first post to macro

[WMS]

My first attempt to post a photo, this was taken today with a Canon 70-300 IS DO using the oncamera flash of my Digital Rebel XT. I think I need better lighting equipment and probably a real macro lens.

http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1zJiwXsNA364GeXEaI6HOVZooSnSo0

Wayne

[photobitz]

Ummm... I can't see your pic.

[WMS]

OK so I apparently don't know how to post using pixentral, I don't see it eather. Can someone explain how to insert the photo? In the meantime I am truing another hosting sight.

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/6320lady-bug.jpg

Wayne

[photobitz]

Were you at the 300mm end or the 70mm end?

[WMS]

According to the meta data file I was at 210 mm of zoom (I cropped the photo before resaving and resizing it for posting in Photoshop elements 5) The aperture was 5.6 (wide open for the lens) I also used a Canon close up filter lens 500D) with a 1/60 second shutter speed, actually the on camera flash would have been a much shorter time. and the ISO setting was 400.

Wayne :D

[WMS]

Actually I am not real happy with this photo(of the lady bug), But I was hoping for comments which I could use for future reference. Normally I take photographs of things I am working on,
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/6320tanzanite-ring.jpg

incidentily I'm a jeweler and this was a ring which was on my bench to set the Tanzanite in.

Wayne

[LordV]

The ring is better- the ladybird is a bit out of focus (OOF)
Brian V.

[photobitz]

OK, I'll let Brian be the bad guy then :)

What sort of ladybeetle is that anyway? I've noticed a few around my house that look suspiciously similar but I'm in Oz!

The ring shot is much better. You've probably noticed that macro needs lots of light. Ideally I try to use ISO 100 or 200 and preferably around f/8 aperture to sharpen things up. Next you need patience, practice, a big CF card and an itchy shutter button finger :)

[WMS]

I think that Brad's comment about the focus is probably what I see that I didn't like and just was too enamored with my own work to notice :oops:. As for the type don't know, however it looks like one of the ones sold in bulk to eat aphids on some of the fruit crops around here, There are oranges, olives, grapes, walnuts, peaches, cherries and probably other tree crops grown in this area as well as the typical row crops.

Wayne

[Alex Paul]

You got your feet wet with your first macro post....Proud of ya.... Just takes practice, and you'll be nailing them. More difficult than shooting rings.....Rings don't move.....Keep shooting and posting please..... Brian is right about the Ladybug being slightly off focus but you'll get it.....Take care....Alex

[DaleP]

Hi Wayne from a fellow jeweller. :)

I've just recently purchased a macro lens. Going to have some fun soon taking pics of my work.

[WMS]

Dale, what macro lens did you buy, and what type of flash do you intend to use? Perhaps we can have something other than bugs or is that allowed? :lol:

Wayne

[DaleP]

I bought a Sigma 150mm. I don't have a flash as yet, so until I do I'll be using natural light.

[racketman]

can't read EXIF on the Ladybird shot so no idea what settings you used so can't advise how to improve other than to make sure you have nailed the focus.

[BradT0517]

I like the ring shot what was holding it
I like how the blur gets stronger

[WMS]

Brad the ring was being held by my benchmate steel ring clamp. "This is a very solid tool for holding a ring while working on it. Typically this is one of the holders I use while stone setting.

Wayne

[DaleP]

One of these... http://www.lacywest.com/catpics/bm_01a.jpg

Very handy tools.