I think you're right, tinusbum. I've tried that, of course, but it doesn't always help when I can't find the subject. For example, if the "bee" lights halfway down the bush, I have the (manual) focus at 1:1, and I'm standing. I look through the view finder and everything is blurred. Then, buck fever sets in, I start leaning down into the bug's approximate location, and the derned thing flies away. I do think practice will help, as well as bringing home a few "bucks"... :-)
Much obliged for the advice. I agree... 73... ~jessM

Still trying out the macro rig inspired by Nikonian72. In our case: a ring light and a Lumopro 180 outboard with a diffuser. Nikon D7100 + Nikkor 105 mm Micro. This shot was AF, but I missed some good specimens due to "confusion" of the focusing system. We need practice, practice, practice. PS: Plant is a Camphor Weed. Pluchea spp.

We have them here in Cocoa, FL, but most are brownish, although they do change. Never witnessed one go green, but saw an Anole almost solid black come out into the sun from his hideaway and, in about 5 minutes, turn to a fair tan. Your shot is very nice. The eye looks to be well-focused. Can you brighten it a tad? BTW, what equipment are you using here? Or did I miss that part? …. Regards... ~jessM, ex Refugio and Dewitt Counties, hundreds of years back... :-)

Two to 3 feet? Fantastic! I must have that Tamron. We have the regular 150-600 mm telephoto from them, and it takes great close-up of butterflies. But your captures, Regis, are out of this world! I guess the fly is a crop, but it doesn't look it.
Thank you for those images! …. 73... ~jessM in Port St John, FL...

Nikonian72, those Kalts don't have the ball joint like your rig, shown a while back. I found a "Goldcrest" that does have the ball joint, quite an old one apparently -- the clamp on the ball isn't holding well, so I may need to set the rig up and make it permanent with epoxy. … I'd rather not. The ball now holds a Lumapro LP-180, which is quite heavy, slaved to a ring flash on the camera, a D7100. If held steady and juggled a bit, the rig supported some nice captures with our Nikkor 105 mm macro lens. A setup that big casts a fearsome shadow, and some insects run from it. Still, we've caught a few good ones.
Thanks much for the inspiration! …. 73... ~jessM

Thanks, David. I'll consult our budget, then we'll establish priorities -- we might need to buy a new computer for the boss. She is happy with her standalone InDesign (ID), which I removed to make room for something else. Now, she wants the ID prog back, and that'll take a new machine. I think also that we should look for a bigger, faster in-house backup system, and only *then* for something like My Cloud. We're grateful for the advice. I'm sure others appreciate it as well.

Good points! In fact, we pay more than $10 for Netflix and another -- not to mention the increasing bleed to Amazon... :-)
My wife is an InDesign geek and is quite an expert. I took it off her machine to make room for something else, and now she wants it back. She'll need either a new computer or ID-in-a-cloud, if that's do-able. I'll ask Adobe. BTW, we make our regular payments via PayPal, so no problem there. We'll probably pick up a WD My Cloud over on Merritt Island today, btw. Thanks for the info..... 73... ~jessM

Agreed, amfoto1 !!
Elements is definitely the software to start with. I know folks who never felt the need to go further.
~jessM

I'm not interested in paying $10 per month in perpetuity... :-) but we could probably use the WD MyCloud to back up our entire system. I see that 4TB is the smallest unit available these days. Office Depot is selling it today for ~$180. Given your experience, can you recommend the WD system?

Thanks... 73... ~jessM

I see in the specs that the minimum focus distance is about 0.8 ft. Two questions:
1. Were you about that close in the first 2 shots? and, more important to me:
2. Can you ID those tiny (!) flies in those shots?

Thanks.... ~jessM

Gorgeous shot! Equipment? Please..
~jess M

I wasn't aware of it, but the story seems to be a true one. One of my neighbors in WA had a Smugmug account; he seemed happy with it. For chat on the acquisition, see:
https://www.cnet.com/news/flickr-future-under-smugmug-control-what-you-need-to-know-faq/
73... ~jess M

We've used Lightroom (LR), an Adobe product for more than 10 y, probably much longer -- I'm forgetful.
Our LR was of the standalone type. I don't know if it's still available. You can get the "cloud" version though. I'm not sure of the cost, so I won't recommend the cloud.
I am very pleased with the stand-alone version of LR. We use it as a data base for several thousand images and for post processing as well. Help doesn't appear to be available any more for the Stand-alone. If you can manage to acquire it, be sure to buy a book. We have Scott Kelby's Lightroom 5 Book for Digital Photographers, and I consult it often (see above reference to "forgetful"). It's probably out of print, but look for it in one of the used book specialist sites, or in Amazon.

Probably, whatever software you buy will have a fairly steep learning curve, and you may find little of it to be intuitive. But stick to the program you choose and all will become (fairly) simple before you too become "forgetful."

BTW, if all you wish to do is keep track of your image collection -- and post process with another program -- you might consider Adobe Bridge. Good luck and, above all, enjoy the journey..... 73... ~jessM
PS: Not sure what you mean by "... have Adobe first..." Both products are from Adobe, and you may be required to pay, either a one-time price, or a monthly fee (for a 'cloud' product). …. But see this about a "free" Adobe Bridge cloud:
https://prodesigntools.com/free-adobe-bridge-cc.html

[quote=JessM]Everything you said points toward taking those shots and having a good time. ….quote]

Forgot to say:
Your
"Nikon D500 and also A 910speedlight"
will make a damned good start!
73... ~jessM

Everything you said points toward taking those shots and having a good time. You'll become famous, and all your friends will ask for *free* service. I agree that a good zoom lens would help a lot as would a good digital camera, a flash with diffuser, and enough storage for 500 or more images -- most of which you will toss out before the "victims" see 'em. Why don't you list your equipment on hand -- camera; lens; software; and anything else you'd like to mention. Then invite further suggestions. But remember the old military adage about opinions: "Everybody's got one.... etc." So, prepare to ignore many...………. :-) ………… 73.... ~jessM, at 0530 EDT
PS: Don't forget post-processing, but don't spend lots of funds on that.... unless you wish to become addicted... :)
PPS: There are people who do post-processing and printing for hire, but, they'll expect to be paid.