A few recent shots from Topanga Canyon

Took another hike in Topanga State Park last Saturday. Although it is hot and dry as a bone out there (almost nothing green is left), there is certainly still insect activity.

Thanks for looking

Robber Fly:

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/gatorlinked/7​817119916/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/gatorlinked/7​821025140/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/gatorlinked/7​821026280/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/gatorlinked/7​828588032/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/gatorlinked/7​835978320/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/gatorlinked/7​835977340/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/gatorlinked/7​835976152/

Wow, stunning!! Can I ask what you used for those? I looked at your gear list...honestly, I don't know what the Raynox is, but I heard of someone else using it with a 55-250mm.

Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM
Raynox DCR-250

Simply wonderful shots Ryan.

impressive work with that 180mm macro. Your lighting setup is spot on as well!

enjoyed the whole set ryan.
love your lighting.

Thanks a lot, folks

Ace and Deuce wrote in post #14893163
Wow, stunning!! Can I ask what you used for those? I looked at your gear list...honestly, I don't know what the Raynox is, but I heard of someone else using it with a 55-250mm.

Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM
Raynox DCR-250

Ace, I used a Canon 60D body and the MP-E 65mm lens for all these shots. All were handheld using a 580exii flash shot into my handmade flash diffuser (https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1198544). I get relatively soft light by bouncing the flash rather than diffusing it directly, and I get a little more background than some flash photographers by shooting at 1/100 and ISO 200 rather than 1/200 and ISO 100. The loss of detail at ISO 200 is irritating, but I have decided that it's worth it to gain a stop's worth of background light.

Thanks Ryan! Your shots are beautiful! ...I have soooo much to learn (and buy) to start shooting macro correctly

Ace and Deuce wrote in post #14893633
Thanks Ryan! Your shots are beautiful! ...I have soooo much to learn (and buy) to start shooting macro correctly

But of course, learning new stuff is where the fun is! Buying stuff isn't so great, but luckily macro photography is one of the cheapest genres of photography. I would love to do more bird photography, but I don't have $20,000 to get the right gear, so I stick to what's cheap.

Absolutley beautiful shots. I just got my 100mm macro in, but I don't have my body or flash yet. I can't wait to head up to Topanga and/or Towsley Canyon looking for some shots like this.

Wonderful series !
brian v.

Gorgeous images...Beautiful colors and fine detail.

Thanks, Brian and Mark. C.J., you will enjoy Topanga Canyon for macro, but remember that the earlier you get out there, the better. When the sun is high in the sky and it gets hot and dry, the critters become super active and difficult to approach. The absolute best time to go is early in the morning when the marine layer is in and everything has a layer of moisture on it. Good luck!

Bloody marvellous!

Thanks for the for the info Ryan. I haven't been into photography a bunch since 35mm. I've had a G9 for the last 6 years and I'm trying to play catchup.

This is definitely one my favor sets of shots for variety to date. The Robber, Ants and Assassin Bug, all very nice! I dig that ant image. Like they are cleaning a chicken bone.