Went to the Butterfly Emporium Today

[MiniChris]

and...and, i think I did okay for a first time Macro lens user. I used my new Tokina 100mm in both configurations as a 100mm full range and 100mm macro. I stil have some working out with how incredibly shallow the depth of field is when shooting...it's one of those things you have to know in your head where you are, because what you will see in the playback is only a close guesstimation. There is a shot of a Chrysalis of what I think is the pupae for this wormy thing I shot from the rear because I know that what they show when distressed...looks like a big ferocious face.

C&C always welcomed!

[ilovelucydog]

Looks like a good day for a first time macro user! I like 3 the best...I'm partial to daisies. You said 'it's one of those you have to know in your head where you are'? Chris... you were at the Butterfly Emporium!

[MiniChris]

Mebbe I was, mebbe I wasn't...mebbe I was doing a Zen thang.

[Katy Noelle]

I was thinking that I really, really like #1. Then, I was thinking, "well, #2, too!" But, well, #3 has something about it. That's an incredible first day out with your macro - wow!

[ilovelucydog]

Mebbe I was, mebbe I wasn't...mebbe I was doing a Zen thang.

Hmmmm.... I still don't know the difference between 'thing and thang'.

[MiniChris]

I was thinking that I really, really like #1. Then, I was thinking, "well, #2, too!" But, well, #3 has something about it. That's an incredible first day out with your macro - wow!

Thanks, Katy..it is a great lens!

[Jaimes]

The lighting is great, you also centered them really well!

[MiniChris]

And, I cropped them even better...I cannot tell a lie, but thank you for your nice comments.

[Rasbury]

Great photo's Chris.Did you take these photo's in Gainesville?

[MiniChris]

No, Ron..we have a small butterfly enclosure on Panama City beach at Pier Park..not a huge variety of butterflys, but it was easy in, no problems with a tripod, and easy out... I am so pleased with this Tokina 100mm macro.

[Geoff F]

As you said, Chris, macro depth of field is very shallow.

The trick is to get absolutely square with your subject; or at least with the parts that you want to be sharp. Which isn't always easy with a subject that is somewhat nervous and 'camera shy'.

But sometimes this can result in a very 'flat' looking result. A bit like you have photographed a preserved specimen instead of a live insect. So a little bit of imperfection can appear more natural.

You have certainly achieved good exposure; insects on those white Michaelmas Daisies always cause me problems.

I often run a Blur Tool around the background to remove any noise problems.