, you seem to have a counter-point to every observation/suggestion offered. If our good intentions are not acceptable to you, then I do not understand why you are here.
Jul 11, 2014 20:17:03 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
I'm sorry if you see it as a counter point. I am simply giving more information. I understand the need for bracing the camera when using a slow shutter speed. I also asked about using a flash to photograph wasps on a nest. I don't think the response (as well meaning as it was) was pertinent to the my situation. I do thank those who responded; I really do appreciate this website and if it appears that I'm refusing to listen to answers - I will have to be more specific with my question. For instance ... Has anyone used flash while photographing a wasp nest up close? I am reluctant to run a test.If you want advice on working near wasps, you should really consult with an apiarist or a wasp professional, not photographers. You know more about wasps than we do.
Also, you seem to have a counter-point to every observation/suggestion offered. If our good intentions are not acceptable to you, then I do not understand why you are here.
Also, you seem to have a counter-point to every observation/suggestion offered. If our good intentions are not acceptable to you, then I do not understand why you are here.
Jul 11, 2014 20:44:24 #
Howard5252 wrote:
Many bees and wasps have been photographed and displayed on this forum that were shot with flashes. I remember someone mentioning that the bugs don't notice the flash. What bothers bugs is the lens on your camera, it looks like a big predator's eyeball!!!I'm sorry if you see it as a counter point. I am s... (show quote)
Jul 11, 2014 20:44:34 #
Howard5252 wrote:
I have used flash with a diffuser while photographing a wasp nest up close. They flinched but did not fly.good luck :DHas anyone used flash while photographing a wasp nest up close? I am reluctant to run a test.
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