sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

This is a profile view of the Queen Bald Faced Hornet. She's in a bit of a rough shape as I had to uncurl her out of hibernating in a log. I placed a neutral grey card behind it for a background. Strobe flash was overheating and would poop out on me so I had to switch to a constant light source for this shot.

Thanks in advance for viewing and comments, recommendations and critique are highly appreciated and they help me learn and improve.

Queen Bald Faced Hornet

(Download)

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Good stuff! Fill in the lighting more, of course.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Fantastic detail. Fine work.
-Doc

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I'm learning that lighting is so important and perhaps the most important facet of macro photography. I bow before those who have mastered it. I hope to make it out to IKEA today for two of their JANSJÖ LED flexible gooseneck work lamps that I see in many pictures of macro setups. With them I can light from different directions and try various diffusion techniques.

And as the famous Sherlock Holmes once said, "The game is afoot".

amyinsparta Loc: White county, TN

Why didn't you leave her alone? It's a nice photo but is it worth interfering with her life and purpose?

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I also believe in the policy of "do no harm" and I've only preserved three insects. There are only a few exceptions that are not released in my backyard to continue on their way. When I shoot outdoors, as I do nearly every spring and summer day, I never disturb the insects nor their habitat.

I was hunting for live insects and this hornet was quite frozen when I found her to the point that she would not uncurl when she thawed. The other one that I preserved was a Brown Recluse spider that I found in my shed and their bite is quite a nasty flesh-eating wound and I prefer not to have them in my home and buildings although I love all other types of spiders and I have plans to raise some later.

So you and I are a lot like minded with 'live and let live'.

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

The subject of killing insects seems to pop up on occasion. Wanton destruction and greed are no-no. Over collecting a no- no.
The people who tend to be against this don't seem to mind killing off ant colonies, garden insects, spiders and bugs in general when they are bothered. That they usually have no clue when they buy fungacides,herbacides, pestacides and the like of proper use is OK, tho. I get a kick when they buy bags for leaves,pay to dispose of same, and buy worthless beauty bark to kill the trees come spring. Scientific collecting is not limited to scientists. Entomology is a field where amatures contribute regularly.
I suggest that the people who must comment in a negative way about what YOU do simply do not get enough chance to talk, or may not be listened to at home.
There are people who know that somewhere there are people enjoying life and feel it is there duty to put an end to it. Why????
My opinion. Agree?, fine by me. Disagree?, fine by me. It is only an opinion.
Bill

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

And he got it from the Shakespeare play King HENRY IV.
Bill

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, Bill.

In all my years, I could not have stated it better.