Macro Fly

[MalV]

I spotted this fly in the garden late last night. It didn't seem that bothered I was flashing away trying different settings. In the end I got bored.
Let me know what you think ;)
1
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/1045/Fly12.jpg
2
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/1045/Fly23.jpg
3
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/1045/Fly31.jpg
4
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/1045/Fly41.jpg

Mal

[CT]

Well done. 1 and 2 for me. I love the black bg in the 2nd shot. :)

[MrEd]

number one is my fave, i love macro and insects but they are bloody ugly if im honest.....

**ed shudders thinking about giant insects**

[Messiah Khan]

They're awsome. Number 1 and 2 are the best imo, with number 2 probably taking the lead. I think the red and black just works so well.:)

[VinceW]

Stunning - I thought I was doing well, but the depth of field you have achieved in what looks like low light conditions is nothing short of impressive.

[MalV]

Stunning - I thought I was doing well, but the depth of field you have achieved in what looks like low light conditions is nothing short of impressive.

Thanks very much.
The 1st one is focus stacked from 3 images (wish I'd taken 4) - I know some people don't like this method :shrug: , but I do.

EXIF on 2nd shot for your reference;

Camera Make: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Image Date: 2007:05:24 21:48:13
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 100.0mm
CCD Width: 22.28mm
Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200)
Aperture: f/14.0
ISO equiv: 100
White Balance: Auto
Exposure: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual


Mal

[dunedin]

Superb,envious is the word I use, have the same lense but struggling to get all or most of of the subject in focus,ok I'm very much a novice but its very annoying.

[VinceW]

The results speak for themselves, *** at a F of 14.0 light still must have been an issue..did you use a tripod and how did you get the subject to stay stationary for three shots!!

[MalV]

The results speak for themselves, *** at a F of 14.0 light still must have been an issue..did you use a tripod and how did you get the subject to stay stationary for three shots!!

The light was a big problem so I just took lots of shots moving towards the fly with manual focus hoping one would be good enough to post. I started shooting @ 21:45 and finished @ 22:30. The fly bearly moved during that time. I think its because it was cold.
No.2 was hand held for the others I did use a tripod.

[VinceW]

Sad git that I am I am getting to like pictures of flying things. My post has a few of my attempts.
I might try the focus stacking, sounds like an interesting technique.

[Dan Leach]

Awesome, macro shots take up about 1/3 of all my shots and they all look a bit pants compared to those :)

[RobertP]

What are you using to do the focus stacking? Last time I tried that it didn't come out as good as yours. Think it was combineZ5 that I used.

[MalV]

What are you using to do the focus stacking? Last time I tried that it didn't come out as good as yours. Think it was combineZ5 that I used.

I used CombineZ5 v5.3 if that helps. Didn't do anything fancy with it.
Selected File, New & selected 3 images. Once they had loaded I selected Macro & Do Stack. One minute or so later you have your stacked image ready to save and & fiddle with in PS.

[Ewan]

Very scary! Love his red eyes.

The first and the last I think are best. Superb shots :D

I just wish both his wings were in focus :(

[MalV]

Very scary! Love his red eyes.

The first and the last I think are best. Superb shots :D

I just wish both his wings were in focus :(

Yep, wish I'd taken another shot on that 1st pic.
With 3 shots @ F14 I thought that would be more than enough, guess not :bang:

[Venomator]

That's some serious red eye problem you got there Malv ... :suspect:


Great takes though and a nice obliging subject to practice on ... :thumbs: ... and I do like the way his eyes match the plant in the first especially ... ;)









:p