First attempts at macro

[AndCity]

Here are my first attempts at macro - I've always been interested in doing this but I think I may be asking too much of the camera.



Camera: Panasonic DMC-FZ18
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 8.8 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: On, Fired




Camera: Panasonic DMC-FZ18
Exposure: 0.125 sec (1/8)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 6.4 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire




Camera: Panasonic DMC-FZ18
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 4.6 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: On, Fired

[Hayward Taylor]

I think you should move up to the head of the class .. very well done

[shmelly]

Wow, what are you expecting from your camera? These are very nice, absolutely love the bee he is so clear and well detailed.

[MJK]

wow, how did you take the first shot?

[pjflan7]

They really look good to me.....a lot of light will really help like in your first shot...well done!

[toyvlle]

These are wonderful ! What a great first attempt, I think you've set the bar pretty high there.. I agree with Howard, move to the front of the class.

[mstark70]

I think you are a fast learner for sure! Extra credit for you! Really fantastic for your first attempt I look forward to seeing more from you. Great set!

[wildjob]

These are great shots, good detail and dof. The camera is working just fine in your hands. Thank you for sharing these shots.

[AndCity]

Originally Posted by MJK

wow, how did you take the first shot?

Thank you all for your very kind comments - the only reason I was thinking I asking too much of the camera as it wasn't a dedicated macro lens. In my job I print a lot of books about insects and so seeing some of the results in these books ie. the real up-close shots made me think these were just ok. (but I liked 'em )

As for taking the first picture of the bee, well, it was flying around my office so I caught it in a glass and put it in the fridge for half an hour to dull it's reactions somewhat. When I got it out I thought it was dead so I put it on the window ledge on a sheet of A4 paper in the sunlight to thaw out. That is where it recovered and I took the shot with some flash to bring out the detail and a tiny amount of PP with the constrast.