Macro photography

[coolcat]

I think we can safely say you have got this macro stuff licked Phil

[Phil]

Originally Posted by coolcat

I think we can safely say you have got this macro stuff licked Phil

Thank you Jeff!
Just wondering how I can take it to the next level now.

[stevenicks]

Originally Posted by Phil

Thank you Jeff!
Just wondering how I can take it to the next level now.

You already have Phil .

[Phil]

A few from the weekend.
Shallow depth of field on these.. I was "trying" to be artistic LOL.
Fly head by Philip Davies, on Flickr
Damsel fly by Philip Davies, on Flickr
Damsel fly by Philip Davies, on Flickr
Damsel fly by Philip Davies, on Flickr

[stevenicks]

Excellent Phil, you have well and truly mastered Macro photography .

[Phil]

Originally Posted by stevenicks

Excellent Phil, you have well and truly mastered Macro photography .

Thanks Steve.
I'm thoroughly enjoying it.
Soon all the insects will be gone though, so I'm making the most of it while I can.

I have been trying to take pictures of ants now for some time, but not able to get really sharp images. Ok images, but I want better!
I guess it's because they are so small and they move so fast..

Would extension tubes help with this type of thing, or do I just need a more powerful macro lens/better camera?


Red ants by Philip Davies, on Flickr


Here's another Damsel fly, carrying what I presume are her eggs?
Green Damsel fly. by Philip Davies, on Flickr

[coolcat]

Originally Posted by Phil

Thanks Steve.
I'm thoroughly enjoying it.
Soon all the insects will be gone though, so I'm making the most of it while I can.

I have been trying to take pictures of ants now for some time, but not able to get really sharp images. Ok images, but I want better!
I guess it's because they are so small and they move so fast..

Would extension tubes help with this type of thing, or do I just need a more powerful macro lens/better camera?


Red ants by Philip Davies, on Flickr


Here's another Damsel fly, carrying what I presume are her eggs?
Green Damsel fly. by Philip Davies, on Flickr

Red Ants!!!!!

Vicious blighters

Great shots as ever Phil

[Rocket]

Originally Posted by Phil

Thanks Steve.
I'm thoroughly enjoying it.
Soon all the insects will be gone though, so I'm making the most of it while I can.

I have been trying to take pictures of ants now for some time, but not able to get really sharp images. Ok images, but I want better!
I guess it's because they are so small and they move so fast..

Would extension tubes help with this type of thing, or do I just need a more powerful macro lens/better camera?

I took this today. I used my old Pentax 18-55 zoom lens REVERSED onto my Sony a6000 I shot it at about 24mm focal length, hand held (no crop). I think the "2016" is about the size of ant. The chances of getting a live ant sharp in the frame out in the wild are a bit slim I reckon. I had to take the flash off camera as the subject was only 1"-2" from the lens.

I think many of the super close up shots of insects are either with dead uns or they also put them in the fridge to slow them down. (I won't be doing that.) Then you can shoot indoors with a tripod and with a good lighting setup. Focus stacking is then a possibility also.

DSC02082.jpg by Paul Stickley, on Flickr


This guy is quite good.

[Canonite]

This thread is fascinating to read.
From the very early questions about macro, to purchasing the lens and then seeing the quality of the images improve immensely over the pages.
You should be very proud Phil, some excellent stuff here

[stevenicks]

I agree, the macro photo's are utterly stunning and the detail is amazing .