is there a trick to this?

[bribrius]

after seeing a few on here shooting bugs and flowers I thought I would try it today out in the yard. First time really attempting flower insects.
I don't have a macro lens. Is this about as good as it gets without macro?

 

[vtf]

Lots of patience. Try rotating both images, you don't have to stick to the original. If you shot RAW see if you can crop in closer. You don't have to show the whole insect. Sharpen, more contrast, push it then back off if too much. Wings in motion (blurred) ok, body in motion not so good. Anticipate where the critters may show up and position yourself in the best spot to see from the side. If possible around 7-8 aperture, shutter around 500, iso high enough to tolerate. Does not require a macro lens.

Here's one of my favorites. I believe done with my 18-55.
Bumble-Bee-2 by Fallis Photography Design, on Flickr