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Thread: My First Bug

  1. #1
    kdoc856's Avatar
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    Kevin

    My First Bug

    Never photographed a bug before, and am not even sure what makes a good bug shot. But here's my first, (and maybe my last?) Handheld, with 80-200 2.8. Thanks for any c&c. better in lytebox

    1/500 at f/5.6 120mm ISO 320

    My First Bug

  2. #2

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    Re: My First Bug

    Usually, but not always, Kevin, a good bug shot requires plenty of focus depth. Which means a smaller aperture (like F11 or F14) and reducing the shutter speed to compensate, subject to Iso settings.

    But don't have too low a shutter speed so camera shake or subject movement (wind rock etc) becomes a problem. Say something around 1/200.

    However, we are now, ideally, talking about a tripod, or at least a monopod, to help with sharpness.

    Then comes composition. For me, it is a conscious decision between a flower, plus bug, or a bug with a flower background. So in this particular case I would crop closer.

    Bug photography is certainly challenging, but also fascinating. There is a rather steep learning curve but a rewarding one.

    Do keep experimenting with bugs, but the danger is that once you get interested in macro photography it soon becomes expensive.

  3. #3
    kdoc856's Avatar
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    Re: My First Bug

    Thaks, Geoff

    I confess this was an "accidental" shot- I went out with marching orders from my wife to get a pic of whatever that plant is, and the bee dropped by. Was pretty windy, hence the high ISO, f stop and shutter speed. I see what you are saying about the conscious decision regarding featuring the bug, flower or both- the above is the result of no decision being made at all. Thanks for the feedback, Geof.

    Kevin

  4. #4

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    Re: My First Bug

    Ok, Wow, because you said first shot. The "bug" appear extremely focus, clear, to me. I took many, many shots before I got one this focus! Happy clicking!

  5. #5

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    Re: My First Bug

    This is a great shot Kevin. Very crisp. I can't hand-hold on a horse let alone a bug. Good background colours for the bee as well.

  6. #6
    kdoc856's Avatar
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    Re: My First Bug

    Thanks, Louise and Andrew. I appreciate the encouragement, and may yet chase some more bugs, and possibly learn the names of more than 2 or 3 insects and flowers- that's about my entire repertoire at present

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