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Macro
Macro or Micro Photography is taking images of tiny things and it is NOT as easy as you might think! For one, the Depth of Field (DOF) of a Macro lens is VERY small. Sometimes as little as a few mm. So getting as much in focus as possible is essential for a good image. You actually don't focus with the camera, you move the target to the optimal point when working indoors and a combination of manual focus and YOU moving back and forth outdoors. I am not really designed to move little tiny amounts!
Good lighting technique is essential and that often takes a bit of specialized lighting equipment like a light diffuser on your flash outdoors, or a special light set up indoors.
I am also taking some "macro" images using my 300mm PF lens. Saves the back, better depth of field and tack sharp!
Tiger Beetle:
This is a "focus stack" of 20 shots, each with different focus points using Helicon Remote Focus. I determine where the "closest" and then the "farthest" points on the bug are and the software determines how many "steps" to make to get the entire insect in focus. It then takes the 20 shots, moving the focus points automatically with the software telling the camera autofocus to move the tiny increment. In this case, the bug was 1 cm long (less than 1/2") so the camera was adjusting focus by .5 mm for each shot (2/100 of an inch!). WOW!
The 20 shots are then aligned in Helicon Focus software to get the final image. Isn't the computer wonderful!!
Paper Wasp
Nikon 300 mm PF, f/5 1/640 sec ISO 560
More bumblebee images at https://www.andrewlamberson.net/beesandwasps
Happy to See You Dragonfly
Eastern Pondhawk (Male)
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This counts ! That is NOT a big critter! Maybe best described as a big lens on a tripod super close-up.
Apheloria virginiensis is a large North American millipede. It is reported to secrete cyanide compounds as a defense. It is recommended that one wash hands after handling this organism as the toxic compounds it secretes are poisonous and can cause extreme irritation if rubbed in the eyes.
Apheloria virginiensis serves as a host to the parasitic fungus Arthrophaga myriapodina, which causes infected individuals to climb to an elevated spot before death.
Fun stuff!!!!
Crocus 3/26/2021 1/320 sec f /13 ISO 3200 Nikor 300mm with an extension tube on a tripod with remote control shutter for NO shake!
Lady Bug: This is a Lady Bug which is a native species and very beneficial to our gardens. They winter over outside NOT inside like the invasive species the Asian Beetle. You can ID them by the black pattern on the head vs. the W-looking pattern on the Asian Beetle.
Broadleaf Lupine
Marathon Macro Session!.....maybe...Obsession!
On Monday, May 24th 2021: My faithful dog Lucy and I , headed over to Prarrie Island to get some macro subjects. I few hours later, here are my results. All shot with Helicon Remote and stacked with Helicon Focus 7. All are 25+ image stacks shot with the Nikkor 105 mm Macro lens indoors in my image laboratory (read that La-bor-a-tory!)
ID's are coming soon....
Dragonfly
The Eyes Have It...
Damselfly
Yellow Butterfly
Check out the tonque!
Damselfly: Focus Stack of 25 images!!
Señor Tiny Bee (about the size of your little finger, fingernail)
It is a Phthiria, aka Bea Fly.
Mosquito
Macro of part of a $1 bill
"Standard" 1:1 Macro Shot
Same lens, same 1:1 setting but with a Raynox Macroscopic Lens "filter" attachment. Holy Cow! Look out Dragonflies next summer!!!
Northern Yellow Sac Spider
The Grandkids and Grandma started screaming "SPIDER!!", so I came to the rescue with my collection jar.
A Northern Yellow Sac Spider which is slightly venomous and will bite!
I saved them!!
Unfortunately, it had a run in with a specimen pin!
40 images focus stack with the new 105mm macro lens, using the on-camera focus stacking program
Single image using the Raynox 2.5x front mounting adapter. It gets REALLY close!
Gray Stink Bug
Small Carpenter Bee - Ceratina
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