My first macro

Hi,

I bought a set of Polaroid extension tubes and attached it to my 55-250mm lens. I then happened to notice two dead flies and thought I would try to take a photo of them.

Sorry, I don't know how to make the eyes look spectacular.

You need more and better light, and you need to get the subject in focus.

As archibald has said you need more light - these are very underexposed shots.

A few thoughts'

1) If you've a static subject then put the camera on a tripod and use a longer exposure to make up for lower light levels.

2) Whilst smaller apertures are ideal for greater depth of field; its not the only way to shoot macro and if you have to don't be afraid to open the aperture up some to let in more light.

3) Flash is an ideal way to add more light -a diffuser like a lumiquest softbox regular size can be ideal in helping diffuse that light.

4) Focusing is tricky at first - shift into manual mode and learn to set the focus and then rock the camera and lens back and forth gently to place its final position; your body will be doing this anyway via your natural bodily sway so just work with it (trying to fight it won't work)

What they said... more light

Even outside on a sunny day, I like to use a flash for macro, especially when using extension tubes.

Welcome to macro. It has a learning curve, but it's a rewarding and enjoyable hobby.