To look without seeing

[LordV]

I was concentrating so hard on getting a fill flash/full flash comparison of this soldier fly Sargus bipunctatus that I didn't notice what was underneath it. I think it must have had a pseudoscorpion passenger which had disembarked after the flight.
I've included an older shot of a pseudoscorpion attached to the leg of a mating compost fly.

Brian V.

Fill flash ISO 1600 -.66 EC, -1 FEC 1/160th focus stacked

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2946616436_d11a9f31b2_o.jpg

Full flash ETTL flash camera in manual ISO 100, F10, 1/200th, focus stacked

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2946616440_07b3358894_o.jpg

Picture of a pseudo scorpion attached to the leg of a mating compost fly

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/115/251625152_6665182243_o.jpg

[Lester Wareham]

Fantastic shots.

The full/fill flash comparison is very interesting. How on earth did you keep the fill shot steady at 1/160th at what magnification?

[lcpete]

The fill flash on the first shot has worked really well lovely colours and lighting
really prefer the first one even at ISO1600
Pete

[LordV]

Thanks Lester and Pete for the comments- think that's the first shot I've ever taken at ISO1600.
Lester think these shots are around 1.5:1 - I was doing the hold leaf in left hand and rest camera lens on hand trick - everything the shakes at the same frequency :)

Brian V.

[Nymphalidae]

Nice pic and very little strange guy .... :)

[spidermanrbryce2006]

lovely series Brian!

[LordV]

Thanks for the comments :)
Brian V.

[LindaB]

First shot is quite stunning.

Linda

[hobbes2112]

So what is the deal with the pseudo scorpion? Is he just hitching a ride or will he attempt to kill/eat the fly?

[LordV]

THanks for looking and commenting :)

hobbes - the pseudoscorpions hitch lifts around this time of year on flies - just they tend to do it by just gripping a leg with one claw.
Brian V.

[alliec]

I actually prefer the first fill flash shot, the colours appear more natural. Im going to have a look for these pseudoscorpions this weekend in our compost bin.

[Mike_Canon5D]

Great shots. I also photographed a similar fly but did not know the fly's Id, now I know what it is, thanks.

[midnight_rider]

There is a very interesting difference between the fill and full flash. The way it affects the moisture, color and detail. I would have been pleased with either shot although I prefer the full flash version. Great comparison and photos. Like they say it is all in the light. thanks for sharing.

[LordV]

Thanks for the comments all :)
Brian V.