Your BEST Macro Shots.

[Aryan]

Hello everyone,

I am starting this thread to share some of the best macro shots that we all must have taken over a period of time. Please share your best macro shots, here. It would be good to see some real detailed images. ;)

I am starting this thread with a few of my macro photographs.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3278612214_5dab479323_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2800747278_6238437766_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2799897419_d2b4502df0_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/2798557045_8d99324479_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2799407694_8fc435daec_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3319/3335034951_ac42658a05_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/3277789051_3a8ac9be71_o.jpg

[KrishnenduKes]

Photo Duel Approved

Thanks Aryan for beginning this thread. I am sure this will generate a lot of Macro interest amongst members.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

well its difficult..

posting some good ones..not yet reached the best platform.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/3022316530_d13886d0dc.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3222636584_2eeb29672e.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/3113351654_27e59656d5.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2834578695_df22ffdd00.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/2713271325_ebbecaae8b.jpg

anvancy.

[KrishnenduKes]

well its difficult..

posting some good ones..not yet reached the best platform.
anvancy.

Brilliant stuff Anvancy. Thanks for sharing.

[Aryan]

Not the best per se, but a couple of macros shot this evening, from my end.

http://i43.tinypic.com/2rmtjew.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2ev6wp3.jpg

[KrishnenduKes]

Not the best per se, but a couple of macros shot this evening, from my end.


Hey, nice. Appreciated.

Btw, this is the Ladybird season. Have you managed to get any? I am sure they will make for excellent viewing.

[Vicky]

Hello everyone,

I am starting this thread to share some of the best macro shots that we all must have taken over a period of time. Please share your best macro shots, here. It would be good to see some real detailed images. ;)

I am starting this thread with a few of my macro photographs.


Great Idea Aryan!

From this set, #2 is my fav as it has the best technical execution. Accurate focus, adequate DOF, correct exposure and no noise. However, it would have been a great idea to place it on a leaf or flower to give it the natural element:)

#1 is promising and has a great composition and bright color, but is marred by the very shallow DOF and incorrect focus. My eyes want to see the detail in the centre of the flower, but this is out of focus.

#3, #4, #5 & #6 have way too much noise which takes away a lot of appeal from the photos. Like I said before, high ISO and macro just don't go together. There's also some serious highlight clipping due to the backlighting on #5.

The last one is a great idea but deserves more DOF:)

[Vicky]

well its difficult..

posting some good ones..not yet reached the best platform.
anvancy.

Some great shots there Anvancy!

My fav by far is #1. Lovely composition, punchy colors and perfect technical execution. Great stacking result too. However, this is clearly nitpicking, but since its so nice, i wish that OOF leaf were not there in the foreground:)

#2 is also very nice, but next time either choose a cleaner flower or clean it up in PP!

#3 just does not work for me:( The subject is chopped off at too many places, the flash is overpowering and too direct and just lighted up all the fine body hair on the bug!

#4 & #5 are nice:)

Here's what #1 should have been like:)

[Vicky]

Not the best per se, but a couple of macros shot this evening, from my end.



#1 is nice, but there's too much of the OOF flowers in the shot. I think you should crop it leaving out most of the flowers.

#2 is very good. Too bad about the low light and subsequent need for high ISO.

Also, a run through Neat Image would do a lot for these shots. Here's what i got..

[Aryan]

#1 is nice, but there's too much of the OOF flowers in the shot. I think you should crop it leaving out most of the flowers.

#2 is very good. Too bad about the low light and subsequent need for high ISO.

Also, a run through Neat Image would do a lot for these shots. Here's what i got..
Wow! Thanks for that PP work Vicky, the images look so much better without the noise. :)

What is 'Neat Image'? Is it a software or some sort of plugin for Photoshop? I am clueless.. :o :confused:

[Vicky]

What is 'Neat Image'? Is it a software or some sort of plugin for Photoshop? I am clueless.. :o :confused:

Its a great little utility for Noise removal that is available both as a standalone program and as a PS plug in too. Best part is that its free for non commercial use!

http://www.neatimage.com/

[Aryan]

Its a great little utility for Noise removal that is available both as a standalone program and as a PS plug in too. Best part is that its free for non commercial use!

http://www.neatimage.com/
Wow! Thanks, that would really help. :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

thanks vicky for the suggestion.

and aryan go buy a tripod.take one of those fake manfrottos (or actual one,your choice)they are light.so take it on shoulder.otherwise plan and go for a macro shoot.

cause 1600 in macro is somewhat not good.

anvancy.

[nelson_sanjoy]

WOW - This thread looks like 2 Macro students (@Aryan and @Avancy) getting their homework corrected from PP Master (Vicky) - just pun intended.

[KrishnenduKes]

thanks vicky for the suggestion.

and aryan go buy a tripod.take one of those fake manfrottos (or actual one,your choice)they are light.so take it on shoulder.otherwise plan and go for a macro shoot.

cause 1600 in macro is somewhat not good.

anvancy.

Or he can borrow mine if he feels like when I am not using it.

[Aryan]

@Anvancy: More than tripod an external macro flash would be the thing I need. I love shooting live subjects like bugs, butterflies, dragonflies, wasps, the likes. A tripod would be pretty useless, trust me.

The time it would take to setup the tripod, the 'subject' would be a mile away already. Moreover, since with a true 1:1 macro magnification manual focus is needed (a neccessity actually!), a tripod would not really help because rocking back and forth till the subject is in sharp focus is really not possible with a tripod.

So, a macro flash would be the better option, for me, really!

[Xavier]

http://images.orkut.com/orkut/photos/OgAAAEIhYP3B8VaH4811yVkY01A9z1r-Ydmrlv1lpMAHebgZX0E28zQwwp0QTI0SERsn9YcTmo8SEEuorr f-xrr16FkAm1T1UPNMtv4BiOcODn0Z7AEmEbSv2gvL.jpg

A common Shoe flower (Hibiscus)

[KrishnenduKes]

A common Shoe flower (Hibiscus)

Wow! What did you use to shoot this? It is definitely more than what can be seen in your signature.

[Xavier]

Wow! What did you use to shoot this? It is definitely more than what can be seen in your signature.

Hehe. No, nothing more than that. :p It's my good old 18-55 reverse hand-held over an unsuspecting Hibiscus.
Here's a pic of the flower in the normal 'macro' mode of the camera.
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p160/xvrdsouza/IMG_5557.jpg

[KrishnenduKes]

Hehe. No, nothing more than that. :p It's my good old 18-55 reverse hand-held over an unsuspecting Hibiscus.
Here's a pic of the flower in the normal 'macro' mode of the camera.

So that is how you did it!

[Xavier]

So that is how you did it!

Yes. Though I won't be attempting that stunt anytime soon again because it risks huge exposure to sensor dust. :(

[synn]

@Anvancy: More than tripod an external macro flash would be the thing I need. I love shooting live subjects like bugs, butterflies, dragonflies, wasps, the likes. A tripod would be pretty useless, trust me.

The time it would take to setup the tripod, the 'subject' would be a mile away already. Moreover, since with a true 1:1 macro magnification manual focus is needed (a neccessity actually!), a tripod would not really help because rocking back and forth till the subject is in sharp focus is really not possible with a tripod.

So, a macro flash would be the better option, for me, really!

A Monopod would be the ideal solution, IMO.

[Aryan]

A Monopod would be the ideal solution, IMO.
I haven't really tried monopods ever. I would surely love to give that a try. Thanks synn! :)

[Vicky]

My first post here:)

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l96/rx100/IMG_0252a_web.jpg
400D, Sigma 150 Macro, 1/160, f/8, ISO 400, Hand Held

[Aryan]

Lovely first macro shot with the Sigma Vicky! :) Loved it. Is it a 1:1 shot? I also see that you have shot it at ISO-400. ;) A macro flash is a neccessity, I believe. :D

P.S: You do have an external flash, right? Won't that work for macro photography?

