Perpetual insect photo thread

[rawpaw18]

Nice work for fighting such a shallow dof.
Very cool perspective.

[Falconest174]

Ain't nothing 'sentimental' about that stinger. :D
This is a contrasty close shot of a parked d'fly. Surprised that I was able to get less that 3 feet from this guy. biggest problem is that it ended up very contrasty and I tweaked it using ACDSee 12, mainly pulling up the shadow detail and denoising it. not sure that it worked all that well but I do like how the shot shows how they hold the front pair of legs when resting, tucked up right behind the head. note also the 'thorns' on the legs. This is full frame, no crop. This is now my desktop pic, if you can imagine a foot long dragonfly.:eek:

[kgosden]

Falconest,

That shot has great detail even with the lighting issues. You got the right parts in focus.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Great composition.

[Falconest174]

Just a damselfly this time, sorry about the back end being blurry. I couldn't get it to turn, said something about it's 'bad' side, go figure.:D

[kgosden]

Took a drive to Roan High Knob to see the rhododendrons, but they hardly bloomed this year. So time to find alternate subjects. I was walking past this bush and the buzzing was intense. Lots of bees, but I had to look hard to see why. These flowers were tiny.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

The rest of the scorpion

[kgosden]

Dread Pirate,

Nice shot, but I think your logo doesn't really match the subject.

[rawpaw18]

Using my 70-200vr with 36mm Kenko tube

1.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1152/4723069914_960dece31b_b.jpg

2.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1388/4723070032_0940fa02db_b.jpg

3.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/4722418139_56b45a1152_b.jpg

[Falconest174]

DPR;
That scorpion looks nasty, the ones here in the Southwest have more pointed claws I think.
Rawpaw;
Nice series,I like especially the head-on shot of the d'fly.
I have several shots of that species, no head-ons though. :( They're one of the few that will park for extended periods of time. How close were you with the ext. tube on those shots?
This is a shot of a mating pair of Green Darners perched on a stalk of purple vetch, an invasive weed.

[rawpaw18]

You do chase alot of dragons, very cool shot, looks like the top one
has its head turned around and has buck teeth.

Most of my 36mm tube shots are around a foot away, then cropped some.
I get too close or too much tubage dof becomes to shallow.

[rawpaw18]

Tried a little different way to shoot and process.

1.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4737909241_a401aca700_b.jpg

2.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4737909105_0f17cfb06e_b.jpg

3.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4738542878_0090334b1e_b.jpg

[rawpaw18]

Like this DPR, was trying to include soft elements to give it a different feel

53819

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Canon EOS 50D. Jun. 2010

Catocala nupta

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4739213253_0a692b2f2b_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4739213253_41de105b5d_o.jpg)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4739215591_cb6077107d_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4739215591_5521af93f1_o.jpg)

[Falconest174]

Here is a rare dragonfly for this area, this is the only time I have seen this species, a Twelve Spot Skimmer.

[rawpaw18]

Great find, and well shot

[Falconest174]

Pair of mating damselflies.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Freaky shot Falcoln.

Here's an ant. This bugger was about an inch long which made the shot possible with a normal macro lens.

I think it had some parasitic tic's on it's head which is why it was not being normally aggressive with me.

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Canon EOS 50D. Jul. 2010

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4783348466_10fc3b7d71_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4783348466_dfa027040d_o.jpg)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4783351370_d84cf349a2_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4783351370_3993c26f89_o.jpg)

Firebug
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4783353676_0f62ab5b2b_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4783353676_f61a217018_o.jpg)

[Marsh Vegas]

I (newbie) noticed a lot of or all of the macro shots are shot either using a Tamron or Sigma lens. I recently bought a Canon Rebel T1i and wondering what is the better lens in the $200.00 to $300.00. How are the Canon lenses? Would I be better off spending a little more on a better lens? I've been reading reviews and more I read the more confused I get. Seems like they are all slow focus.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Kushnirenko]

