waterbug

Not sure what these are called. They scoot around on the surface of the water and are pretty fast. Waiting for a my flu shot, and stepped outside to take my mind off the needle (I hate needles) and took some photos (flowers and stuff), this is one of them. D800, 105 macro, f/4.5,1/50th, handheld. I think I need steadier hands for these things.

Good shot Rick, but is this one a little bit noisy...Or is it my monitor?

it's not bad here

Good one - yes if near 1:1 handheld you need to be around 1/200th with a 105mm lens.
Brian v.

Thanks Brian, I'll try that next time.

rick_reno wrote in post #15043763
it's not bad here

Must be me.

rrblint wrote in post #15043862
Must be me.

Looks noisy to me too

It does look a little noisy and there is some motion blur. Both of which I think add to its atmosphere and appeal. The motion blur is in an upward direction and adds to the surface tension of the water, giving it a springy vitality. As for the noise that is far more a personal thing that I have picked up on. I used to have a pond when I was young and it was frequented by Water Boatmen like these. The noise helps to take me back to those days when HD was the stuff of science fiction and photos were appreciated for there composition and aesthetics.

It is slightly ironic that this creature has a very needle like appearance, don't you think?

nice catch rick.

I like it. Good work Rick.

I like it, color and comp came out good Rick, btw, when I hand held the lower I go is 1/60 anything Lowe than that I set the camera down or use a tripod to avoid motion blur

Nice shot!

rick_reno wrote in post #15043712
Not sure what these are called.

Copied from wikipedia: Gerridae is a family of true bugs in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as water striders, water bugs, magic bugs, pond skaters, skaters, skimmers, water scooters, water skaters, water skeeters, water skimmers, water skippers, water spiders, or Jesus bugs.

Did well to get it. The ones on my pond always speed off when I get near. I call them pond skaters.

I like the colours in that shot.

Very nice shot Rick

Idlefrog wrote in post #15045878
Did well to get it. The ones on my pond always speed off when I get near.

+1. One of the hardest bugs I've tried shooting. I had to either get wet or lay on rocks to get them, and the slightest breeze makes them drift and hard to focus on, even when they don't flee from you.