Looking for improvements!
Nov 10, 2012 21:54:02 #
Resident spiders, new family (no bigger than a small grain of sand) and a crop of a large grasshopper/locust. All resident in my aviary
Trying to get the hang of effective "cropping".
CC please.
Trying to get the hang of effective "cropping".
CC please.
Spider #1 Nov 8: ISO 2500, 1/60-sec at f/ 5.6
Spider 2
new babies, ISO 250, 1/160-sec at f/5.6
Grasshopper #1: ISO 400, 1/60-sec at f/4.5
Nov 10, 2012 22:31:31 #
Tradscot wrote:
Resident spiders, new family (no bigger than a small grain of sand) and a crop of a large grasshopper/locust. All resident in my aviary
Trying to get the hang of effective "cropping".
CC please.
Trying to get the hang of effective "cropping".
CC please.
Freightened the c--p out of me when I scrolled down and saw that ugly creature. I thought aviaries were for birds? You keep monsters in yours LOL.
Great shots BTW
Nov 10, 2012 22:58:57 #
From the Sarge69 - very good focus on the 1st and 2nd photos. But you've gone overboard with the babies. I was really upset until I noticed the background was shadows. Phew.
I HATE SPIDERS
Sarge69
I HATE SPIDERS
Sarge69
Nov 10, 2012 22:59:08 #
Spider #1 & #2 is similar to a Banded Orb Weaver (Argiope trifasciata). Why a high ISO 2500? Unless this is typo, suppose to be ISO 250.
At such close range, the DoF at f/5.6 is about 2-mm or so. Increasing illumination will greatly improve your macro-photography through standardized ISO (400), shorter shutter duration (1/200-sec), and deeper DoF (f/16 or f/22).
Your photo is about as good as can be expected with spiderlings. Nice job.
Your grasshopper photo has greater DoF because you are farther back from subject.
At such close range, the DoF at f/5.6 is about 2-mm or so. Increasing illumination will greatly improve your macro-photography through standardized ISO (400), shorter shutter duration (1/200-sec), and deeper DoF (f/16 or f/22).
Your photo is about as good as can be expected with spiderlings. Nice job.
Your grasshopper photo has greater DoF because you are farther back from subject.
Nov 11, 2012 07:36:05 #
Very interesting Orb-weaver, nice captures, thanks for sharing!
Richard
Richard
Nov 11, 2012 11:28:05 #
Since you titled this, "looking for improvements", I'll make a few suggestions.
I am, by no means, one of the "elite" with Macro photography, but I can observe and see what has improved the work of others as well as myself.
Focusing: Go for the eyes-- this works for critters in the same way it works for portraiture. Select the smallest degree of focus and then set for "focus release" (your camera may call it something else), when set this way on auto-focus, the shutter will only operate when focus is attained.
DOF: to maximize, use f/16 to f/22 for macro work. The closer your working distance, the smaller the DOF. Since you may be cropping for magnification, you will need to use the lowest ISO possible: 200-500. Because you want to keep your shutter duration at 1/200 or so, supplemental lighting (flash) is required. To avoid flat, harsh lighting, a diffused strobe moved off the axis of the lens is preferred.
Composition: Sometimes a direct over-head shot works. More often a side view or eye-to-eye perspective is more compelling. For critters, a tripod is not practical-- set-up and compose and they are gone. Begin from a low position. Often what startles an insect into flight, is when you suddenly block the light.
For set up / gear suggestions, there is no better place to look than the posted set-ups that different UHHers use on the Macro Forum. Take note of who does stellar work and then go check out their set-ups. There are several DIYers who produce excellent images. The other option is something like what Nikonian72 uses.
For more stationary or "studio" set ups for flowers, etc a tripod can be useful. Focus-stacking may also be an option.
Good luck.
I am, by no means, one of the "elite" with Macro photography, but I can observe and see what has improved the work of others as well as myself.
Focusing: Go for the eyes-- this works for critters in the same way it works for portraiture. Select the smallest degree of focus and then set for "focus release" (your camera may call it something else), when set this way on auto-focus, the shutter will only operate when focus is attained.
DOF: to maximize, use f/16 to f/22 for macro work. The closer your working distance, the smaller the DOF. Since you may be cropping for magnification, you will need to use the lowest ISO possible: 200-500. Because you want to keep your shutter duration at 1/200 or so, supplemental lighting (flash) is required. To avoid flat, harsh lighting, a diffused strobe moved off the axis of the lens is preferred.
Composition: Sometimes a direct over-head shot works. More often a side view or eye-to-eye perspective is more compelling. For critters, a tripod is not practical-- set-up and compose and they are gone. Begin from a low position. Often what startles an insect into flight, is when you suddenly block the light.
For set up / gear suggestions, there is no better place to look than the posted set-ups that different UHHers use on the Macro Forum. Take note of who does stellar work and then go check out their set-ups. There are several DIYers who produce excellent images. The other option is something like what Nikonian72 uses.
For more stationary or "studio" set ups for flowers, etc a tripod can be useful. Focus-stacking may also be an option.
Good luck.
Nov 11, 2012 21:24:14 #
Like your first spider and the grasshopper. When you can stay flat/square to your subject like you did with the grasshopper, more of the insect will be in focus because of the DOF. As with all subjects, got to nail the eyes. Nice shots.
Nov 13, 2012 00:41:57 #
Thanks to everybody for your comments and help. I will learn, eventually!
Tradscot.
Tradscot.
Nov 13, 2012 05:04:55 #
Tradscot wrote:
Tradscot you will learn from every shot :-) We look forward to more from you! Cheers!Thanks to everybody for your comments and help. I will learn, eventually!
Nov 13, 2012 17:42:22 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Douglass, given your obvious interest in entomology, I refer you to the spider that I have been photographing in my aviaries as Argiope Keyserlingi, St.Andrews Cross. http://www.australianmuseum.net.au/St-Andrews-Cross-spider.Spider #1 & #2 is similar to a Banded Orb Weaver (Argiope trifasciata).
Many thanks for your help. I have ordered a Nissin 866 II flash and will get a O ring attachment once I know which one will fit. Tradscot.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.