I (newbie) noticed a lot of or all of the macro shots are shot either using a Tamron or Sigma lens. I recently bought a Canon Rebel T1i and wondering what is the better lens in the $200.00 to $300.00. How are the Canon lenses? Would I be better off spending a little more on a better lens? I've been reading reviews and more I read the more confused I get. Seems like they are all slow focus.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Hi Marsh Vegas.
For macro shots I have got to myself a lens Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro 1:1. Why?
First this lens has magnificent optical characteristics - see Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro - Review / Test Report (http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/282-tamron-af-90mm-f28-di-sp-macro-test-report--review). Some more reviews: Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro Lens Review (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-90mm-f-2.8-Di-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx) Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens Review (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.8-USM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx)
Secondly I very much liked switching of a auto/manual focus by shift of a focus ring
In-third this lens it is quite suitable for portrait shots - see http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4793354355_57d2b6307e_m.jpg (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showpost.php?p=414400&postcount=1498)
Well and in the fourth - certainly the price - Canon lenses at least on 50$ is more expensive than this lens

[piratebryan]

Seoul, South Korea

D40x @ 55mm 400iso.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs035.snc1/4323_645727460053_22202108_38088524_4597592_n.jpg

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Taking this shot was

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

I (newbie) noticed a lot of or all of the macro shots are shot either using a Tamron or Sigma lens. ... Seems like they are all slow focus.

Because they're bug shots it's harder to justify to she who must be obeyed the price premium for a Nikon lens (she'll happily let me splash cash to take photos of her kids). Optically the Tammy 90mm does the trick, it's just missing VR compared to the Nikon 105. Assume the same holds true compared to the canon stuff.

Macor lenses are slow to focus because they have a long way to travel for precise close focussing compared to lenses that only focus 3 feet away.

[Falconest174]

Here is another of my innumerable dragonfly shots. Soon I'll be dreaming I am riding one. (sounds like fun:D )

[GabrielC]

Bees and damselflies ... again!

54461 54462

54463 54464

[kgosden]

I had a brief chance to get out and hunt a few butterflies in the Atlanta heat this afternoon.

[TheWengler]

A couple shots from the rain forest exhibit at he California Academy of Sciences

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[Dread Pirate Roberts]

I'm afraid to post mine after you guys and gals. Nice bee particularly

[GabrielC]

Nothing to be afraid of :) ... Here's another one ...

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... and a green monster !

54802

[kgosden]

Not the best shot, but I only had my P&S on the bicycle today. This red admiral was stunning in the sun.

[kgosden]

Out yesterday at the local nature center. Caught this dragonfly. I am always fascinated that they seem so territorial about their specific twigs.

[kgosden]

Now to prevent the dragonfly thread from taking over I figure I will post an Eastern Swallowtail and the only Monarch I saw (one wing was a little ratty).

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Canon EOS 50D. Aug. 2010 + Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 (Di) Macro 1:1

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4962171605_12c50f7483_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4962171605_7b12af477d_o.jpg)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4962767452_72f85e7ef7_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4962767452_5e6003a213_o.jpg)

[kgosden]

Kushnirenko, interesting pollen on those bees. I don't recall seeing any looking so large on the bees I capture.

[kgosden]

Took a hike in the hills this afternoon and cam e across this red-spotted purple butterfly. He was still on the same plant when I walked out about an hour later. This was a little overexposed, but it's the only one where he was not half in shadows.

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Canon EOS 50D + Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 (Di) Macro 1:1. Sep. 2010


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4989125144_4d5c73234d_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4989125144_e7dc2ffd66_o.jpg)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4989126106_db9e534ba2_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4989126106_32c66fd2ed_o.jpg)

[StefanoS]

Just a couple I found with different colours...

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Like the swallowtail Kgosden. Wow I've not seen a bee look like that Kushnirenko.
I like your first mantis Stefano.

[rawpaw18]

Found this guy on my drive, posing for me with setting
sun light.
70-200vr with 56mm kenkon tubes

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w280/rawpaw18/DSC_0022-9.jpg

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Wow Rawpaw, you're pulling awesome shots with those tubes. Perfect DOF.

