butterfly macro

[Lolkat]

I'm really trying to get better at taking macro shots, but it's so frustrating at times- especially when you think you have some great ones, then load them on the big screen and realize they're crappy I like this one, but I'm wondering if the composition works and if it bothers anyone about the legs being chopped off. I get so focused on the focus (lol) that I sometimes forget about composition.



Camera Nikon D90
Exposure 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 60 mm
ISO Speed 800
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash No Flash

[EmyB]

This is possibly a stupid thing for me to say (I'm just learning) but I thought Macro shots should aim to be all in focus (with a small aperture)? Or not? I'm highly likely to be wrong! I quite like the selective focus look myself but I think I remember being pulled up on it before...

Good angle on the butterfly!

[silverbirch]

For me (and not an expert) I need the legs shown, to give the insect and shot some grounding. As far as aperture and depth of field I guess it depends exactly what you are trying to show. If you wanted to show the head and only that in focus, then that's what you have achieved, but I wonder if you wanted the whole insect in focus? In which case a larger number f stop. I only know this from my own recent mistakes with flowers :-)

[Lolkat]

yeah, I would have gotten as much of it in focus as i could have, but due to low lighting and not being able to bring a tripod in, I had to open the aperture up and raise the ISO. Thanks for your replies, I feel the same about the legs

[Murray Warner]

As I opened this I had the same question as soon as I seen the bf . Learning without even asking. Thanks

[crockny]

OK I want to know how you get so close to the butterfly without it flying away!

[Lolkat]

Originally Posted by crockny

OK I want to know how you get so close to the butterfly without it flying away!

ha ha! these butterflies were pretty used to people walking through- but occasionally I would get a little too close for their comfort and they'd fly off.

[Murray Warner]

Maybe another question that is out there, but could you use a digital zoom to bring them in closer??

[Lolkat]

Originally Posted by Murray Warner

Maybe another question that is out there, but could you use a digital zoom to bring them in closer??

No, my macro lens is a prime, as most are. It's a 60mm 2.8. It would be nice to maybe have a set of extension tubes or something to not have to be so close to the subject. Unless you're talking about digitally zooming in, which would be the same as just enlarging and cropping, which would just lose detail.

[EmyB]

I thought extension tubes meant that you could focus closer, not necessarily be farther away. Can someone please explain?