A few skippers (Page 2): Should also mention that, unlike most micro folks, I generally use auto focus for most of my macro work.

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

Should also mention that, unlike most micro folks, I generally use auto focus for most of my macro work.

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Thanks for all the info, ottercreek and the lighting was so good in the series that I thought that a flash was used! I'm still using a Nikon D7100 which I purchased when it was first introduced, and it's still light years ahead of my talents but have yet to purchase a fill flash or Macro and like what you said about the Nikkor! I've been using the Nikkor 18-140 for almost all butterfly and similar shots and it has served me well but really think that I need a macro and had always thought that I would like to go with one with a little longer reach because most time I'm using close to the maximum setting on the 18-140! I also sometimes use the Nikkor 55-300 which was the other lens that came with the D7100 but really don't use it very often as it seems to be somewhat slow focusing and more difficult to use, so for birds I mostly use a 150-600 lens,

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

Regarding the lighting, break about every rule in photography and shoot mid day in full sun when the critters are most active. Hot, sweaty work!
The Nikkor 200mm Micro isn't a cheap lens for sure, but also makes for a nice mid telephoto on a DX camera. I don't claim to be a knowledgable photographer in any way but have played around with macro (more likely close up in UGH terms) for over 40 years and have found what works for me for my limited type of picture takin'!

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

ottercreek wrote:

Regarding the lighting, break about every rule in photography and shoot mid day in full sun when the critters are most active. Hot, sweaty work!
The Nikkor 200mm Micro isn't a cheap lens for sure, but also makes for a nice mid telephoto on a DX camera. I don't claim to be a knowledgable photographer in any way but have played around with macro (more likely close up in UGH terms) for over 40 years and have found what works for me for my limited type of picture takin'!

Well, it definitely works for you, as anyone can tell when viewing your images, and most of my butterfly shots are taken during the sunny part of the day unless it happens to be cloudy, mostly because that's when they are active and really with many of the ones that are infrequent visitors, there may be very few chances during the season. That proved to be the case this season for Red-Spotted Purples, Great Spangled Fritillaries, Pearl Crescents, Red Admirals, Painted and American Ladies, Zebra Swallowtails, Long-Tailed Skippers, and most Sulphers as many were very beaten up or I blew the shots.

I'm about 3 years younger than you but only started taking photography seriously for about the last five years, and have no illusions about my ability but really enjoy it and viewing and conversing with many members on the UHG. Many thanks for your suggestions and am looking forward to viewing more of your beautiful work, Take care!

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

NMGal wrote:

These look good to me.

Thank you.

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

Tom DePuy wrote:

Excellent shots ottercreek

Thanks! You have some fine stuff yourself!

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

UTMike wrote:

I do not know about artistry, but these are fine photos!

Thanks. Maybe decent snapshots?

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

photophile wrote:

Lovely.

Thank you.

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

Cwilson341 wrote:

Excellent series! Skippers are so cute!

Yes, and QUITE quick and small! Thanks!.

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

kpmac wrote:

Maybe a little busy but still very nice. Keep shooting!

Thanks!

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

Retired CPO wrote:

That's why I took up photography, not a drop of artist in me. I know what I like, but I can't make what I like. Nice photos.

Thank you. Looks like you do quite fine!!

ottercreek Loc: Southwest Ohio

Blaster34 wrote:

Nicely done, beautiful little critters

Thank you. You have some great photos yourself. Especially love the German street photos. Fantastic colors.

debbie wrazen Loc: Western New York

really nice set.