[kgosden]

Found a few monarchs bulking up for the trip south today. I liked the back lighting on these.

[kgosden]

Also found a great red-spotted purple again today.

[kgosden]

The bees were really working to get at these little purple flowers today.

[kgosden]

First time I have spotted one of these. It did not cooperate and stay in the focal plane for me.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Amazed it could see where it was going:)

[GabrielC]

KGosden - excellent shots!
DPR - looks like a paratropper preparing to land at fixed point :)

Some local greenery from me:

55053

[rawpaw18]

Gabriel C that looks amazing, very nice work.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Great shot Gabriel. Love the simplicity of the greens combined with the perfect focus.

[TheWengler]

Amazed it could see where it was going:)

Fantastic! Love the DOF


Some local greenery from me

Wonderful shot

[GabrielC]

Thank you all ! :)

Now - my first fly ever !

55121

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Bull ant and cockroach

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

All shot with the Tamron 90mm.

I think I'm all bugged out. Time for me to shoot something other than bees.:p

[GabrielC]

Very good ones, DPR!

How about a butterfly for a change ? :)

55289

[Geoff Chandler]

GabrielC Wonderfull butterfly shot !! And quite timely for me as I am about to purchase my Macro lens any minute.
It's between the Tokina 100 and The Tamron 90 with the Sigma 105 bringing up the rear

Slightly leaning towards the Tokina because of the non rotating front lens
but then - I like the lightness of the Tamron :rolleyes:

DPR I love how you captured the arrival of that Bee - really cool shot!!

[A.Crosby]

One of my favorites from a butterfly conservatory

55301

[kgosden]

Adrienne that is a great shot with those butterflies all in a row.

[kgosden]

I was looking for a spot to setup my tripod midstream when I looked down and saw this red wasp.

[A.Crosby]

Thank you! I really liked it - they are hard to photograph...then land and then they flutter - so I was very pleased to get a few shots of...


Adrienne that is a great shot with those butterflies all in a row.

[Switchblade906]

Well after looking at your guys photos im not really sure if i should even post this lol.....

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h134/switchblade906/DSC01127_2.jpg

[Falconest174]

Hairy gomer, isn't he?
Nice shot BTW.

[Switchblade906]

Thanks heres another one i took the other day in my back yard

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h134/switchblade906/DSC01452.jpg

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

"Lifecycle"

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

What no-one have any bugs in a month?

[blindeye]

Here is a quick one from today.
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_1223.JPG

[rawpaw18]

DPR, just starting to see a couple bugs around. come on spring!

[Geoff Chandler]

Blindeye - cool little critter
nicely captured!

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Thanks for posting, I was suffering bug withdrawal

[Geoff Chandler]

Thanks for posting, I was suffering bug withdrawal
Haha!
That was a nice image though - :)
sorry I haven't posted much ~ kind of hung the camera up for the moment.
Maybe later on I will get back on it and get that new macro lens going....

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Tamron 90 at the botanic gardens

[blindeye]

Blindeye - cool little critter
nicely captured!

Thanks, Geoff.

Here are a couple of others. Thanks for looking.
1. Ground Beetle
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_1139.JPG
2. Shield Bug
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_0597.JPG

[blindeye]

Here are two from today.

A different shield bug:
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_1621.JPG

Unknown beetle, less than 1cm long:
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_1663.JPG

-Brandon

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

We have a similar one to that 2nd shot of yours, just slightly different colour (at least to an ignorant punter like me).

I was also shooting beatles recently.

[blindeye]

Nice one, DPR.

Spring is definitely near. We're starting to find all kinds of crawlies.

Some are not as welcome as others:
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_1673.JPG

Carpenter Ant (I think):
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_1705.JPG

I know it's not technically an insect, but I think I've seen spiders posted here before. This one is a stack of 5 images using Combine ZP.
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/Stack_1721-1725.JPG

-Brandon

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Good shot of the wasp. When mine laid the first egg like yours, it got very protective and wouldn't let me shoot anymore.

