Macro DSLR Speed Challenge #20 "Open Macro"

[John_B]

Macro DSLR Speed Challenge #20
Open Macro

With the topic of Open Macro you can post a macro photo of anything you want! I will judge on inventiveness and photo quality. So try to be Open Macro Inventive and get creative, get my attention, and Have Fun shooting!!


Standard Rules apply:
Photo Submissions:

1. Camera - Any Canon DSLR camera
2. Lens - Any lens, or attachment that can give Macro (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=779256&postcount=2) photos (ex. extension tubes, bellows, macro filters, reverse mounted lens and of course a true macro lens.).
3. Time - any on-topic photo taken at any time is eligible, although photos that have won other competitions should NOT be entered.
4. Size - Please see the Image posting rules (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=194511).
5. Post-Processing - do whatever you like and the host will decide if it works.
6. Posting -
* ONE MACRO PHOTO (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=779256&postcount=2) per photographer in each challenge.
* Photo Name/Title in the message.
* Camera model & lens used in the message.
* Post brief Exif data including ISO, shutter speed and aperture used in the message.
* Notes - anything you feel you need to explain.
7. Commenting - No commenting during challenge. When the posting is closed and a winner has been declared, comments can be made in this thread.
8. Questions - Use PM
9. Have FUN! :)

One challenge every week, on the following schedule:

* New Topic - After winner is declared.
* Posting Starts - Right after topic is announced.
* Posting Ends - 06:00 PM EST (Eastern) Friday, April 10, 2009. Winner will be announced shortly thereafter.
* Winner from this competition decides the theme of the next one (and judges it for a winner) after this competition is closed.

Here is a link to our previous Macro DSLR Speed Challenge winners <-- click to see (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=606993)

[atmianzo]

Peach Flower

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3412973949_3f2ef576c2_o.jpg

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 100 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Lens Model: EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

check out more at my flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/atmianzo/)

[A.Christopher]

Smile!!! :D

http://www.adamchristopher.net/img/v0/p944476105-4.jpg


Shooting Conditions Camera make Canon
Camera model Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 100 mm
Exposure 1/125 at f/6.3
Exposure prog. Aperture priority
ISO speed ISO 400
Metering mode Center-weighted average

[FireDragon]

Camera model Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Exposure 1/160 at f/2.8
ISO speed ISO 100
Metering mode Center-weighted average

[Flo]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/emmaloudawg/color%20efex/IMG_6323JPG.jpg

Camera Model: Canon EOS 20D
Date/Time: 2008:04:30 14:49:29
Resolution: 800 x 533
Flash Used: Yes (manual, red eye reduction...
Focal Length: 55.0mm (35mm equivalent: 88mm...
CCD Width: 22.48mm
Exposure Time: 0.0056 s (1/180)
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO Equiv.: 400

[BASmith]

Goofy Eyes

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m139/gerbalhunter/Insects/GoofyEyes.jpg


Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 60.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200)
Aperture: f/11.0
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual

[monty28428]

40D, f/7.1, 1/250, iso 640

[mikerault]

Canon20D, Canon 100mm Macro, f4.0, 1/200 sec, ISO400, -0.3 exposure bias

[-g-]

"Open Wide"
100mm @ f/3.2
1/8 sec
ISO 1000

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/3044630503_f4e6b5da36_o.jpg

[lavanut]

I had a hard time deciding on a pic for this challenge, but this was one I shot the other day that I liked.

"Safflower in the Sun"
356310

Model: Canon EOS 40D
Shutter Speed: 1/160 sec
Exposure Program: Manual
Aperture Value: f/11
ISO Speed Ratings: 400
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

[John_B]

Ok the competition is closed,
I will choose the winner in a few minutes :)

[John_B]

Well first let me congratulate all!!
As they were all great photos to my eyes!

??? FireDragon, Flo & monty28428 - why no name for your photos? ???

I do have to pick the top three so here it goes...............

