The guys move so fast that..

[Bobobird]

Impossible to track (me at least). So it was a case of focusing in the twig and firing off a sequence of shots hoping some may turn out ok.

Not what I was hoping for but am reasonably happy with these.

1.


2.


3.


4.


5.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Nice shots. #3 works best for me, because the ants are all in focus, evenly distributed across the vine, and the composition is clean.

[Bobobird]

Thanks Matt. I was not prepared for that sort of speed and light was pretty poor under the trees. Now that I do know what to expect, hope the next time will be better.

[nimitzbenedicto]

Wow! Terrific details in your close-ups. Bokeh is spot-on!

[Bobobird]

Thanks Victor appreciate the kind words despite the shortcomings of these shots.

[terrib]

I think #3 is a really great shot and an interesting capture.

[HAZZA]

Nice shots Bobo, can imagine how tricky these would have been - I like no' 5 - has a bit of everything - well done

[Mike Buckley]

Nice shots. #3 works best for me, because the ants are all in focus, evenly distributed across the vine, and the composition is clean.

Same for me. Try applying a gently S-Curve to it. I think you'll like the results.

[FootLoose]

I like #3 too. It would be good if you could bring up the colour of the ants a bit -- orange on green is a nice contrast.

[Bobobird]

Thanks Mike, Greg - will give 3 a go on both suggestions.

[Otavio]

Hi, Bobo, very nice set! Nice details. Did you use a tripod/Cable release? What was the aperture?

Thanks for sharing; now that I am starting to shoot some macro, I know how difficult it is and the ammount of patience/technique it demmands!

Cheers!

[Bobobird]

Thanks Otavio. Welcome to the frustrating world of macro.

The experts here are Geoff, Letrow and a couple of others. I am still trying to wrap my head around it.

Setting wise for these shots - some were shot with off-camera flash, others not.

Flash settings were mostly 1/160, f7.1 or 8. ISO was 200.
Non-flash was 1/500-1/640, f5.6-f6.3, ISO was 1600 as it was pretty dark in that place.

All were hand-held.

Hope this is of some use.

[Otavio]

Thanks Otavio. Welcome to the frustrating world of macro.

The experts here are Geoff, Letrow and a couple of others. I am still trying to wrap my head around it.

Setting wise for these shots - some were shot with off-camera flash, others not.

Flash settings were mostly 1/160, f7.1 or 8. ISO was 200.
Non-flash was 1/500-1/640, f5.6-f6.3, ISO was 1600 as it was pretty dark in that place.

All were hand-held.

Hope this is of some use.

Thanks, Bobo. I think frustrating is really a proper word! At least it is how i feel with my first macro tries. But lets keep on practicing...Cheers