[KrishnenduKes]

My first post here:)

400D, Sigma 150 Macro, 1/160, f/8, ISO 400, Hand Held

This man does not cease to amaze me. Every time he posts a photograph, he manages to create quite a stir.

I suppose those are gulmohar pistils.

[Vicky]

Lovely first macro shot with the Sigma Vicky! :) Loved it. Is it a 1:1 shot? I also see that you have shot it at ISO-400. ;) A macro flash is a neccessity, I believe. :D

P.S: You do have an external flash, right? Won't that work for macro photography?

Thanks Aryan:).

Yes, this is close to 1:1 and yes, an external flash can be made to work for macro:)

First off, I've been really busy this last few weeks and had absolutely no time with the camera.. i got so desperate to put the 150 for some macro use that today I carried the 400D(without the grip) + Sigma(without the hood & collar) with me when I went to drop Yashu to school:) I wanted to keep this as light & portable as possible, so didn't even carry the flash or bag even. I had planned to take some shots at the local park on the way back.. but to my dismay, it was closed:mad: My only solace was this blooming Gulmohur tree nearby:)

[Vicky]

This man does not cease to amaze me. Every time he posts a photograph, he manages to create quite a stir.

I suppose those are gulmohar pistils.

Thanks Ken! I'm glad you liked this:)

[synn]

Phenomenal shot there, Vicky. Hoping to see more of the same. :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

lights were not there...it was thursday.so load shedding day.no lights on TV also.no comp also.

but then i found this.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3509630719_c698fde148.jpg

busy sucking and having supper..or was it blowing bubbles??dont know.

the raynox combo fell two times crashing to earth in front of this fly.still it was not scared.it kept watching the fun and how i was sweating just to take his shot.i think the flies in my area know that i am a fly paparazzi.

shot taken with raynox combo.patience was top requirement.observe the focus.the combo has razor thin DOF.so the line goes from the fly's left eye and beyond.thats why u see the right eye blurred while the left in focus.its difficult specially working in stealth mode.

anvancy.

[KrishnenduKes]

lights were not there...it was thursday.so load shedding day.no lights on TV also.no comp also.

but then i found this.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3509630719_c698fde148.jpg
anvancy.

This is really INCREDIBLE. I think this can be used as your avatar! Two questions that come to mind... While taking these shots, do you use Aperture priority or manual or ...? Secondly, you said your whole paraphernalia came crashing down. Does that mean that they are not secure when you shoot?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

This is really INCREDIBLE. I think this can be used as your avatar! Two questions that come to mind... While taking these shots, do you use Aperture priority or manual or ...? Secondly, you said your whole paraphernalia came crashing down. Does that mean that they are not secure when you shoot?


hmm nice suggestion.

i am usually in aperture priority mode,F8 set.usually spot metering.if light conditions are not right in spot then i go for either multi or avg.first auto focus,then manual fine tuning.here for this specific shot,the bubble was prime importance to me.so had to adjust the distance accordingly.

what i meant was,the oil seal attachment came crashing with the 150 attached to it.the 250 was secured to the camera with the adapter.the double tape was not properly fixed,so it gave way.

you can also combine the lenses by taking another adapter.thats how i did attaching my friend's 250 to my 250.

anvancy.

[nelson_sanjoy]

The one thing that I need to know from you guys is how do you approach such small creatures specially since the working distance is too small .Dont they get scared away :) ?

[Aryan]

@Anvancy: Superb macro. Loved it.

@Nelson: Bucket loads of patience and you need to be as stealthy as you possibly can. These are two of the most essential 'ingredients' of getting macro photographs of live subjects.

One more point which I forgot to mention is do not run behind the subject (be it a butterfly, dragon-fly, bug, bee, housefly, etc.). Your opportunity will come, just lay there stealthily and wait.

P.S: For macro photography, you should have enough time on your hands! :D

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

The one thing that I need to know from you guys is how do you approach such small creatures specially since the working distance is too small .Dont they get scared away :) ?

they are first in shock..and then they get scared.the shock mode is where ur golden time is..

some just and enjoy ur presence.you have to make ur approach right.a wrong approach can spell disaster!

anvancy.

[inder.cool]

@ Anvancy : Macro chacha..amazing shot there..!!

By Raynox combo we mean that 150 + 250..!??

[megham]

Here are couple of pictures of sunflower..which i tooked using Sony H9

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/3092328719_a976ac679d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/3092318835_c9a5a94ff9.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@ Anvancy : Macro chacha..amazing shot there..!!

By Raynox combo we mean that 150 + 250..!??

yup.both combined.

and some nice sunflower megham!


anvancy.

[sabret00the]

amazing photographs mindblowing

[KrishnenduKes]

I am beginning to like the Sony H9. I think I will soon revert to the "P&S" thread for some more inputs and queries.

[inder.cool]

An addition to the thread:

Inside out of a glass..!!
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm163/inder_cool/Misc/DSCN1520.jpg

[Xavier]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3614006673_dfa35cd279_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3614083107_053eb4862e_b.jpg
:)

[niks_devil666]

^ how did you manage to pull this off with a 18-55? can you enlighten me ?

thanks!

[Xavier]

^ how did you manage to pull this off with a 18-55? can you enlighten me ?

thanks!

Reverse lens technique. I know I'm risking dust exposure to my sensor, but desperate times call for desperate measures. :D

[KrishnenduKes]

:)

You shot that thing! What were you doing? Having a one to one with him? Awesome!!!

[Xavier]

You shot that thing! What were you doing? Having a one to one with him? Awesome!!!

Thanks Ken! :D The fly was remarkably calm and steady. The onboard flash did help. Without it, all I got was a black blob :|

[KrishnenduKes]

Thanks Ken! :D The fly was remarkably calm and steady. The onboard flash did help. Without it, all I got was a black blob :|

Ah! There was on board flash there. Good to know! :)

[Bibudesh]

@page- Did u hit that fly to make it unconscious?

With a reverse lens u have to go terribly closer to the subject, with that distance I am surprised how did it stayed there provided its not a pet!
Which lens did u use BTW?

[Xavier]

@page- Did u hit that fly to make it unconscious?

With a reverse lens u have to go terribly closer to the subject, with that distance I am surprised how did it stayed there provided its not a pet!
Which lens did u use BTW?

Used the only lens that I have, the 18-55 :)
And no, I did not hit it. But I guess it was already weak coz it was hardly moving. You're right about the having to get too close to the subject with the reverse lens technique part.

[KrishnenduKes]

Used the only lens that I have, the 18-55 :)
And no, I did not hit it. But I guess it was already weak coz it was hardly moving. You're right about the having to get too close to the subject with the reverse lens technique part.

Is it the same fly that is walking on your avatar? Then you would have to get REALLY close and pin him down!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

flies like paparazzi!

anvancy

[Xavier]

Is it the same fly that is walking on your avatar? Then you would have to get REALLY close and pin him down!
My avatar has a bug on it :p

flies like paparazzi!

anvancy
Now I know! :D

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3659403999_6eb00406c5.jpg

still learning.

anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

still learning.

anvancy

You are back! And how!!!

And you got an avatar :)

[KrishnenduKes]

Another close up from my side.

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/500/Water_drops_copy.jpg

Shot with Sony DSC at Vashist behind the Yogini falls from inside the cave.

@Aryan: I hope you will like this one better than the other one.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

You are back! And how!!!

