Wasps

Lovely shots.

nice composition

Lovely shot
Brian V.

Thanks, all. I'd been using the Canon 100 f/2.8 USM, but realized I would benefit from the IS, so this was one of the first shots I took with the IS lens. Huge difference for me.

Very nice

jay125 wrote in post #18341696
Thanks, all. I'd been using the Canon 100 f/2.8 USM, but realized I would benefit from the IS, so this was one of the first shots I took with the IS lens. Huge difference for me.

But it shouldn't be an issue if you use flash to freeze motion...

Warl0rd wrote in post #18341800
But it shouldn't be an issue if you use flash to freeze motion...

That's a very good point. I have started using flash as well. Many times, especially outdoors, I rarely have a flash with me, which is where the IS comes into it. This image is a great example of one reason to carry flash with me when doing macro. It was a sunny day, but the little guy was in the shade and the flash did help.

I think light is very important in a macro photo, same for placing the focus somewhere over the insect eyes and getting a good composition.

Flash helps getting enough light, so you can choose a good aperture to maximize DoF and use a higher shutter speed to freeze the subject motion, for live subjects that is usually the only way to go (or bumping the ISO).

The problem with flash light is getting it well diffused on the subject... it should look like fill flash, but still be your main light source

No real diffusion on this other than I tilted the head up and used the white bounce card, but it's tough to do in such close proximity. Only one obvious shadow on top. I'm toying with diffusers to figure out a solid solution.

Nice work.