Third Place goes to "Open Wide" by Geno DM
It had good colors and a small DOF in just the right area. Can the subject still see? ??? :lol:

Second Place goes to "Peach Flower" by atmianzo
Your photo being first and being full and rich in color just kept me coming back to it.

and finally for 1st Place!!!

First Place goes to "Goofy Eyes" by BASmith
With perfect sharpness, perfect colors, great angle and the perfect subjects expression it just was the best of the best to my eyes!

[-g-]

Congrats BA!

Yes, she still has sight. :-)

[brecklundin]

we have to get a more consistent ending time for these things. I had a few shots ready and was going to decide when I got done working this AFTERNOON and did not notice for this thing to end at 3PM PACIFIC TIME. Oh, well, just will save them for another time. ;)

Congrats to BA for an interesting shot for sure...and Geno I still LOVE that shot it's it one of the most interesting eyeball shots I've seen so far.

Lavanut, I really like yours though I think it would have helped if you used some bounced light to fill it in a bit and bring out the colors in the shadow...still yours was my favorite. Nice shot!

[monty28428]

Congrats BASmith!!

Sweet shots everybody and it was nice seeing a couple of new faces show up!

[lavanut]

Nice shot BA. Those were some goofy eyes for sure and a very well done macro!

Geno, that really is an impressive eye shot. Nicely done.

I also enjoyed the shots from everyone else, especially the new folks. Keep coming back for the challenges!

Brecklundin, thanks for the comment on the flower. I debated on lightening the shadow side, but I liked the contrast between the sun & shade. I'm curious on others' opinions. I'd like to know if my thoughts are in the minority. BTW, I almost put up a match shot, just for you! Sorry you missed the deadline this time.:(

[monty28428]

I like the shadows/contrast myself - exposure looks dead on to me and I love the colors and detail, if anything I would like to see more of the yellow stringy things within the DOF.

Where's Pennypue's shot -- no excuse remember ;-)

[FireDragon]

BASmith Congratulations , is a great picture and title.

John_B , Next pictures will be named.

Edit: Can I get some feed back on my picture ? It was my first time out with my macro lens at the beach, was really bright clear sky that day. Plus I am not that great with PP as of yet.

[pennypue]

LOL, monty, I love how you hold me to it.

I was threatened with life and limb to find my daughter a car. I wasn't allowed to shoot till I had bought her one. I've STILL failed. New, I can buy, used, I suck.

Thus, no workout in the basement for me, no shooting for me, just car shopping, used car shopping. It's been painful. I literally came home and cried.

Can I make it up to you with a dead bug from months ago? (From when I first got my 100macro and started playing...)
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1952/206/93/749403505/n749403505_1363155_9876.jpg

[brecklundin]

Nice shot BA. Those were some goofy eyes for sure and a very well done macro!

Geno, that really is an impressive eye shot. Nicely done.

I also enjoyed the shots from everyone else, especially the new folks. Keep coming back for the challenges!

Brecklundin, thanks for the comment on the flower. I debated on lightening the shadow side, but I liked the contrast between the sun & shade. I'm curious on others' opinions. I'd like to know if my thoughts are in the minority. BTW, I almost put up a match shot, just for you! Sorry you missed the deadline this time.:(

Yeah, I like the shot but still have the sense if you used a bit of refected light to just slightly illuminate that section the contrast effect would be even better. Right now to me it seems as if there is a bit of detail lost to the shadow that would actually make the shot more interesting. As it is, that is one of the coolest flower macro shots I've seen...I just love that flower, whatever it is!! hahaha.....

EDIT: You know looking at it from another POV, maybe LESS light would be interesting too. You know put a black card next to that side to reduce light hitting the area. Either variation might be interesting. Or am I FOS? hehehehehe

[monty28428]

Brecklundin -- that's a volcano!! Can't you see it!