And you got an avatar :)

reincarnation i suppose!

actually i wanted a gif avatar.but its not working!:p

EDIT: your photo looks good ken.the elements are nice.

anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

EDIT: your photo looks good ken.the elements are nice.

anvancy

The Master of Macro speaketh! That is encouraging. :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

ken i wanted to ask that whether u kept super macro function on?cause the drops are soft.some sharpening will do nice.

macros generally need sharpening.

anvancy

[Aryan]

One from my side, after a long while. Clicked at 1:2, using Canon 100mm f2.8 USM Macro Lens. :)

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6601/picgzi.jpg

[KrishnenduKes]

ken i wanted to ask that whether u kept super macro function on?cause the drops are soft.some sharpening will do nice.

macros generally need sharpening.

anvancy

It is a 4 year old camera. It does not have "Super Macro".

Thanks for telling me that macros need sharpening.

One from my side, after a long while. Clicked at 1:2, using Canon 100mm f2.8 USM Macro Lens. :)


How do you know that it is 1:2?

[Aryan]

How do you know that it is 1:2?

:D The lens has distance and magnification markings. I set it to 1:2 and then shot the picture. ;)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

this entered my room around 11:30am.just when i was about to leave for office,i was tempted to shoot this.

just an ordinary fly.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/3679074542_5586a58df1.jpg

raynox 250 and handheld.

took some serious patience.

anvancy.

[powerslave]

Nice sharpness on that one. I like the composition too.

[KrishnenduKes]

just an ordinary fly.

anvancy.

I want more and closer. Like your blowing bubbles thing!

[MG_1806]

@anvancy-Only one or there's more to come?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

thanks powerslave.i was dumb till now.now apply sharpening after resizing.was lazy to resize and then sharpen.but now i know the benefit.

thanks ken.

the fly was very very active.sort of jumping jack.so this was max that i could get close,taking i had to go to office in consideration.

things have just started ken.;)

thanks mg.

well who knows whats in store for me.

anvancy

[surya@64]

Nice pic avancy....A pic. of FLY .before you FLY (to office):):)

All you Guys, who does macro....I have not seen any one of you use "RING FLASH" which can give you good and even lighting....to the subject.

[powerslave]

How do you know that it is 1:2?
It can be calculated.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=LKu&q=calculating+macro+magnification+ratio&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Nice pic aNvancy....A pic. of FLY .before you FLY (to office):):)

All you Guys, who does macro....I have not seen any one of you use "RING FLASH" which can give you good and even lighting....to the subject.

i dont get tired of telling people.but i dont understand why many eat the second letter from my name.
i am particular when it comes to names.

for the ring flash surya,i cant afford it.
but soon ill find time to make a DIY for me.

anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

is my learning curve in macro increasing or decreasing who knows!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3681578044_99d31931d1.jpg

this was just BRIGHT DEEP RED!so deep that i actually had to come down on saturation.otherwise i would be bombarded with "colors are boosted,over saturation" stuff.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3680762477_2949e3d922.jpg

every drop is a jewel!PRICELESS.


now as i was shooting here,something grabbed my eye.so scene change.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/3681577084_f94cb2c03e.jpg

INSECTS give u(the photographer)a limited time frame.that time frame is ur window of opportunity.now many ask me,"how the hell do u shoot these things?" u kill them??

i mean why should i kill these natural beauties?yes i know that there are kill jars and people put insects on sticky tape and shoot,but i am not one of those.

the other factor UNLIKE your 100mms,or 50mms macros,raynox is a different league.say when you take this lens,try for 5mins and conclude,this is a piece of cake.but its otherwise.you know the main difference that P&S users like me and all you DSLRis,is that you have to look each time through your OVF.that makes your mind concentrating hard on the OVF.so virtually u have one eye closed,one eye on the OVF.

the problem here is that since one of eye is closed,you cant track your insect.i know OVF has a huge window.but u get my point.

thats where the LCD kicks in.this makes insect tracking and shooting fast and precise.

due to the problem that i mentioned,many people "NEGLECT" raynox.ill tell you my personal experience.in the recent exhibition of my group,everybody was going ga-ga over pictures of birds and skies and monuments.but people thought that my spider pic was "ordinary".at that point i learnt.common public still believe that there is a BIG beautiful world up there.but they are forgetting that an equally and deserving world beautiful but not like the above.its a whole new world.

something like this.i mean how many times have u seen such a scene like this?actual food chain.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3680761687_2db41d5f2d.jpg

when you actually start looking from an different angle,you see the same world BUT from a whole new perspective.

DO NOT neglect MACRO.its as beautiful and deserving like other types of photography.and its certainly beyond EEK!

anvancy

[rio008]

^^ great stuff anvancy
awsome macros :) specialy the last one
raynox aahhh......! god know when i am going to get one :cool:

raynox chacha ki jai......!

[Aryan]

@Anvancy: Lovely shots. :) Did you use 'image stacking' technique?

[KrishnenduKes]

Brilliant shots Anvancy! Totally inspiring.

[MG_1806]

@anvancy-Simply superb.The third one is my favourite.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

thanks all.

the stacking was used only for the flowers.so tripod was necessary.

anvancy.

[Aryan]

One shot for this thread, after a long time. ;)

Bubbly!

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4372/thepinupload.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@aryan:nice shot.but i see something inside those bubbles.a reflection.it would been nice if that was also in focus.

now it was raining FLIES today morning.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3687050234_ff073dc4ca.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3687050482_1bf4e7ea65.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3687050642_6cd7330f66.jpg

observe the last one.i was seeing this for the first time.deep red eyes and rainbow colored wings.for the last one the combo was used.
for the rest raynox 250

anvancy.

[Aryan]

@Anvancy: Flies do look beautiful, after all! :D And I believe that 'reflection' on the bubbles is the 100mm macro lens. :D

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@Anvancy: Flies do look beautiful, after all! :D And I believe that 'reflection' on the bubbles is the 100mm macro lens. :D

ahh!!next time keeping the same subject,put something behind the bubbles.gives a new dimension.


anvancy

[Vicky]

One shot for this thread, after a long time. ;)

Bubbly!

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4372/thepinupload.jpg

Nice shot... could have been sharper:)


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3687050482_1bf4e7ea65.jpg


anvancy.

Great shot! Love the details...
However, its either a pseudo HDR or has some serious use of Shadow/Highlight tool which has created a halo effect around the fly!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

new ones!:p

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3693381110_4a88642002.jpg


BIG DADDY!!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3692578519_527ee32f06.jpg

DEATH IN HIS EYES!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3693382328_75eb2dc802.jpg

all raynox 250 handheld.

all shot in my terrace garden.

@KEN:u still want closer than these??;)

anvancy

[shutterbug]

Anvancy, simply brilliant stuff from your side man! As is expected from you, I might add! You are still using the fuji 6500fd with raynox na?

[KrishnenduKes]

new ones!:p
all shot in my terrace garden.

@KEN:u still want closer than these??;)

anvancy

Good enough for me. For the moment. Now looking for some action from these fellas! :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@shutterbug:

yes i am still on that cam.i dont have even a penny that i can pay EMI if i buy a new cam!

@ken:

ill ask them if they can do some stuntbazi for me.:p

anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

@ken:

ill ask them if they can do some stuntbazi for me.:p

anvancy

Like these devils alighting or taking off. But for that I guess you will need a strobe.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Like these devils alighting or taking off. But for that I guess you will need a strobe.


i definitely dont have one!:p

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

so ken,i went to them and said that one of friends up from the north wants to see all you people doing some action.some stuntbazi,flying stuff.

but they didnt pay heed.they seemed lazy.they didnt budge.seems they came to rest in my garden rather than posing for my cam.

so i clicked one who was blowing saliva bubbles!remember how when we were kids we used to do the same.

things mother nature teaches us:p

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/3697750835_23aa6d40b3.jpg

while this other guy was plainly staring at me.

