Close up of insects C&C needed

[acparsons]

Hello All,

I shot the following with a 105mm Micro and a SB600 with a diffuser at F14, hand held, auto focus. I would like some tips and advice on getting thing more in focus.

 

[Raj_55555]

I'm not a macro photographer, my critique is based on what I like so take it with a pinch of salt.

#1. Artificial lighting is too obvious, which "I" don't prefer for nature shots. Also the eyes get too attracted to the piece of stone and the green plant.

#2. My favorite from these images. IMO a different angle could have helped the shot.

#3. Those flowers and the spiderweb strand could have worked well with the image of the ladybug if they were in focus. Also the ladybug is too close to the center for me. That doesn't mean I don't like this image, only providing harsh critique as you requested it.

Overall I really like the shots