Shiny Bug

[millerdj]

I like this picture, but I wonder if there is too much empty space, and if too much of the foreground is out of focus. Please let me know what could be improved, I've got a lot to learn

[clockdoc]

Hi and welcome to the Forum. I think you hit the nail on the head with your comments. The center of attention is in the middle of your composition so you would improve the image by cropping it more closely. I wasn't able to see any EXIF data on your photo so you can help us out by telling us what camera/lens you used to shoot this. I'll be happy to help where I can.

[millerdj]

Here is what I used to take the shot:

Camera: Nikon D40
Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm (Kit Lens)

Aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 200
Focal Length: 55mm
Exposure 1/125

[Saralonde]

Your background dof is nice, but when you are trying to take a shot of something so small, it's best to get quite close. It's hard to tell if that is a bug. If that is as close as you can get with your lens, try cropping it.

[jiminyClickit]

millerdj, Welcome

Also think ahead how black bug will look against black background, and just realign in viewfinder. The chainlink could make an interesting Macro even without the bug, using suggestions above from Saralonde and clockdoc.

[millerdj]

Thanks everybody for the great insight. I've tried to put your pointers to use by cropping the original, I think it improves the shot somewhat, but the now the focus issues seem to be more pronounced. Is there something else I could do to get more of this in focus or would I need something like a macro lens for these super close shots?

[clockdoc]

Hi. I just read a review of the D40 in hopes of learning more about its macro capabilities. All I could find for a clue was the universal icon for macro, the little tulip-style flower, on one of the selector knobs. Were you in the macro mode when you shot this image of the bug? If so and your were at the 55mm end of the focal length of the lens, you probably had to be some distance away. The f/5.6 sounds like it is stopped down but that may be ide-open for this telephoto zoom lens that come swith the D40.
My recommendation is to read your owner's manual regarding macro photos and experiment by shooting lots of test shots ntil you know what the camera/lens will handle. Be sure to use a tripod if possible. I look forward to seeing more of your work.