Hey Pennypue!! -- Yeah dead bugs work (at least they stay still for you!), (PS I have a slightly used suziki aero for sale :-) )

FireDragon -- lots of detail and an interesting subject - but whatever is in front of your subject really hurts this shot IMHO.

[brecklundin]

hahahaha...a volcano!! How could I have missed that...so yup more things that burn from our pal lavanut!! snickersnickersnicker!!

[monty28428]

LOL -- Exactly!

[mikerault]

So...no one has mentioned my shot. Can I ask for some feedback? Nobody liked it at all?

[brecklundin]

LOL, monty, I love how you hold me to it.

I was threatened with life and limb to find my daughter a car. I wasn't allowed to shoot till I had bought her one. I've STILL failed. New, I can buy, used, I suck.

Thus, no workout in the basement for me, no shooting for me, just car shopping, used car shopping. It's been painful. I literally came home and cried.

Can I make it up to you with a dead bug from months ago? (From when I first got my 100macro and started playing...)
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1952/206/93/749403505/n749403505_1363155_9876.jpg

Hey I think I dated her...she just laid there in a fetal position too...coincedence? Perhaps not... :evil:

[monty28428]

So...no one has mentioned my shot. Can I ask for some feedback? Nobody liked it at all?


I love it and wish I could get a shot like that Mike! Only nit on my end is I would like to see more DOF.

[lavanut]

OMG, you guys crack me up! I never made the connection to a resemblance of a volcano, but you're right! How funny! Seriously, it was a safflower, so the package said. They had a "bunch" on clearance at Kroger, and I thought they'd make interesting photo subjects. I took several shots and was fascinated with them. I played with that shot a good bit in PP to get it like I wanted. The yellow bits caught my attention too! Maybe I'll post links to other pics & versions tomorrow.

Mike, your shot was pretty cool... definitely bug eyed, but it appeared to be a bit soft. I think that took away from it some. Lord knows I've had my share of those shots in my macro endeavors. Was that a dragonfly? I see wisps of wings on the sides.

Firedragon, I'm with monty on his comments on your shot. That blur in the foreground draws attention away from the shell. Maybe crop that part out in your original if you can. I'm not on my computer with PS on it right now, or I'd play a bit. Maybe tomorrow....

Penny... nice dead bug. Maybe I should shoot more of those myself! Like monty says... they stay still for you! Good luck on that car.

[brecklundin]

So...no one has mentioned my shot. Can I ask for some feedback? Nobody liked it at all?

Oh, geeze mike don't feel left out at all, glad you joined the fun!!...I liked your concept a lot and even thought about what I might have tried to get more detail in the shot. To me it needed more DOF, so maybe f/11 or more likely f/22 in order to more of the face is in the shot. At f/4 the DOF is so thin that w/o stacking there's a bunch of detail lost.

As an example BA's shot was F/11 and you see how much more detail is there in the shot because of the DOF being larger.

I don't have the link handy but there is a DOF calculator that is a nice tool that is so good I copied the whole HTML page to my Nokia N800 as well as my old Sony Clie so I can use it if need be wherever I am. When I find the link I can post it in this comment if you want it...not a problem.

BTW, I usually have no idea WTH I am taking about so don't think I am an expert at all...just relating what I have gleaned from my reading and practice.

EDIT: here is the link...play with it and you will see how tiny the DOF is at f/4 vs. f/11 or f/22...it can make all the difference in the shot.

http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

[pennypue]

Lava, I've got a some of a dead spider that wasn't quite so dead when I started out.....I felt pretty bad about it too. But it did stay still for me.

I can't imagine that I'll get good enough to shoot them alive. But I do own a nice tripod now at least.

Mike, I loved your bug eyes. (I like the diving stuff better....)
Lava, the lighting works for me on the safflower because the light just kisses the right edge of it. Shows off the fine fuzz on the lower bud part (insert very technical term here) of the flower.

Monty, love the aero, drive it up. I'll pay you 5k. lol

[tonylong]

Congrats folks!

