Learning macro

[RedShoesGirl]

Thought I would share these with you folks...like I said in another thread, there is a steep learning curve to shooting macro....I have a long way to go, but with the advent of wildflower season in the desert I have many opportunities.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting/data//3349/17774evening_primose_1a.jpg

http://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting/data//3349/17774desert_five_spot_2a.jpg

http://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting/data//3349/17774beetle_going_to_dinner.jpg

http://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting/data//3349/17774buckwheat_small.jpg

http://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting/data//3349/17774small_phacelia_2a.jpg

I hope you enjoy.

lara

[Scottes]

First one is great, second has too much out of focus, 3rd with the bug is fantastic, the fourth I like a lot - it's kinda abstract, kinda not, but cool - and the last I think has too much out of focus.

I think you're well on your way.

[tenerife]

What to say....?

Only - just perfect - composition, lighting, focus....

But for me - i dont like the black frames... they are to heavy for the light and softing flowers... but that only my subjective mind...

Compliment to this perfect photos...

Regards from Tenerife
Klaus

[msol]

I love them, especially #1 and #3. I too like doing macro and I agree it's a steep learning curve. And maybe you still have a long way to go... but I'm sure that I still have a long way to go before I can do what you show here.

[PacAce]

They're all lovely. And that little bug adds a little more interest to the picture.

[Bean13]

Those are absolutely beautiful RSG! I'm not sure about the steep learning curve with you. Your photos always seem to impress me :)

~Adam

[LazyPhotographer]

1 & 3 are my favs. What lens did you use?

[msvadi]

fantastic pictures

[BCG3er]

One and three for me. The water on the leaves seem to complete the picture.
What lens did you use.

[Tom W]

Very nice. I also like 1 and 3 best, but I also like #2 quite a bit. I like the purple (mauve??) of the petals forming a soft ring around the center of the flower.

Nice work!

[RedShoesGirl]

First one is great, second has too much out of focus, 3rd with the bug is fantastic, the fourth I like a lot - it's kinda abstract, kinda not, but cool - and the last I think has too much out of focus.

I think you're well on your way.

Selective bokeh is a technique I use to emphasize a particular area in the image. In other words, the out of focus was that way on purpose! :-)

I too like #4 - it is my favorite. The others are for a book I am working on on Mojave wildflowers.

thanks for your comments

RSG

[RedShoesGirl]

One and three for me. The water on the leaves seem to complete the picture.
What lens did you use.

Thanks everyone, glad you like them! Today was almost an exercise in futility - trying to shoot macro with the wind not cooperating and my homemade "tent" wasn't cooperating either. Guess I'll have to go out tomorrow again.

Lenses/settings used for the above photos:

1. 100mm macro cropped, 1/50 @ f10
2. 180mm macro 1/200 @ f16.3
3. 180mm macro 1/100 f/11
4. 180mm macro 1/160 @ 4.5
5. 180mm macro 1/640 @ f5

lara

[stoneylonesome]

Beautiful macros Lara; Yes windy days are not good for outdoor macro, even a breeze can mess it up. I don't think you're going to have to much of a learning curve on shooting macros, judge on the great ones you just posted. :D

[jim monroe]

On the second one IMHO it is not that too much is out of focus but that the one petal which is very much in the foreground is cutting off the in focus in part of the flower which again IMHO seems to be what is trying to be emphasized. A little steep angle may have gotten the entire center in focus.
Just a thought.