[blindeye]

The wasps are everywhere this year, and they don't seem to care about people being around.

Here's a bug that I shot for the first time today.
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_1847.JPG

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Cute, never seen one like it.

[Falconest174]

Blindeye;
That might be an immature Kadydid. Not sure but it looks like one to me. But what do I know I am just a schnook with a camera.:D

[blindeye]

Falconest -

Katydid seems to be the general consensus. I posted this on POTN's Macro forum and got the same response there.

Thanks for looking and commenting!

-Brandon

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Canon EOS 50D. Apr. 2011 + Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 (Di) Macro 1:1 + O-Flash
My first attempts using O-Flash (http://cheesycam.com/oh-oh-oh-o-flash-ring-flash-adapter/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5656518928_ab48beb43f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kushnirenko/5656518928/in/photostream)

[Bright Eye]

Fabulous Work... Spider amazed me... Very very Good Shot, What a good Work by all... Thanks for sharing I luv Spiders in pictures....lol

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Interesting lighting on that Kushnirenko. It seams to be working out for you.

[Switchblade906]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5701178237_e022231cef_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62099298@N04/5701178237/)
Butterfly (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62099298@N04/5701178237/) by Switchblade906 (http://www.flickr.com/people/62099298@N04/), on Flickr

[kgosden]

Nice butterfly Switchblade.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Tough catch and you got it with a great background too - envious

[Switchblade906]

Thanks guys! I took about 15 shots to get that lol

[Phill D]

Guys there are some great macro shots on here recently well done.
Here's a bee shot I got recently with my kit lens so not quite in your macro league no PP but it stood a little cropping so I'll post it anyway.
57484

[Falconest174]

Summer is coming and the dragonflies are starting to as well.

[blindeye]

Haven't seen any dragons or damsels yet (probably due to lack of hunting), but I did find this little guy. Western Conifer Seed Bug.

http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_2845.JPG

-Brandon

[Falconest174]

Here is a powder blue beauty.;)

[blindeye]

Very nice shots!

[Falconest174]

Here is another d'fly taht I found today perched among the grass stalks. This is after 3 days of showers and rain that brought the river up over 5 feet from it's level of just a few days ago. Most of the dragonflies have either left the area or are in hiding. This one was among some grass and I was able to remove a number of grass stalks without it flying away. Much cooler today, as well.

[rawpaw18]

You pulled alot of dof on the dragon, very nice.
Hope you waters get back to normal soon

[Falconest174]

Well, I cheated a bit:) . I used the on-camera built-in flash and stopped it down to F11, and sharpened with ACDsee. Thanx anyway.

[rawpaw18]

Saw you used flash in the exif info, which I did not pick up in the shot.
Tells me you handled fill flash really well, now did you handhold?
No way I could at that focal range and ss. Oh and btw I guess you gave up
on flickr, wanted to follow more of your work

[Light-twister]

Still working on the identity of this creepy critter...

[Falconest174]

Been using Facebook mostly.
Yep Flickr is kind of a dead end, too bad too, but I don't want to pay extra just so I can make multiple albums.
Facebook allows may albums. Need to post a bunch there from this spring also.
Hand held in a crouch, best of several shots. Needed that flash to get decent exposure, otherwise SS was too slow for steady shot.

[Geoff Chandler]

I like Multiply - the basic deal seems to have no limit on albums - I think
it only limits size of long term images
http://multiply.com/

http://geof777.multiply.com/photos

[kgosden]

Light-Twister, I have no idea what that might be, but it would be really helpful if you at least had a continent in your profile. If not, at least tell us the country you shot this in as the board has active members in at least Australia, US, Canada and Europe.

[Light-twister]

Light-Twister, I have no idea what that might be, but it would be really helpful if you at least had a continent in your profile. If not, at least tell us the country you shot this in as the board has active members in at least Australia, US, Canada and Europe.