I was sold on Goofy Eyes, but man when Geno's came out it threw me. Glad you could sort it out, John!

[brecklundin]

hey 'guys'...has anyone ever seen these:

http://xshotpix.com/product.php

I am thinking of getting one along with a softbox III and use one flash off camera. I started a thread here about it so as not to OT this thread, but it might be an interesting tool for macro and lighting when using a tripod or monopod...oh, here is the other thread:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7707725#post7707725

[FireDragon]

Thanks for the feed back. The muscle in my picture was attached to a wooden wharf pole with lots of barnacles surrounding it. Next time I will try to reposition more for a clearer shot.

Thanks again .... Dennis

[John_B]

Edit: Can I get some feed back on my picture ? It was my first time out with my macro lens at the beach, was really bright clear sky that day. Plus I am not that great with PP as of yet.FireDragon,
Your photo is beautiful (excellent for the first time use of your macro lens) however it could be improved by using a different angle. The out of focus in front of the subject doesn't help it to my eyes.

So...no one has mentioned my shot. Can I ask for some feedback? Nobody liked it at all?mikerault,
Its a good macro but its too shallow and a hair overexposed which doesn't help it to my eyes.

I was sold on Goofy Eyes, but man when Geno's came out it threw me. Glad you could sort it out, John!tonylong,
:lol: yea and I am glad its over :lol:

[mikerault]

The problem was, he was on my car antenna and the wind kept rocking him back and forth and I was shooting hand held...:) Oh, I was also walking backwards, barefoot in the snow uphill both ways!

Mike

[Flo]

The best choice..I laughed when I saw those eyes!

Excellent shots all...this was a tough one John!;)

[brecklundin]

The problem was, he was on my car antenna and the wind kept rocking him back and forth and I was shooting hand held...:) Oh, I was also walking backwards, barefoot in the snow uphill both ways!

Mike

and I suppose the sun was in your eyes too? And you had to use a bent paperclip to fire the shutter release? hehehehehe.... :p

[monty28428]

Brecklundin -- that xshot looks interesting, but looking at the specs it only supports 1.25 lbs/20 ounces - a 580 EXII + batteries is 16.7 ounces - that would leave only 3.3 ounces for your softbox weight so I don't know... If you get one let us know how it works out for you (Might have to just build my own!)

Penny -- 5K now that would be a deal!! Did I mention the dents in the drivers side door and torn up right fender!

[pennypue]

Brecklundin -- that xshot looks interesting, but looking at the specs it only supports 1.25 lbs/20 ounces - a 580 EXII + batteries is 16.7 ounces - that would leave only 3.3 ounces for your softbox weight so I don't know... If you get one let us know how it works out for you (Might have to just build my own!)

Penny -- 5K now that would be a deal!! Did I mention the dents in the drivers side door and torn up right fender!LOL, too late Monty. Got her a 2002 Honda Civic LX with 119k on it for 5900. Automatic transmission and MOST importantly, the color is not blue. Had I been willing to spend a bit more there was an 05 Sentra at a dealer that looked sweet too. But this one isn't so pretty that I'll have a hissy if she scratched it!!

Mike, I believe you on the antenna, the wind, the handheld, and the backwards. You're in Georgia so the barefoot is guaranteed, but I'm calling bull**** on the snow........Were you tempted to put him in a jar to shoot more pics later. I probably would have....and then he would have died and I would have actually been able to..............:rolleyes:

[brecklundin]

Brecklundin -- that xshot looks interesting, but looking at the specs it only supports 1.25 lbs/20 ounces - a 580 EXII + batteries is 16.7 ounces - that would leave only 3.3 ounces for your softbox weight so I don't know... If you get one let us know how it works out for you (Might have to just build my own!)

Penny -- 5K now that would be a deal!! Did I mention the dents in the drivers side door and torn up right fender!