I AM A STAR!was the thought going in his mind.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3697750477_fe2e8c8d55.jpg

now ken,i hope by "real close" you meant something like that above.

if you want me to get closer,come down to my place,hand me over ur cam and a nice tele lens,then ill go even closer.:pafter so many days i achieved something like this.


and my cam is a 6mp,1/1.6" SCCD sensor cam.dont expect "ultra" clarity.

anvancy

[Aryan]

Wonderful! That first shot (saliva bubbles) is amazing! Beautiful, infact. :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Wonderful! That first shot (saliva bubbles) is amazing! Beautiful, infact. :)

thanks aryan.

there was a breeze going on.so these were dancing with the wind.again patience was the key.

anvancy.

[MG_1806]

Wonderful! That first shot (saliva bubbles) is amazing! Beautiful, infact. :)
Completely agreed.That one is simply superb.

@anvancy-It will be great if you can provide EXIF data with some of your macro like the one above.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Completely agreed.That one is simply superb.

@anvancy-It will be great if you can provide EXIF data with some of your macro like the one above.

will do.

just guide me how to post EXIF.:p

anvancy

[Aryan]

will do.

just guide me how to post EXIF.:p

anvancy
You can view EXIF information of your images and post it here in the following format.

Camera Used:
Lens Used (if a D-SLR):
Aperture:
Shutter Speed:
ISO:
Exposure Value (optional):

And many other such technical information. :p

[KrishnenduKes]

so ken,i went to them and said that one of friends up from the north wants to see all you people doing some action.some stuntbazi,flying stuff.

but they didnt pay heed.they seemed lazy.they didnt budge.seems they came to rest in my garden rather than posing for my cam.

so i clicked one who was blowing saliva bubbles!remember how when we were kids we used to do the same.

things mother nature teaches us:p

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/3697750835_23aa6d40b3.jpg

while this other guy was plainly staring at me.


now ken,i hope by "real close" you meant something like that above.

if you want me to get closer,come down to my place,hand me over ur cam and a nice tele lens,then ill go even closer.:pafter so many days i achieved something like this.


and my cam is a 6mp,1/1.6" SCCD sensor cam.dont expect "ultra" clarity.

anvancy

You are using your camera like a magic wand. You are playing with it, with the flies, with our senses and getting brilliant pictures. I still remember your butterfly pictures in the garden.

This clearly shows that you can do magic with your current camera. I shudder to think what you will do with a DSLR! You will create havoc!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@ken:

i fiddled with my camera from the point that i got it,till one working year after that.you have to just check out each and every aspect of the cam,learn its strong and weakpoints,where it succeeds and where it falls down.

i got the raynox from my US aunt as a gift in 2007.i was at my grandma's place back then.family reunion.she gave me in the evening.the next day till 12pm i was in my grandma's garden fiddling the raynox.the first ever live insect shot that i took was this.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2237/2132988006_4014a7f174.jpg

that was with the raynox 250.so it seems that i have progressed to an intermediate level from the basic in two years.:)

the other thing in photography general is that,when you see a thing and you feel that this should be clicked,dont hold back that feeling.in macro field when you are in their natural surroundings,like i said in my earlier post,they give you only a certain time frame to shoot.for example i took photos of these,went back hoping that these will be still there dozing off,but they were not there.


regarding DSLR,i talked to our FM that give us(budding and individual photographers)some importance,reduce prices but it seems otherwise!

so DSLR is still a "dream" for me.there is still time,lot of time where i can get hold of a DSLR.and now i am feeling that my existing fuji is becoming somewhat an oldie.:pbut at times it still amazes me.


for the EXIF info of the saliva shot:

shutter speed:1/80secs
aperture: F8
ISO: 100
metering: pattern/multi
focal length:67mm
EV compensation: -0.3step
equipment: FUJI S6500FD
macro equipment: RAYNOX dcr 150+250
FLASH used: NO
copyright: © ANVANCY


anvancy

[Devil.DJ]

Some brilliant Macro's Anvancy !!!

*Jaw Dropped* Still trying to find it !!!

Cheers,
DJ

[Vicky]

posting a photo here after a long time..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/3709642419_ac1d2eaf9c.jpg

[Aryan]

@Vicky: Is this clicked with your 400L as well? :D :D

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

now ken i know that u must be bored seeing FLY shots.

so here is a different shot for you.

let me tell you that our worst enemy has the most beautiful eyes.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/3722395171_d8f627816f.jpg

combo used.
FLASH has been fired.it was in the bathroom.
its not a crop.i mean not heavy cropping done.

geez things that i find in the bathroom..:p

anvancy.

[rio008]

now ken i know that u must be bored seeing FLY shots.

so here is a different shot for you.

let me tell you that our worst enemy has the most beautiful eyes.

combo used.
FLASH has been fired.it was in the bathroom.
its not a crop.i mean not heavy cropping done.

geez things that i find in the bathroom..:p

anvancy.

You use to take your camera even when you go to bathroom ? :D

Good looking MACHHAR

[KrishnenduKes]

now ken i know that u must be bored seeing FLY shots.

so here is a different shot for you.

let me tell you that our worst enemy has the most beautiful eyes.

combo used.
FLASH has been fired.it was in the bathroom.
its not a crop.i mean not heavy cropping done.

geez things that i find in the bathroom..:p

anvancy.

Horrible I must say! Thanks to people like you and Aryan, I have a more diversified interest in photography. I have started looking at flies with avid interest. But somehow this I am yet to digest! I am not yet ready for this probably. It will take a little more time. That however does not discredit your work on this mosquito by any means! Did you squash it after taking the photograph?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

the irony in that photo is that the macchar is sitting inside.the texture that you see below is actually that macchad dani velcro that we attach to the windows so that mosquitoes dont come inside.but this mosquito defines the rules.

@rio:

no.was getting really bored when i found this in my bathroom.my mom was like u go anywhere just to take a shot.:p

@ken:

when you asked that did i squash that mosquito,well NO.if i would have squashed then how can i reconstruct that mosquito to stand on its feet?
and yes horrible applies when you squash it and blood comes oozing out of it.and then you wonder whose royal blood it was?

anvancy.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

activity after 6 days.

college really dont give us time..damn.

rains doing good.

so back to my macros.

now for those who get bored seeing flies..well simply dont scroll down.
for those who enjoy,happily scroll down.

now first the bramha kamal.blooms only in the night.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2594/3744856651_f37140a609.jpg

that day there were 8.this shot is a 10 sec exposure.

now..for the flies..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/3744856205_0aebcb3cb7.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3744855951_7e0d20f237.jpg

now in the shot above,there is lot of curiosity in the fly.the way it is looking..as in what is this..gun to kill me??i think that only eyelashes were missing!

now the eyes were of this..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3525/3744855409_c5e15f5992.jpg

that is a flesh fly.it relies on decaying material for food.and dont worry..it doesnt bite humans.

and two different flies.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3486/3745652192_82f0e0c945.jpg

ill say a tinch fly..like we say..only a tinch of it..

and a follower of hitler..
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/3745651724_32594bb2d5.jpg

i direly need to go out of my house and see more..damn my college.:p

anvancy.

[Aryan]

@Anvancy: Good ones. I would like to know how you post-process your macro photographs. The fly ones look overly saturated to me. :confused:

[Aryan]

A few shots from my end. :)

http://i27.tinypic.com/i5afd2.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/2mhsimr.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/2ih2dcz.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/2ptt00j.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/2cwn82f.jpg

[rio008]

^^^ aryan lovely photos man, last two are fantastic, loved the colours :)
did you crop those photos ??

[KrishnenduKes]

@Anvancy: Great eyes!