An Australian resident myself- I have sent pictures of to a local entomologist, so should have an answer soon.

[kgosden]

Out in a kayak on the river when this large fellow landed right on the bow.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

welcome Light Twister, an aussie myself but never seen one of them. :)

[Light-twister]

welcome Light Twister, an aussie myself but never seen one of them. :)

Still waiting to hear back from the entomologist- may see if I can find another point of contact. They where pretty damn small; 2-3mm long. Wouldn't notice them unless you had them under magnification so to speak.

[Falconest174]

Great grabshot Kgosden!!:D

[kgosden]

Thanks, Falconest. I was out with my little waterproof P&S. The nice thing is those P&S cameras have great macro modes. Mainly wanting to get my kayaking practice for a little possible water time during an upcoming Alaska trip. I am hoping to be able to use my E-5 in an Aquapac bag for some glacier photos...

[Falconest174]

Kgosden;
I have friends in Fairbanks. He is a Surgical PA in Orthopedic Surgery. His wife is a Dental Hygenist. That one website listed in my Signature is to a friend that is a Wildlife Photographer. He has been to Alaska numerous times, and has had the privilege of shooting the Mackenzie River bears. Would love to go there, someday.

[kgosden]

Falconest,

I am not quite getting up to Fairbanks. Our plan is a week on the Kenai peninsula and a week split between Wrangell-St Elias and Denali. My biggest dilemma at the moment is which of the camera bags I have bought is going and what to leave behind. Yeah, this is off topic.

[Falconest174]

White cabbage butterflies, one of the most common in the Northeast US, Dandilions, commonest weed in the US. One rare thing- getting the b'fly to sit on the weed long enuf to photograph.

[GabrielC]

Some recently captured with the new toys (for me): Tamorn 70-300 VC and Nikkor 85/3.5 :

57846

57847

57848

[Falconest174]

Gabe C;
Nice set of shots. We have a similar damselfly here in the US, that I have seen only once in my area.
Can you count the scales on this little beauty? Not bad for a 'Macro' zoom lens. Tammy Strikes again.:)

[Falconest174]

Finally got a good in-flight shot of a dragonfly. Found this guy(?) as he patrolled a very restricted area following the same almost identical path, thus I was able to pre-set focus so only a slight adjustment had to be made as it flew slowly by my position.
Tech data;
ISO 400; F11; SS 1/320th
Surprised that the Shutter speed was so slow yet still had quit a bit of detail. Lighting, natural noonish full sun.
Tamron 70-300 Macro at 300mm; distance estimated at around 8-10'

[kgosden]

Wow, Falconest, great job finding one you could actually capture in flight. Might have been worth opening up the lens a stop or two to gain a little speed, but then you might have lost the needed DOF to capture the shot in focus.

[Geoff Chandler]

Tough shot to capture - well done!!

[rawpaw18]

Great job with the in flight. Not easy to do even with knowing flight pattern.

[Geoff Chandler]

This little bug landed on our Thermos flask while having a picnic in a
foresty area in Holand...
(cropped from closest focus on the Tammy 28 - 200)

[Falconest174]

Looks like some sort of shield bug.
Here are a couple more in-flight shots from tonite. Pretty much silhouettes because of the late afternoon sun. Much faster SS, still at F11.
Might be the lastone for a while, we had quite a violent storm come through with about a half hour of heavy rain. That usually knocks down the d'flies for a while.:(
We shall see.

[Falconest174]

Went out tonite after dinner at a local Mickey D's (Mcdonalds). The rain didn't do anything bad, in fact there seemed to be more than last nite, and one loved posing for the camera.
Part of a 5 shot sequence. I am putting the camera down now, and backing away slowly.;)

[kgosden]

Falconest,

That last sequence is awesome. Great detail and color.

[jr_rodriguez]

1/640s, f/8, ISO 200

[blindeye]

Great shots, everyone.

