Finally got more detail...how is this?

[Blue S2]

These are both larger jpegs...

http://gallery.rennlist.com/albums/macros/Fly_face1_web.jpg

http://gallery.rennlist.com/albums/macros/Fly_close2_web.jpg

[Omri Alon]

They looks sharp :D The lighting is horrible, the flash is way too harsh :(

[Blue S2]

I use my flash mounted on the hotshoe. The setting I found works better for me is taking the photos under-exposed so I level corrected in photoshop. I think that's what made it really drastic. I really need to get a bracket or something similar I think. A lot of shots I notice aren't working due to the flash position being blocked by something close to the scene.

[cgratti]

Are you using a diffuser? placing the flash on a bracket with a diffuser will probably do the trick.

[Blue S2]

No diffuser. I've heard a few people say this though. I have been throwing a few brackets back and fourth, but I just saw the Delta Flip Flash model thats pretty short and think I might order that. I just need to be able to get the flash to the front of the lens right? No increased height or anything.

[pxl8]

Quick and easy method is to use an old plastic milk carton over the flash head. Softens the light and helps bring it forward as well.

[dpastern]

The first shot is very nice, perhaps as Omri has suggested a touch too harsh on flash, and possibly a bit too much contrast in Photoshop at a rough guess (correct me if I'm wrong). I'd certainly do as cgratti has suggested - get a diffuser. From first hand experience, they do wonders with light from flash units. A flash bracket is a very good idea as well. I use and love the Delta flip flash 1. You'll find that the flash is being blocked by your lens. What camera/lens combo (the image exif didn't have any information)?

The 2nd shot isn't as nice, it looks very heavily cropped, and combined with the over contrast effect and slightly over harsh flash/lighting looks odd. Were both shots taken on a car? The surface looks highly reflective and I wonder if that had something to do with the unusual lighting.

Definitely getting there, just a few tiny things to sort out and you're away!!!

Dave

[Blue S2]

I cropped both of those, thats why they are missing the EXIF data. Thats actually a patio stone the fly was on. It's got a bunch of little quartz and rocks or something in it.

5D with canon 100mm macro. F/13, 1/400, ISO-160.

Where do you normally position the Flip Flash unit? Flash pointing down onto the subject, side, etc.. ? So the flip flash will be the right length for the 100 macro or do I need something else?

Thanks so much.

[dpastern]

Ahhh! That's what might have made it highly reflective then, wouldn't have helped the flash either. Try a diffuser over the flash unit to soften the light. The flip flash is positionable, so it can be moved about to suit the lens that you're using. I'm currently using it with a 50mm and 68mm of tubes, which would be longer than your Canon 100mm Macro lens I suspect. You can position the flash to suit your needs, and the direction that you want your light to come from - so top light, side light etc is possible. Take your pick! It's a very nice flash bracket which I recommend - the only drawback that i can say is that sometimes the flash loses its positioning and you need to reposition it. Not a hard task, but a minor annoyance. The only other real flash bracket alternative that I could recommend from seeing and reading about is the Wimberley flash bracket, but it's quite pricey (albeit very good). Your EXIF data is fine, good f stop, shutter speed and ISO rating.

Dave

[Blue S2]

The wimberley is the one I was considering. The price was getting too close to a Ringlight however. That was my only drawback. The quick-attach plates are great...but I honestly don't have a use for attachments like that in any of my other shooting. Most of my work is hand held, as Im rarely somewhere that I can use a tripod.

The EXIF data I posted comes out somewhat under-exposed unless its a really bright background. I think I will pick up the Delta flash bracket and an off-shoe cord. (and try diffusing the flash!) That will definitely let me illuminate the shots that are underneath railing and such where the flash misses completely.

[dpastern]

Try the Delta and a sto-fen diffuser, and the offshoe connector, I think you'll be happy :)

Dave

[Blue S2]

That's exactly the list I bookmarked tonight on B&H!

[dpastern]

:) You'll enjoy!

Dave