Macros from today

[NikonUser]

Hi there,

Today I went out into the backyard armed with my macro gear and the very helpful information that you guys gave me last week...

Here are a couple that I came up with:



[Camera]
Exposure Time = 1/200"
F Number = F20
Exposure Program = Manual
ISO Speed Ratings = 800
Date Time Original = 2005-09-19 13:25:20
Shutter Speed Value = 7.64 TV
Aperture Value = 8.64 AV
Exposure Bias Value = ±0EV
Max Aperture Value = F4.92
Metering Mode = Pattern
Flash = Flash fired, auto mode, return light detected
Focal Length = 250mm
Color Space = Uncalibrated
Exif Image Width = 1400
Exif Image Height = 1109
Focal Length In 35mm Film = 375mm



[Camera]
Exposure Time = 1/200"
F Number = F20
Exposure Program = Manual
ISO Speed Ratings = 800
Date Time Original = 2005-09-19 13:24:47
Shutter Speed Value = 7.64 TV
Aperture Value = 8.64 AV
Exposure Bias Value = ±0EV
Max Aperture Value = F4.92
Metering Mode = Pattern
Flash = Flash fired, auto mode, return light detected
Focal Length = 250mm
Color Space = Uncalibrated
Exif Image Width = 1400
Exif Image Height = 1109
Focal Length In 35mm Film = 375mm

And then I was playing around with the SB-800 in remote mode. Three of the same flower with different flash positions:







Critiques and comments most welcome
Also if anyone knows the type/name of the grasshopper that would be great

Thanks
Paul

[Alpha_7]

Hi NikonUser,

Some good shots here, for me the first Grasshopper shot is the better one, I think mainly due to the OOF legs in the second shot (found it distracting), and also the lighting in the first shot seems to work better.

#3, I don't really like it, probably as it's a little soft, and nothing grabs my attention in this shot

#4 This shot for me is an improvement as I can make out a bit more detail, also brings out the pollen a little more.

#5 Probably my favourite out of the three, and again I don't really have a good reason for you (sorry), it just appeals to me more.

Thanks for sharing!

[NikonUser]

I liked the first grasshopper better for the same reason as you...

I also liked the third flower the best. I think it looks more 3d due to the shadows? It seems to sorta pop out more?

Thanks for looking

Paul

[Aussie Dave]

you learn very fast, grasshopper

Paul, very nice shots of the grasshopper. Much better DOF this time around....well done. The flowers appear to be a bit soft though, unfortunately. Were these shot with the same settings (250mm @ 1/200sec, f20, ISO800) ??

Also, were these handheld or on a tripod ??

Keep up the good work ! We'll be able to get a macro club happening soon

[NikonUser]

Yeah the flowers were with very similar settings. F25 instead of F20 and I think they were at ISO 400.

It was blowing a gale (in macro terms) today so was having trouble keeping the flowers in the viewfinder. The grasshopper was a little more sheltered though.

All shots were with a tripod. I don't think my camera ever comes off the tripod anymore! (except to change lenses).

Paul

[Aussie Dave]

It was blowing a gale (in macro terms) today so was having trouble keeping the flowers in the viewfinder.

Ah, yes....wind is the mortal enemy of the macro photographer !

Have another go when conditions are calm and you should see much better results

[DaveB]

Nice work!
I think the 2nd 'hopper shot suffers from the mouth being obscured by the OOF leg though.

I think I'd need to see more of the animal to be sure (ok, so I'm a bit rusty on these ) but I think it's a katydid rather than a grasshopper (well, at least it's a close relative!).

[NikonUser]

Thanks DaveB...

It did have a kind of 'non-grasshoppery' looking belly on it. Kinda looked like it had a moths belly with grasshoppers legs and head.

Will do some googling to see if I can find out more.

Paul

[pippin88]

Nice shots, but on the flower shots I think you need a higher shutter speed, they are a bit blurry.

I have to get into playing with my SB800 - weather has been good recently so no need, and now my Cam is in at Maxwells.

[DionM]

Also if anyone knows the type/name of the grasshopper that would be great

Paul,

I think his name is Gary. Looks familiar, think I ran into him in a field once.

Anyway, really like the first grasshopper shot.