@Aryan: I liked the snail and the beatle! :)

Hats off to guys who do macro. It needs patience, being a contortionist to be able to squeeze your body into impossible angles and spaces, some weird muscles develop, and then you get shots like these!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

the beetle and the snail are nice aryan!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

ken and aryan...

something for you.:)

watch and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbLqc55NO_k

anvancy.

[suvo]

Lovely shots there Aryan and Anvancy...Loved the snail shot...

[shutterbug]

Aryan, Last two shots are bherry nice!

[rio008]

just testing my new lens and camera, few days ago i brought home a Nikon D200 & sigma 70-300mm APO MACRO lens.
these images are taken just to test my lens macro capacity. the lens is not REAL macro lens, can be converted to macro mode between 200-300mm focal length.

Hereby i solute aryan and anvancy, now i know how hard with micros :)
you guys rock. and sorry aryan "meine idhar bhi aake haath daala" :p

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/rio009/macro-test-2.jpg

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/rio009/macro-test-1.jpg

[amvj]

The mods should rename this thread as anvancy's macro photos :p
just great photographs anvancy. U have loads of patience.

As this thread is full of flies ;) one from my side
sorry for the grains as its taken in a dim light and excuse me its taken using a cam phone - SE K550i (w610 fw)

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/6229/flym.png (http://www.imagehosting.com/)

Moth. same cam phone.
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9085/moth2.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9085/moth2.jpg)

[Aryan]

@Rio: Welcome to the world of macro photography, albeit a faux one in the case of the APO macro lens! :D ;) It's high time you got yourself the famed and the WONDERFUL (not to mention hell expensive) Nikkor 105mm macro lens with VR! ;)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

rio:

a small correction..macro not micro.micro is even deeper than this!and ofcourse we get a separate kit for that.

keep practicing with that lens.

amvj:

its just that they co-operate with me.:p

anvancy

[rio008]

rio:

a small correction..macro not micro.micro is even deeper than this!and ofcourse we get a separate kit for that.
keep practicing with that lens.

anvancy

Thanks for correcting me anvancy :)
i thought for nikon its micro and canon its macro, a staff from dealer told me like that. we had an arguement but finaly i give up :D

its very hard to focus specialy alive subjects :P , vanishes from viewfinder.
but ya i will keep practicing.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Thanks for correcting me anvancy :)
i thought for nikon its micro and canon its macro, a staff from dealer told me like that. we had an arguement but finaly i give up :D

its very hard to focus specialy alive subjects :P , vanishes from viewfinder.
but ya i will keep practicing.

simple example can be for macro,subjects like this.micro will come into existence when you have full frame focus of say the insect's foot or eye detail..where minute details are required.

the raynox makes the cm3500 kit for "micro lovers":p

practice with tripod.then go handheld.

anvancy

[vitesh]

Does this belongs here :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3774421806_c70aa71022_o.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Does this belongs here :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3774421806_c70aa71022_o.jpg

can u please tell what exactly have you done with it?crop flash etc?

[vitesh]

can u please tell what exactly have you done with it?crop flash etc?

Ya its a crop. No flash used. Just a bit processing in Lightroom

P.S: The original one is here below

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3773614661_263d73d90e_o.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Ya its a crop. No flash used. Just a bit processing in Lightroom

P.S: The original one is here below

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3773614661_263d73d90e_o.jpg

u blew it out of proportion.the original looks sharp.the crop doesnt.dont always go for a 1:1 crop.sometimes it happens that dur se dekho to pyara hai..paas se dekho to bura hai..:p

what i want to say is crop the image properly.

anvancy

[synn]

Nikon calls all their macro lenses AF-Micro. It's just a nomenclature.

[vitesh]

u blew it out of proportion.the original looks sharp.the crop doesnt.dont always go for a 1:1 crop.sometimes it happens that dur se dekho to pyara hai..paas se dekho to bura hai..:p

what i want to say is crop the image properly.

anvancy

Well totally agreed with u...Next time will keep this thing in mind :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

well well...long time there were no additions from my side!!some may have missed my contri here.:p

feels nice to come back.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3787574211_918b24f637.jpg

this is taken with the combo.uncropped.the spider was enjoying FLY JUICE!!!they indeed are nice suckers..:p

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2487/3787573511_213f51b0e5.jpg

so this came along..curious who i was,what was i holding...a big big world..etc etc..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3788382374_034439c890.jpg

when u look at the photo above,i really liked its eyes..sort of gems stuck to it!!but i didnt know he had other things in mind.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/3787573935_59158e47e1.jpg

as you can see...nature's food chain literally in action!!!the small spider killed the fly.the big spider killed the small spider.interesting.

finally...one of my favs..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/3787573117_4a02780f6c.jpg

what we call punchy colors!!taken with the raynox 150.

hope you enjoyed them..

anvancy.

[KrishnenduKes]

Great stuff Anvancy.

[rio008]

Anvancy loved your stuffs, always a have a story to tell:)
true macros are just from you here.
keep us entertaining like these clicks.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

thanks ken and rio.

like they say..a picture says a 1000 words.but what words thats important.

anvancy

[Aryan]

Loved this last set especially. :)

[hitanshu]

Anvancy, amazing stuff. Really awesome.

Due apologies to Rupa, but you are the true Macro-Man :D

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

this i will treat it as a close up rather than a macro.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/3787573259_748ffb8e47.jpg

my mom gave it to my dad for his bday.the smell is heaven.:D

anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

now this is something i was seeing for the first time.this i will term as GROSS.(well sort of)

special 1024 reso this time.just to show what i mean.MODS: only once i m sharing a 1024.:)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3800522636_da25cfc030_o.jpg

before you say that its DEAD,well it was a living fly.during my shoot and even after i took this pic,the fly was on the leaf for 1 day but then disappeared.it was making a lot of movements while i was shooting.

look at the holes..one near the eye and the other behind his head.
the eyes are also red.normal flies according to my knowledge have black eyes.this one is red.flesh flies have red eyes but not normal.

stack of 7 images combined.taken with the combo.

sorry for the gross picture.

anvancy.

[Aryan]

@Anvancy: Gross or not; I am LOVING it. Loved the larger resolution especially. You SHOULD post your macro photographs in bigger resolutions. Lovely! Thanks for sharing. :)

[KrishnenduKes]

now this is something i was seeing for the first time.this i will term as GROSS.(well sort of)

special 1024 reso this time.just to show what i mean.MODS: only once i m sharing a 1024.:)


Thanks for the 1024 bit! :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

the holes made me scare once.:p

i dont put high resolutions since anybody and everybody uses at own discreet.small 500 ones can be used.but not as wallpapers etc.

anvancy

[Vicky]

This little guy was all over my bed this morning..

He was really tiny... his head must have been less than 2mm across... But very brave I must say!
Instead of running away, he chose to stand up and confront me:p

The Tough Guy!
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg143/Vikash2007/IMG_1873_web1.jpg
50D, Sigma 150 Macro, 1/125, f/2.8, ISO 400, hand held, on board flash

Check out the larger version here (http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg143/Vikash2007/IMG_1873_web2.jpg)

Viky

[KrishnenduKes]

This little guy was all over my bed this morning..

He was really tiny... his head must have been less than 2mm across... But very brave I must say!
Instead of running away, he chose to stand up and confront me:p

The Tough Guy!

Viky

If I see a thing with 4 eyes staring at me walking in my bed, I would be climbing up walls to run away from such a monster! I wonder who is more brave, it or you. :D

I did not know that the 50D had an on board flash.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

nice goggles!