Here is a Lynx Spider that my son found recently.
57952

Regards,
-Brandon

[Falconest174]

Nice spidey Blindeye;
Here is a dragonfly, a Calico Pennant. Actual size of this little guy is about 1-1 1/4", one of the smaller d'flies.
This was shot last Thur. when I had a temp of 103.6F on my digital Thermometer. Photo proof is available.:)
This was during our recent heatwave which has since broken, on fact today we didn't even break 80F.

[kgosden]

Okay, Falconest, you need to change your ID to Dfly_Master :)

I would consider a bit of post processing to give the wings a bit of shimmer.

[Falconest174]

That fits as I also shoot guys like this, which is a damselfly, similar but usually much smaller.
Damselflies fold their wings along the length of their bodies and dragonflies usually don't.
There are other differences as well but that is the easiest to see casually.

[Falconest174]

Okay, Falconest, you need to change your ID to Dfly_Master :)

I would consider a bit of post processing to give the wings a bit of shimmer.
Well at least a bit of PP is done any way I usually add sharpness to help bring out the fine detail in wings and hair. Shimmer is usually brought out by directionality in lighting. OK I willuse that name at least occasionally.:p

[kgosden]

Falconest,

I figured DFly would cover damsels and dragons equally well.

[Geoff Chandler]

Dragonfly images are amazing Falconest174 !!!!
I rarely see them - let alone have the camera ready to capture one!!
I just spotted this little Moth in our garden in the shade the other day
It waited long enough for me to find the cam and get one shot!
I was going to go for a real close view - but it flew off!!
It was pretty small anyway
I think it is a Variant of Tiger moth.

[Anthony]

I am frustrated with damson and dragonflies this year as the damsonflies are either not coming or are very late and the dragonflies will not stay still long enough to photograph!

[kgosden]

Apparently Falconest uses insect voodoo to get them to pose.

[Anthony]

Apparently Falconest uses insect voodoo to get them to pose.

LOL perhaps its his aftershave; going out for another go now.

I even watch where they land and sit in wait but then they go and land somehwere else; I think they are playing with me.

[Anthony]

The little ba*****ds are taunting me I know they are! I just put my camera away and a nice dragonfly came and hovered about 2ft away from me!

Nowhere near as many dragonflies today but hundreds of small skyblue Azure damsonflies; may be due to the amount of swifts around?

Anyway I got some photos but this dragonfly had been in the wars - its wing tips were torn - and was not a nice metalic one.

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=57970&d=1312224939

Perhaps our resident insect expert kgosden can explain why this variaty of dragon fly seems to like to come back to the same muddy spot; the same variaty did it last year as well.

[blindeye]

More great dragons and damsels, everyone. Geoff, I particularly liked your tiger moth.

Here is my contribution for the week:
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_3283.JPG

Again, not technically an insect, but close enough for this thread. :)

Thanks for looking,
-Brandon

[Falconest174]

here is a head-on shot of a Red Admiral Butterfly sucking up come sustenance. I wonder if it was a bit alcoholic? ;)He seems to be listing a bit to the left.
I did PP it to straighten the insect to true vertical, but don't like the resultant composition. It was actually leaning that way.
BTW; Nice scorpion, glad they don't live around here!

[Falconest174]

Perhaps our resident insect expert kgosden can explain why this variaty of dragon fly seems to like to come back to the same muddy spot; the same variaty did it last year as well.
Well I don't claim to be an Entomologist and I am not kgosden, but I have noticed several species that tend to perch in quite restricted areas returning to the same places after a brief circling flight.
Others patrol along a specific route regularly. That has helped me to get some of the shots that I have come up with, the right place at the right time.:o

[kgosden]

I am kgosden, but no insect expert even after staying in several Holiday Inns.

[Geoff Chandler]

here is a head-on shot of a Red Admiral Butterfly sucking up come sustenance. I wonder if it was a bit alcoholic? ;)He seems to be listing a bit to the left.
I did PP it to straighten the insect to true vertical, but don't like the resultant composition. It was actually leaning that way.
BTW; Nice scorpion, glad they don't live around here!
Great image - leaning or not!
BTW are you collecting 70 -300's ??

