Need help getting into Macro Photography!

[Jon Ruyle]

Hi Fred,


I would have, but my pictures aren't that great, so I don't want to hold them up as a shining example of what is possible.


Here are some links, though. I suppose I can hold them up as shining examples of what is possible if you have no artistic talent


http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Ladybugs#


http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Grasshoppers#


http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Bees#


http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Hummingbirds#


http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Butterflies#


Click the magnifying glass to see the full detail (if you just click the photo, you'll get a low resolution image). Click "more info" to the upper right to get info about camera and lens and flash (it will only say used and not used, but the only macro flash I've used in the past few years is the twin flash)


Here is a picture I took with the twin flash a few days ago. I used one flash to illuminate the background, or the green would have been very dark. The ladybug turned out a bit shiny, but I don't think there are any harsh shadows. The body/lens were 5DII and MP-E 65. I took this picture handheld, but I often use a tripod and focusing rails.


[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.93/ladybug-2.JPG[/img]


Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with the twin flash for macros. On the other hand, if you are doing more moderate close-ups (butterflies, for example) you might consider mounting a conventional flash on a wimberly macro bracket.


I hope this helps.

[Fred Doane]

Jon,


Thanks for the links I love your shots. The ladybug shot is amazing and I don't mean to nit pick but I did notice 2 black dots to the left of the ladybug and one aboutan inch to the right in the red. I didn't notice them in your other shots but it's probably dust onyour sensor which is more noticeable on shots using a small aperature. Just an FYI not trying to be a jerk specially since you were nice enough to post a sample. Hope we can still be friends .


Fred~

[Jon Ruyle]

Thanks, Fred. I thought I got rid of all those spots... must be the spot gremlins sneaked in afterward. [] Thanks for pointing them out. (Not to mention the ladybug was cropped by the website, I guess I made it too wide. No biggie... my own composition insn't much better)