[Vicky]

Can you guess this flower?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

college gave us holiday due to precautionary measures against swine flu.govt order.so that gave me some chance to go and shoot something.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3822985609_c2022abdd4.jpg

i always wanted to take a bee shot.but i am still not near to what i want.this was busy checking amount of nectar to "please" her queenie!!

the weather is sort of odd.the rainy season is there but no rains.govt has already declared a near drought situation.so this odd weather coupled with me going in afternoon had less results.there were less insects out there.

then in some deep leave group area i found this.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/3822986381_4120f23164.jpg

i believe this is from one of those kissing bug family.a nice furry insect.since it was deep inside,flash was the only option.

another view.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3823791828_c5fb3ccb16.jpg

the design on the back is alien like!:p

just some feet away was this.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3822987611_0b8853e63a.jpg

happily balancing on his web.

the next morning while i was reading my newspaper,this dropped by.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/3822987871_88c1a59305.jpg

it came to say hi to me.he came to know that i had clicked a portrait of his older brother living in the garden.he was happy and asked a favour that i should click a portrait of him also.so i fulfilled his favor.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3823792924_cc57a9397c.jpg

later when i was getting ready to go out,i found something near my raincoat which was hanging in the terrace.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3823793212_865b4b052c.jpg

i just invaded their privacy.they were so embarrassed.they immediately changed their position.but dont worry.i gave them the privacy they wanted.happy ending.


thank you for watching.

all with the raynox 250.

anvancy

[synn]

Just out of curiosity, why would you say P&S's are better at macros than DSLRs?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Just out of curiosity, why would you say P&S's are better at macros than DSLRs?

because they give "live view" of a different kind.i quoted from different people who say that they find shooting insects difficult sometimes looking through the viewfinder.specially when the insect is in an awkward position.some cant handle this and just buy a s3 or s5 + a raynox combo and shoot macro.

i know and you know that DSLR is way above a P&S but still some have their own system of doing things.

anvancy

[synn]

That wasn't meant to be a confrontational statement. Like I said, I was merely curious.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

That wasn't meant to be a confrontational statement. Like I said, I was merely curious.

no problemo.

if you look today,a fuji s100fs with a 14.7 manual zoom + raynox combo will also be on list for some.cause it just gives u all in one solution.some people like it some dont.some want the mm macros.other want the achromats.

anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

i forgot to add this.

literally caught in the ACT!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3823068979_0f01e78722.jpg

increasing their population!

anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

a complete list of MACRO LENSES available.

http://www.macrolenses.de/objektive.php?lang&PHPSESSID=55739a239439b7f6a4122bf73ce22245

note that raynox doesnt come in this since its an achromat.

anvancy

[Bibudesh]

One more trial of Tamron.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii35/bibudesh/DSC_0668copy.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

what was ur aperture bibudesh?

[Aryan]

@Bibudesh: Was the focus on the text "SWATCH Swiss"? If that is the case, then it is not really encouraging, because the text has been sadly cropped out! :(

[KrishnenduKes]

One more trial of Tamron.


Equipment wise, this is beginning to look good.

But here the photography is not up to your standards. You look out of sorts and not too sure about the framing and what you want to do and show in your photograph other than the sharpness of the equipment you are using. You have to get your objective decided.

[Bibudesh]

what was ur aperture bibudesh?
I'll have to check it since I feel I screwed up the exif attribute from the file. But I guess it was close to f/3.5 at ISO 800.

@Bibudesh: Was the focus on the text "SWATCH Swiss"? If that is the case, then it is not really encouraging, because the text has been sadly cropped out! :(

Thats a nice observation Aryan. The focus was on the chrono digit '60'. I never notice that text getting cropped :( ..
Equipment wise, this is beginning to look good.

But here the photography is not up to your standards. You look out of sorts and not too sure about the framing and what you want to do and show in your photograph other than the sharpness of the equipment you are using. You have to get your objective decided.

Time for me to :) and :( . Thanks for the compliments and complaint Ken.
I think Macro really needs lotza precision which you guys are thankfully pointing out.
But one honest confession,I have USMed it to get it more sharp. :p ..

Time for me to practice more ;).

But I really appreciate this critic since it can be used as a learning for the thread visitors also.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

the aperture should be minimum F8 for macro bibudesh. like i already said,the bokeh of tamron is heavy.thats why you will find it hard to keep things sharp.start shooting at F8.take your watch as an example,shoot one that you normally do and then shoot at F8.youll spot the difference.

people do go beyond F8 like F11 till F22.

if u have a tripod then ull not have probs.lower the ISO to base set ur cam on tripod keep aperture minimum 8 and practice.

if u dont have one,a cheapo vivitar will also do.if u have money manfrotto will be waiting for you.

anvancy

[Bibudesh]

the aperture should be minimum F8 for macro bibudesh. like i already said,the bokeh of tamron is heavy.thats why you will find it hard to keep things sharp.start shooting at F8.take your watch as an example,shoot one that you normally do and then shoot at F8.youll spot the difference.

people do go beyond F8 like F11 till F22.

if u have a tripod then ull not have probs.lower the ISO to base set ur cam on tripod keep aperture minimum 8 and practice.

if u dont have one,a cheapo vivitar will also do.if u have money manfrotto will be waiting for you.

anvancy

You hit the nail buddy. I need to understand the distance from which I should take the shot to get the full subject in focus.
I can very little compromise by cropping due to the 6mp thing.

The aperture has to be equal or bigger than f/8 in Tamron since the shaprness starts deteriorating beyond that mark. f/11 will be very soft.

Also I need one more very important help. I need to set up a black backdrop but have no clue how to go about it. I need to know what is the material, where I can get it, cost etc. The basic purpose is portraits and macros.

[Pranav Kumar Gautam]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3769998646_ed4225e85c_b.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

You hit the nail buddy. I need to understand the distance from which I should take the shot to get the full subject in focus.
I can very little compromise by cropping due to the 6mp thing.

The aperture has to be equal or bigger than f/8 in Tamron since the shaprness starts deteriorating beyond that mark. f/11 will be very soft.

Also I need one more very important help. I need to set up a black backdrop but have no clue how to go about it. I need to know what is the material, where I can get it, cost etc. The basic purpose is portraits and macros.

when you start taking and playing with this lens,you will automatically learn the camera subject relationship.you will better understand this when you put ur cam on tripod and check.what you will observe is that the focus point shifts as you move your camera either forward or backward.this movement decides what "AREA" you want in focus and what not.

i also have 6mp buddy.:psometimes 6mp feels less.

when you say u want full subject in focus there is a method called stacking.its basically you click photos of different areas and attach it.that way you get multiple points in focus.

what you are talking is somewhat of a softbox.there are en-number of sites holding techniques of DIY softboxes.you make a box,apply butter paper to left up right and back of the box.keep down closed and one side open for your camera to peep.the butter paper is to diffuse light.
you then simply put a black chart paper or any black material.for reflections you simply put a transperency sheet below it.

when flashes are used then its a different ball all together.

anvancy

[synn]

For in-house product shots and videos, we use a matte finish cloth as the backdrop. That works fine as it avoids unnecessary reflections. A ring flash is another useful item as it provides diffused, even lighting.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

and then there DIY ring flashes.

anvancy

[synn]

There's a ring flash adapter that we once used over a conventional flash. I'll try to look up the name on monday.

[veereshai]

And here is my contribution to this thread. This shot was taken at lalbagh with a P&S (Canon A530). I love the patterns on the back of this insect. Perfect for a camoflauge.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/3668389085_946f23ac16_o.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

There's a ring flash adapter that we once used over a conventional flash. I'll try to look up the name on monday.

there is one doing rounds in magazines..but they cost near 3k as per my knowledge.even ill check with it.

anvancy

[Bibudesh]

:) . I went to a ladies cloth piece shop and bought 3 mts of so called 2by2 black cloth which is basically used for making blouses. It serves a good backdrop since the cloth is thick and dull in nature.

here are some work done few minutes back.
#1
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii35/bibudesh/DSC_0839copy.jpg

#2
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii35/bibudesh/DSC_0863copy.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

now you are getting somewhere bibudesh.
the first one is tact sharp.the second isnt.do explore more.

anvancy

[synn]

And here is my contribution to this thread. This shot was taken at lalbagh with a P&S (Canon A530). I love the patterns on the back of this insect. Perfect for a camoflauge.