[blindeye]

Great shot of the Red Admiral. I think the tilt makes for a better composition, I don't think I would like it straight.

Here are a few of my recent ones.

Cicada:
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_3570.JPG

Jumping Spider:
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_3821.JPG

Shield Bug:
http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_3297.JPG

-Brandon

[Geoff Chandler]

Great close ups - especially the Shield bug!
We see them sometimes in our garden

[kgosden]

Shield bug is nice, but I prefer the spider.

[Falconest174]

This is a dragonfly nymph shell that I spotted attached to a limb that was protruding up out of the river. Don't know what species it is but I am amazed at the detail in the shell.

[kgosden]

Falconest,

Very cool. Was that cropped a good bit? Seems a little noisy in the background.

[blindeye]

I'm back with another scorpion shot. I was going for a better "pose" this time. I'm not terribly happy with the dual shadows in the background. He is a testy little bugger though, and I only have a limited amount of time to work while he sits still. He is deceptively quick once he decides to run.

http://www.themcmurrays.net/ext_links/IMG_3843.JPG

Thanks for looking,
-Brandon

[kgosden]

Blindeye,

Are you using a twin flash macro setup?

[Falconest174]

Kgosden;
Yep, it is only about 2" long out about 15'. I was standing right at the verge, getting toes wet.;)

[blindeye]

Blindeye,

Are you using a twin flash macro setup?

Yes. I'm using the Canon MT-24EX on camera, and a 430EX on a light stand above and to the rear to fill in the background. In retrospect, I should have increased the 430EX output by one stop. I think that would have successfully killed the shadows. Next time. :)

-Brandon

[kgosden]

Falconest, I went hunting for your prey today. I managed to find a few that would sit for me, but this common whitetail was rather jumpy. Probably because the water in his pond was low and there was a lot of competition.

[kgosden]

Eastern Swallowtail

[Falconest174]

whitetails are ALWAYS jumpy, they never set for more than a few seconds in warmer weather.
It is getting late for d'flies here all I have seen in the last several days are Whitetails, Widow Skimmers and some Twelve-spot Skimmers, a Halloween Pennant, and a few Blue guys that have completely colorless wings except for a small 'winglight' patch on each wing.

[kgosden]

I have been trying to get a decent shot of these Zebra Longwings for a while. They are very fluttery and rarely sit on a flower without flapping constantly.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Love your Swallowtail

[Falconest174]

Here is a new species to me, bright red Dragonflies, a mating pair.
2 shots.
I also got some quite good in-flight shots of a yellow one one of which I will post in the Nikon forum.
After this wekend we might not bee seeing to many more around here with the possible disruption by Hurricane Irenes' winds and rain.

[kgosden]

I don't think I have seen any red ones here either. Very pretty shade of red too.

[Falconest174]

kgosden;
I hadn't seen anything like these b4 either, and the inflight shot that I posted on the Nikon POTD was one I hadn't seen either. 2 new species in one day, cool!:)
Now we will see what the remnants of Irene do to them, getting wind and rain now (8:25AM Sun.) supposed to last all day into the night.
Did you get any effects from Irene, there?

[GabrielC]

Always working and look for the competition ...

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[kgosden]

Gabriel,

Nice shot and great detail. Not much pollen on that bee.

[Light-twister]

Can't recall the exif off the top of my head... Would be in the vicinity of f16 iso 100 1/250
Eos 7D w/Tamron 90mm macro

Lit with a snooted 430ex (off camera)

[blindeye]

Really like that one, Light-twister.

[Light-twister]

Really like that one, Light-twister.

Thankyou Brandon.

[A.Crosby]

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Found this not so little guy hanging around the outside of my house...

[GabrielC]

Autumn already but it definitely looks like summer around here!


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[Falconest174]

Gabrielc;
Nice colors. Did you use a very fine brush on that one? ;)
Have been offline for several days, upgrading the 'puter with new innards. New Asus MOBO, Phenom II proc., and 4 GB of ram. Also went to Win 7 on an SSD.

