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Thread: First of the Year - Ladybird

  1. #1

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    First of the Year - Ladybird

    The 7 spot ladybird is a very common UK species; but it is always good to see the first one each year. Gives hope for warmer weather to come.

    First of the Year - Ladybird

    7D with Sigma 180 macro lens.

  2. #2
    gregj1763's Avatar
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    Re: First of the Year - Ladybird

    Ladybirds are one of my favourite macro subjects as they tend to stick around a bit when you find one.
    You caught this one nicely Geoff, great colours

  3. #3

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    Re: First of the Year - Ladybird

    The subject may be common, Geoff, but the image isn't. Well done.

    I would try to blur the top of the leaves/petals above the middle of the back more. They are more in focus there than towards the middle of the photo. The red against yellow is a nice contrast, but the detail at the top keeps drawing my eye away from the beetle.
    Last edited by FootLoose; 10th March 2013 at 08:46 AM. Reason: typo

  4. #4
    terrib's Avatar
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    Re: First of the Year - Ladybird

    The texture detail you captured is amazing. Funny, I've never heard them called Ladybirds. We call them Ladybugs. Whichever, I'm looking forward to seeing some around here!

  5. #5
    jprzybyla's Avatar
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    Re: First of the Year - Ladybird

    Woderful image Geoff, now that I have a step down ring so I can use my enlargement lense I may give that a go.

  6. #6

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    Re: First of the Year - Ladybird

    I normally use flash with insect macro shots to give sufficient brightness at fairly low Iso settings, and narrow apertures. But some species, like these, always have reflection problems which cause hot spots.

    So I had to increase the Iso to 800 and accept a lower shutter speed. But it was a sheltered wind free spot and my model wasn't moving very fast!

    When editing, I went around the background with a blur brush to reduce noise levels; but yes, possibly a little extra blur on that leaf may be worth trying.

    Ladybugs is an American term. They are Ladybirds in the UK; although the name does sound a little strange. I'm not sure of the name origin; although 'bugs' is probably a fairly recent term.

  7. #7

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    Re: First of the Year - Ladybird

    Nice first of many over the months.

    I have not shot anything for weeks.

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