Monty:

I am gonna get one. I have a 430 EX II and the Lumiquest Softbox II weighs in at around I bet 4oz give or take. But I also will have a Phukett Wizard RF Rx on the flash. I grabbed a PT-04 III (also called an ISHOOT IS or PT-04 GY [thought KY might be a better moniker...hehehe]) set. Nice thing about the Rx unit is there is a tripod female mount on the bottom so it plays right into the idea I have.

BTW, from what I can gather the company is in Santa Barbara so I might call them as ask if I can come for a visit and test drive. I live just up the road in Lompoc (about 50mi north of SB....around here that is a normal travel fro lunch distance as we live where the sewer meets the sea, also often called Lompton for the obvious reason a sad amount of gang and drug activity these days...and our cops do their best but it is HARD for them.) Anyway, if the company is actually in SB I will make a special drive down. I did checkout a bunch of YouTube videos of folks making their video using the silly stick thing. And I have to say I was pretty encouraged with how well it worked for them.

I have such a limited space for my normal work shots that being able to position the softbox as close as possible or from a different angle would be a HUGE bonus for me. I have room for the tripod I have now and me, anything else has to hang from the rafters so to speak. And that really limits a lot of what I can do. And worst case is it's not ideal for me and I find a friend to give it to as a gift. Or I could make my own out of a couple golf shafts. The only part I dunno how to do is the telescoping a-la Ron Popeil's Pocket Fisherman...hahahaha...

My 430EX II weighs exactly 15oz with a set of four Eneloops, my homemade diffuser with an aluminum dish, 3" round side mirror in the center to prevent the hot spot and 3 sheets of 1/8" micro foam as the diffuser weighs a total of 6.5 oz. I expect the Softbox III to be around 3oz and I estimate the RF receiver w/2-AA batteries to be around 3oz. So, give or take I am about 2oz over rated weight. If there is not 3x that much wiggle room the thing will be a POS and I will not keep it...that is not a lot of weight plus it can extend partially so there are a variety of ways to use it. But we will see...something fun to fiddle with at the very least. :rolleyes:

[brecklundin]

LOL, too late Monty. Got her a 2002 Honda Civic LX with 119k on it for 5900. Automatic transmission and MOST importantly, the color is not blue. Had I been willing to spend a bit more there was an 05 Sentra at a dealer that looked sweet too. But this one isn't so pretty that I'll have a hissy if she scratched it!!

Mike, I believe you on the antenna, the wind, the handheld, and the backwards. You're in Georgia so the barefoot is guaranteed, but I'm calling bull**** on the snow........Were you tempted to put him in a jar to shoot more pics later. I probably would have....and then he would have died and I would have actually been able to..............:rolleyes:

A Honda Civic....yaaaaaawn...is she 40 with many cats or 18? snickersnicker...does it come with that vintage scent of Avon "To a Wild Rose"? hehehehe...seriously nice vehicle for her...

[monty28428]

I can see it being usefull at times --I've got a broken tripod and think I could use the one leg that's not broken and try it to modify it a bit.

[pennypue]

A Honda Civic....yaaaaaawn...is she 40 with many cats or 18? snickersnicker...does it come with that vintage scent of Avon "To a Wild Rose"? hehehehe...seriously nice vehicle for her...:pNooo, I'm 45, but she's more mature than I am! (Had a Saab 9-3 convertible but got too many speeding tickets.)

Now maybe I can get my 100-400mm lens. ;)

[BASmith]

Wow, glad you all enjoyed the photo. I was astounded when I saw it on my monitor.

Ok then, give me a couple of hours while I think up a plan on "The Next Challenge"

Good photos everyone.

Oh and John_B, dont ya just hate it when you cant participate?

Ok, let me go think................

[John_B]

Oh and John_B, dont ya just hate it when you cant participate?BASmith,
YES!!! Thankfully its just for a week :cool:

[John_B]

The new Macro DSLR Speed Challenge #21 "Spiders" is now running <-- click to see (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=676631)

[pennypue]

Gotta go find a dead spider.........