First try at posting macro shot

[picnovice]

Any help would be appreciated.



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/...9eed6a1d83.jpg

ISO 100 1/500 F/8



Canon EOS350D
70-300 IS

[maala]

For your first time I think it was a nice job. I like that I can see the pollen on the bee's leg. Only negative I can say is I wish there was a bit more contrast between the bee and the flower. Flower was beautiful.

[Photo Bo]

I am just beginning to get into macro work but I like the shot. The only thing I might change is cropping in closer to remove the outer light areas and come in on the bee since to me it seems to be the main subject of the photo.

[wal]

The flowers are too distracting, they are taking all the spotlight here. I think macro is a bit different than what you are trying to show here. this is more of a close-up than a macro. IMO, a macro is something such as this (p/s: this is not mine) http://www.flickr.com/photos/jay_wil...68906/sizes/m/

About the picture, it is sharp and colours are a bit over satturated. I like the reflection on the wings. But notice the use of flash cast some shadows on the petals, in this situation, a diffuser might help, to soften the light,.

[gibberi3h]

I agree with Wal that this is a close up shot instead & agreed with Photo bo that white areas should be removed.

Cross posted from another forum:
Macros and Close-ups FAQs - ClubSNAP Photography Forums

Macro refers to 1:1 or beyond.

3. What is 1:1 Macro Photography ?
The image projected on the "film plane" (i.e film or a digital sensor) is the same size as the subject. On 35 mm film (for example), the lens must have the ability to focus on an area at least as small as 24×36 mm, as this is the size of the image on the film. This is known as "life-size magnification" or simply 1:1.


4. What is 100% crop ?
It is viewed or displayed at the original resolution. Usually displays part of an image in 100% crop.


5. What is the recommended macro camera equipment setup ?

a. DSLR/SLR camera
Type of Setup:
- Camera + Dedicated Macro lens
- Camera + Extension tube + Macro lens (for macro > 1:1 )
- Camera + Telezoom lens + closeup filter (e.g. +2, +4)
- Camera + Extension tube + Telezoom/prime lens
- Camera + Extension tube + Telezoom/prime lens + closeup filter
- Camera + Normal lens + Coupling Ring + Reversed prime lens (for macro > 1:1 )
- Camera + Reverse Lens Adapter + Reversed lens (for macro > 1:1 )
- Camera + Bellows + Macro lens (for macro > 1:1 )

Recommended Add-on:
- External Flash (if camera comes with hot-shoe) with Diffuser (provide soft lighting effect)
- Tripod (good for still life)

[picnovice]

Thanks for the comments, there is truly a lot to learn here. For example getting 1:1 with a crop camera at 1.6
Thanks again.
rda

[Harksie Photos]

Nice capture. Really like how the bee is at rest in the flower. Maybe try playing with the brightness. The flower seems to just be a little too bright. Nice capture though.

[JFSanders]

Just a simple crop to isolate on the bee. This makes the flower become the backdrop for the focus subject. If you wanted the flower to be the focus then you have to wait until the bee leaves. As an insect will always draw the viewers eye away from a flower when done in closeup or macro.

Beeutiful!




This was done with 36mm of extension and a 18-200mm set at 200mm.

[Chewys Dad]

Originally Posted by picnovice

Thanks for the comments, there is truly a lot to learn here. For example getting 1:1 with a crop camera at 1.6
Thanks again.
rda

To get a 1:1 you need to use a dedicated Maco lens, for example I use the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro and it will yield 1:1 with a crop sensor. Using an extension tube, (I use a canon 25mm extension tube) can increase that to Greater than 1:1.
Here is one taken with my Canon 40D and the 25mm extension tube.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/...121bfa0e_o.jpg
Thanks Michael