Focus Stacked Image - Dorsal View: This is one of the several preserved Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) that I have in my collection that I staged for a dorsal view showing their...

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

This is one of the several preserved Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) that I have in my collection that I staged for a dorsal view showing their open wings. There is a red coloration on the inner surface of the elytrons that cover and protect the wings that can only be seen when they unfold.

This focus stacking session was staged with the Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 85mm f/2.8 1-5x Super Macro Lens using constant diffused LED lighting.

(Download)

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

SO Cool!!!

canonclicker

This is a very interesting photo of this bug and the top view is a good angle, but I cannot understand 'constant diffused lighting'. Does this have anything to with the lighting 'on', or is the word 'diffused' or is it special 'LED lighting'?

I almost purchased this lens, then I learned it wouldn't work with my Lumix. Now I see the results!

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

sippyjug104 wrote:

This is one of the several preserved Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) that I have in my collection that I staged for a dorsal view showing their open wings. There is a red coloration on the inner surface of the elytrons that cover and protect the wings that can only be seen when they unfold.

This focus stacking session was staged with the Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 85mm f/2.8 1-5x Super Macro Lens using constant diffused LED lighting.

Extraordinary and done to perfection
💎🔥🏆🔥💎

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Another from the master.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Interesting perspective, Gary.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

canonclicker wrote:

This is a very interesting photo of this bug and the top view is a good angle, but I cannot understand 'constant diffused lighting'. Does this have anything to with the lighting 'on', or is the word 'diffused' or is it special 'LED lighting'?

I almost purchased this lens, then I learned it wouldn't work with my Lumix. Now I see the results!

Thanks, Canonclicker. I do not use Speedlight flashes for my sessions. I use three IKEA LED desk lamps that provide constant lighting which means that I get to see what the camera sensor will see which allows me to set the shutter speed based on the histogram.

Just like clouds diffuse the constant harsh sunlight for more pleasing photos, so will diffusing my constant illumination. The method I use is made from a cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper. I cut two rings from the tube and placed a piece of vellum tracing paper around them allowing an open area to fit over the specimen. I stapled a pop cycle stick on it to hold it in position over the specimen and I shine the LED lights on it which creates a soft even glow of light that wraps around the subject. I've attached pictures of how I achieve this.

(Download)

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Longshadow wrote:

SO Cool!!!

Thanks, Longshadow. Glad that you could stop by.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

joecichjr wrote:

Extraordinary and done to perfection
💎🔥🏆🔥💎

Joe, thanks ever so much.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

kpmac wrote:

Another from the master.

Thanks, Kpmac. At least I found a use for these troublesome insects.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

UTMike wrote:

Interesting perspective, Gary.

Thanks, UTMike. I'm trying to do a few where I can show the entire subject.

Barn Owl

sippyjug104, Again you raise the bar for any UHHer who want to achieve excellent macro images. Do you remember the exact model of IKEA LED lamps that work best for you.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Barn Owl wrote:

sippyjug104, Again you raise the bar for any UHHer who want to achieve excellent macro images. Do you remember the exact model of IKEA LED lamps that work best for you.

Barn Owl, thanks for the kind reply. I use the IKEA Jansjo Flexible Work Desk Lamp which is a favorite of those that do tabletop macro photography. They make them with a base and with a "pinch clamp" as well as USB powered. I bought mine from the local IKEA store for under $20 each.

(Download)

saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee, WA

Superb work!

canonclicker

sippyjug104 wrote:

Barn Owl, thanks for the kind reply. I use the IKEA Jansjo Flexible Work Desk Lamp which is a favorite of those that do tabletop macro photography. They make them with a base and with a "pinch clamp" as well as USB powered. I bought mine from the local IKEA store for under $20 each.

I've been using a couple of ring lights from Home Depot and find they put out a red or orange tinged light and I think I'm going to try your IKEA lights shown. THANKS SO MUCH!