Dragonfly C+C

[brianroe]

I am venturing into Macro Photography.


I went for a walk this afternoon and took 300 photos trying lots of different settings. Discovering what is likely to work in given situations. My impression is that most of the work is getting the plane of focus to be where you want it. I have a lot of learning to do!


This was the best shot. And even then the focus plane didn't include the front eye…


Anyway I thought I would share!


Show RAW, using Canon 100mm 2.8L Macro ISO100 f/7.2 1/60 onboard flash

 

[Dracaena]

Onboard flash and still 1/60? Still sharp though, maybe because of the IS. I would have liked the picture more if the damselfly was fully shown. Keep on shooting!

 

[brianroe]

Here is one of the better shots with the whole body.
I also did realize that it isn't a dragonfly. I just didn't know what it is and that seemed close.

 

[Naturalmente]

Too much light. is interesting to put a diffuser on the flash to blend light and avoid glare.

 

[STM]

The subject is overexposed and it is disconcerting that you chopped the tips of the wings and abdomen off with the crop But I am glad you placed the Damsel fly on a diagonal and did not stick it slam in the middle of the frame!

 

[Austin Greene]

Just a suggestion, I know you said you were exploring settings, but generally I would recommend you shoot less. Find your subject, focus on what you want the shot to look like, maybe even watch it for a couple minutes if it doesn't appear to be in a hurry. You'll find yourself taking less photos, but with the overall quality of each improving drastically. Maybe even tote around a tripod, it will force you to slow down and think about your shots more.

I'm not saying its a bad thing to come home with a lot of photos, but it does say something about your shooting style. With wildlife/macro photography, having quality compositional skills is just as important as being quick behind the viewfinder. I'm not a professional, but I'll give you an example. When I started shooting wildlife I would be like yourself, coming back at the end of a couple hour session with 200+ shots. Now, I can spend 5-6 hours exploring and composing shots on an afternoon, often returning home with less than 40 or 50 images at the most with each being an "acceptable or better" shot.

Best,

Toga

 

[brianroe]

Is this one a little better? The abdomen is slightly OOF but I think it is overall a better shot.

Naturalmente, I will try using a diffuser.

Togalive, those are good suggestions and I will keep you in mind. It will cut down on storage space as well...