This is good stuff. Love the colors!

SP: Your latest efforts are looking awesome too!

[Aryan]

@Bibudesh: The latest flower shots are really good, albeit a little dark to my liking. :) But, that Tamron lens is shining, nonehtheless. :) I generally don't use anything less thatn f14-f16 while using the Canon 100mm macro lens at full 1:1 magnification. That way, the focus remains where I want it to be. :)

Do post more such sample shots off the Tamron macro lens.

[Vicky]

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii35/bibudesh/DSC_0839copy.jpg

beautiful! slightly underexposed though:)

[KrishnenduKes]

:)
here are some work done few minutes back.
#1


Good one. People may found it underexposed. But I like it. And nice work with a blouse piece! :)

[Bibudesh]

now you are getting somewhere bibudesh.
the first one is tact sharp.the second isnt.do explore more.

anvancy
Thank you sir. The second shot was something I wanted to be softer, on purpose I did not PPed the sharpness. To my likes :rolleyes:

This is good stuff. Love the colors!

SP: Your latest efforts are looking awesome too!
Thanks synn.

@Bibudesh: The latest flower shots are really good, albeit a little dark to my liking. :) But, that Tamron lens is shining, nonehtheless. :) I generally don't use anything less thatn f14-f16 while using the Canon 100mm macro lens at full 1:1 magnification. That way, the focus remains where I want it to be. :)

Do post more such sample shots off the Tamron macro lens.
Thats the problem with any reverse engineered lenses. The focus really hunts, and hunts to test your patience in low light. My 18-55mm is less frustrating in low light.
I tried some shots at f/11 + but it was indeed soft, so I sticked to greater than f/8 size.

beautiful! slightly underexposed though:)
Thanks vicky.

Good one. People may found it underexposed. But I like it. And nice work with a blouse piece! :)
Thanks ken.
For the underexposed thingy does this looks ok (slight softer though)?

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii35/bibudesh/DSC_0844copy.jpg

And one wild testing

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii35/bibudesh/DSC_0825copy.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

the second one is awesome!!

[Bibudesh]

the second one is awesome!!

Thank you sir :) .. Hunt for new subjects begins today ;)

[KrishnenduKes]

the second one is awesome!!

I liked the first one better though! :)

[arijit]

http://images.orkut.com/orkut/photos/OgAAAF5PF9fABNyYWVpBUw_MvNlaiTnyH5eecxUVCaqbp_aEer vaiof1FciHZW57iDjPNbcfsOJdXFmF9prTYLsBRQgAm1T1UBHG V52MX3Ja4ewq5wXJY1qSKrAS.jpg
waited for the bird to come closer...in the macro range!!!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3869996030_a175396664.jpg

this is AC924-rainbow fly to ATC.request permission for vertical take-off at 6-3-3-4-niner west.wings tested and ready.all sequences completed.commencing for takeoff.

taken with the raynox 250.i know the leaf below is somewhat blurred.things happen when you take handheld and there is wind.

anvancy.

[hitanshu]

Here we go:
http://www.freerider.in/apad/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/IMG_8096.jpg

[Aryan]

@Tau: Nice. :D Which camera? The S3 IS? ;)

[hitanshu]

Of course. The Cannon will take time

[hitanshu]

Which crop is better?
http://www.freerider.in/apad/?p=68

[Nakul]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3869996030_a175396664.jpg

this is AC924-rainbow fly to ATC.request permission for vertical take-off at 6-3-3-4-niner west.wings tested and ready.all sequences completed.commencing for takeoff.

taken with the raynox 250.i know the leaf below is somewhat blurred.things happen when you take handheld and there is wind.

anvancy.



You have a fan.. :D
Hey can u just let me know about the settings ?? i tried to take sm macro shots.. didnt work out :)

[Aryan]

You have a fan.. :D
Hey can u just let me know about the settings ?? i tried to take sm macro shots.. didnt work out :)
He uses the Raynox kit along with the cam Nakul. :)

[Vicky]

Lined Up! : Tiny water drops placed on a DVD:)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3872400375_427bfee18a.jpg
50D, 150 macro, 1/100, f/8, ISO 640

[KrishnenduKes]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3869996030_a175396664.jpg

anvancy.

The blurry leaf be damned! Every else is just superb.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

thats what i said ken..when u shoot handheld and u have breeze you have to co-ordinate your hands with the movement of that leaf or the insect.i still keep on practising things.and shooting these is even more difficult than flies because of their size and agility to perform dodgy flights.

@nakul: there is a macro technique thread here.if you are interested you can go and have a look.

@vicky: i have one question to you...why you shot that at high ISO??
it is a beauty sort of abstract shot.but that question lingers in my mind.

anvancy

[Bibudesh]

^^ Anvancy, thats a tact sharp image and I really wonder how are u able to take them handheld :eek: ..
Here is one trial shot I took (which is open for comments) ..

The flower image has been enclosed itself into its own petal drop. I placed the flower before a mirror and shot this. Hell its a real tough work, I really appreciate the work other do with accuracy.

One comment from my side before anyone mentions- I did not like the interference in the background, Thats the window of that room.
I guess raynox will work to accuracy in this case .

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii35/bibudesh/DSC_0743copy.jpg

Can anyone share the technique to get this shot right with less labour?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@bibudesh: i just keep on practicising.if u r on facebook,check my video.i have put a vid of raynox handheld.



anvancy

[Aryan]

@Bibudesh: Practice is the key obviously, although for subjects like flowers, etc. which do not quite move, a tripod comes in handy ofcourse. :)

@Anvancy: I guess Vicky had to increase the ISO because, obviously, he wanted a sharp shot. Look at that shutter speed; it says 1/100 at ISO 640! Any lower ISO and that shutter speed would not have been ideal for such a shot, resulting in blur. Moreover, the aperture which he chose was just right I believe (f8). Any low value (like f4 or lower), and the shot would have been missed critical point of focus. And any higher the f-value (like f12-f16), the ISO would obviously have been more like ISO 800 or ISO 1600, resulting in some noise in the picture (although his current gear [camera body] does wonders even at damn high ISOs!)

[Vicky]

@vicky: i have one question to you...why you shot that at high ISO??
it is a beauty sort of abstract shot.but that question lingers in my mind.

anvancy

@Anvancy: I guess Vicky had to increase the ISO because, obviously, he wanted a sharp shot. Look at that shutter speed; it says 1/100 at ISO 640! Any lower ISO and that shutter speed would not have been ideal for such a shot, resulting in blur. Moreover, the aperture which he chose was just right I believe (f8). Any low value (like f4 or lower), and the shot would have been missed critical point of focus. And any higher the f-value (like f12-f16), the ISO would obviously have been more like ISO 800 or ISO 1600, resulting in some noise in the picture (although his current gear [camera body] does wonders even at damn high ISOs!)

/\ Thanks Aryan!

@ anvancy : That's the reason... it as a 150mm (240mm effective) shot, taken hand held so I needed a minimum 1/100 for a sharp enough capture... and f/8 was the ideal aperture for a dof like this... thet got me 640 on the ISO. only if i was less lazy and had taken out my tripod or flash:o

BTW, It's not really noisy? is it?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

/\ Thanks Aryan!