[GabrielC]

Glad you liked it, Falconest. Here's another one, from the same day:

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[Anthony]

A great photo; the depth of field looks perfect.

As soon as I looked at the bud on the left it looked like it had tiny spiders on it!

[GabrielC]

Thanks. You're right about the bud ... Until taking this photo, I never knew they look like that :)

[Geoff Chandler]

Wow Gabriel - that's a stunning shot!! all the important bits tack sharp and in focus!
I was about to post something - but glad I didn't LOL
(Only just dared to get the cam out after it was repaired)
Keep up the good work!!

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Oh wow Gabriel, great shot, lots of interesting detail and all in focus

[Phill D]

I agree thats a great shot. Lots of detail and interest everywhere and tack sharp. Well done.

[GabrielC]

Thank you all, really glad you liked it ! :o

[Geoff Chandler]

Ok - this was my cam's first outing since I got it repaired!
More a trip to check it's all ok really - so this was only grabbed quickly
in passing (hand held) - I saw this bush and loved the colours - then
noticed the Butterfly discuised on it...
(Tamron 28 - 200/D90)

[GabrielC]

Beautiful light, colors and details - did you use the Tamron or the Sigma for this shot?

[Geoff Chandler]

Almost never bother with the Sigma - I used the Tamron 28 - 200
thanks :)

[Poltergeist]

From a recent visit to Chaparral, New Mexico.

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[kgosden]

Poltergeist,

I like the image, but might prefer it a bit less centered. Perhaps cropped a bit tighter with the dragonfly more in the lower right corner.

[Geoff Chandler]

Cropping like that is a good suggestion
Lighting is nice in this pic
:)

[blindeye]

Here is a new find for me. A Rabbit Bot Fly.
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Shot with my usual setup of 50D/100USM/MT-24EX/430EX

As always, thanks for looking.
-Brandon

[kgosden]

Blindeye,

Very interesting looking critter. About how large are they?

[blindeye]

kgosden -

This one is about an inch from nose to wingtip. If you're interested in more info, you can read the posts on WhatsThatBug.com where I had originally sought an ID for this guy. Here's the link:

http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2011/10/24/rabbit-bot-fly/

Thanks,
-Brandon

[kgosden]

Grabbing some close-up color and saw this little critter doing its part to add interest.

[GabrielC]

Just another one ... this time on red :)

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[kgosden]

Gabriel,

Love the focus and composition.

[uduxdigi]

All of you guys are professional! I love your shots. You know, I really wanted to be a professional photographer someday. And show the world the beauty of the nature. I have a nikon L120 is it good?

[Geoff Chandler]

Blue Morpho Butterfly - wings closed. Seen at RHS Wisley
Cropped to square as I felt it looked better

[Geoff Chandler]

Tree Nymph - also seen at RHS Wisley - didn't have macro lens
but realistically my Tamron 28 - 200 was more handy as it got me closer
than I would have been able to get (- due to physical obstructions)

[kgosden]

Geoff,

Nice butterfly shots. Love the detail on the blue morpho.

[Phill D]

Those are nice and detailed Geoff especially considering that wasn't a macro lens.

[Geoff Chandler]

Thanks Phil - it's kind of Macro - ish
Not true macro - but good close up
It's a regular favourite of mine, if I don't need wider angle that's the lens I use.
If it's some National Trust site with a building to look around inside - then I use
the Nikon 16 - 85VR
need to play around more with the Macro lens I think....

[blindeye]

Great shots Geoff - especially the Blue Morpho.
-Brandon

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Nice stuff Geoff, really like the framing on that 2nd butterfly.

[Anthony]

I do not know how you manage it - if I get with 5' of a butterfly I count myself lucky.

At least Ladybirds do not fly away:

http://www.rubble.info/photographybb/th_IMG_5585.jpg

[GabrielC]

Almost summer already, no new shots on display :)
Hmmm - have to change that !


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