@ anvancy : That's the reason... it as a 150mm (240mm effective) shot, taken hand held so I needed a minimum 1/100 for a sharp enough capture... and f/8 was the ideal aperture for a dof like this... thet got me 640 on the ISO. only if i was less lazy and had taken out my tripod or flash:o

BTW, It's not really noisy? is it?

the laziness explained why u went to 640 ISO.:p.no.its not noisy.even i use F8 during raynox use.but when things go low light,i take the tripod and shoot it.

anvancy

[arijit]

Lined Up! : Tiny water drops placed on a DVD:)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3872400375_427bfee18a.jpg
50D, 150 macro, 1/100, f/8, ISO 640

a gr8 shot....seems like developed in adobe photoshop!!!

[hitanshu]

Tele macro attempts :D
496
497

http://www.thephotographer.in/darkroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=497&d=1252238638

[Xavier]

^The first one is OOF or a major crop and has harsh lighting. The 2nd one is friggin awesome!

[hitanshu]

Danke. First is ofcourse a major crop :)

It was just an insect I saw crawling around, rather rolling on its back in the sun! Clicked but didn't get the focus tack sharp.

In the second, right place right time really!

PS: I am living proof of the fact that SLRs do matter. You need more horsepower at times. Just technique works for the gurus. For the average folks, SLR = instant improvement :D

[shutterbug]

Oh come on, Tao. dont be so modest. Thats great stuff from ya!

[rio008]

tau great capture , 55-250mm ? :)

[hitanshu]

LOL. Thanks guys. Its just the camera, not me. And yes, Nifty two fifty at work!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

a nice start hitanshu..

the first is obviously out of question.and it happens most of the time.when you see a subject and want to shoot it,either it goes away or you fool around and miss the opportunity.

the dragonfly is a nice one.you can also smooth out the background and make it virtually noise free.

your dragonfly is a close-up..

a macro of a dragonfly will be near this..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2860249892_2baca38803.jpg

and one now from my side.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3222637298_d9f32a474e.jpg

anvancy

[Bibudesh]

Not exactly a macro but more of a close up.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii35/bibudesh/DSC_0635_res.jpg

[hitanshu]

Anvancy,

Thanks but a minor correction. What I took is a macro.

What you do is eye examination :p

[Nakul]

Before i upload these pics.. I would like to bow my head down to all the ppl who have taken awesome macro pics.. I went to ooty seeing al the macro pics taken by you guys.. N i thot it would be tough.. But i was waiting for the shock of my life.. Man its hard.. Damn hard..

Would love to hear you comments/tips so i can be better at this.

@Anvancy : Found my holy grail.. Macro photography gives me the joy.. :D. Guess i would be gettin a tele an a raynox kit. Not now thou.. Happy with the Sigma 70-300 Macro as of now..

http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu97/VenomInc2009/Slr/CSC_0333.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@nakul..the subject is nice.but it came a soft version.apply some sharpening to it.

anvancy

[discobiscuit]

my poor shot at marco with my d60 with kit lens
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3556667206_e284539649.jpg

[Xavier]

^Oversharpening causes noise. And that's what has happened in your picture. Try masking and not sharpening the background for reducing noise.

[Nakul]

Ohh.. Yep.. got it all wrong.. :D
Thank Xavier.. Loved the results while using the unsharp mask.. :D :D


http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu97/VenomInc2009/New/Untitled-1.jpg

[Xavier]

Here's my attempt. Not a patch on Anvancy, Vicky and Aryan's Macro work. But hey, I've only got a kit lens! :p

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3920111962_c21da2c8df_b.jpg

[rio008]

Here's my attempt. Not a patch on Anvancy, Vicky and Aryan's Macro work. But hey, I've only got a kit lens! :p
]

great capture with a kit lens xavier :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

the wings have some nice detail.

anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

http://i26.tinypic.com/nfmbzk.jpg

this is what i could extract from your shot nakul.i think the original shot went a little towards the OOF side.and yes..macro is in its own league indeed.

anvancy

[shutterbug]

Xavier, thats great work man!

Nakul, I know exactly what you are talking about man! These macros are so hard, and the sharp shots that guys like Anvancy, Aryan post are even more difficult.

[Xavier]

great capture with a kit lens xavier :)

the wings have some nice detail.

anvancy

Xavier, thats great work man!


Thanks people :)

[Nakul]

Xavier, thats great work man!

Nakul, I know exactly what you are talking about man! These macros are so hard, and the sharp shots that guys like Anvancy, Aryan post are even more difficult.

The hardest part for me was gettin the subject in the viewfinder.. They are so well camouflaged that it was really hard to find them. For the untrained eyes ie. took about an hour for me to get some decent shots.. Not just about the macro thou.. But it was fun.. Watchin the pics on my pc gave me a lot of joy.

[Nakul]

http://i26.tinypic.com/nfmbzk.jpg

this is what i could extract from your shot nakul.i think the original shot went a little towards the OOF side.and yes..macro is in its own league indeed.

anvancy


Did we use the increase the sharpness or masking ?
i did try to adjust the sharpness. Guess i over did the process producing lot of noise in the picture. The result of masking made me happy though.
So what would be the best procedure ? a bit of both i suppose..

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Did we use the increase the sharpness or masking ?
i did try to adjust the sharpness. Guess i over did the process producing lot of noise in the picture. The result of masking made me happy though.
So what would be the best procedure ? a bit of both i suppose..

just select either by magic wand or magnetic lasso what part u want sharpened and what part u wanna leave it..decide and then select,apply un sharp mask filter.so yes masking technique works real good.

anvancy

[Xavier]

I see you....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3922226445_2d81d63b6d_b.jpg

[rio008]

^^^ dont tell me this was aslo from your kit lens, raynox or reverse technic ? :p

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

great shot xavier!

reverse lens i suppose.

anvancy

[shutterbug]

Not yet upto eye examination level...a macro(?) of this lil guy i found in my room

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3922787063_a5b4aa5aac_o.jpg

[Xavier]

^^^ dont tell me this was aslo from your kit lens, raynox or reverse technic ? :p

great shot xavier!

reverse lens i suppose.

anvancy

Thanks. And yes, reverse lens technique. :D

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

new series.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3936591937_7aec9fb895.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/3937370368_f470e639d9.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/3937370618_28d7e27cac.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3936592781_4c7c0cd54d.jpg

all with the raynox 250.

anvancy

[Xavier]

^The 1st one is awesomeness maximus! :D

[Nakul]

with regards to the new series..
Loved the first and the last one.. The are real show stoppers.. :)

[KrishnenduKes]

Anvancy at his flowing best! And he does it with seemingly effortless ease!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

practice and patience makes man gain more experience..:).

like holding the camera in one hand and steadying the diffuser with the other.

anvancy

[Vicky]

Close Up
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2452/3964153987_e124c9de09.jpg
50D, Sigma 15omm macro, 1/250, f/8, ISO 400


True Macro
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/3964154171_5a6d36e676_o.jpg
50D, Sigma 15omm macro, 1/320, f/5.6, ISO 400

:D

[synn]

In the macro, that dragonfly looks like a combination of:

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w50/alix2304/icons/pluto-dog.jpg

and

http://www.supercheats.com/guides/files/guid/super-smash-bros-brawl/supermushroom.jpg

:D

[Aryan]

@Vicky: Amazing! Those whiskers and eyes are SO beautiful. ;) :D Did you use flash as well Vicky?

Dragonflies can be one of the best subjects to shoot macros. Although, they do fly away at the slightest hint of disturbance, but if they sit somewhere, it is generally for long. They really do like to pose! ;)

[Vicky]

@Vicky: Amazing! Those whiskers and eyes are SO beautiful. ;) :D Did you use flash as well Vicky?

Dragonflies can be one of the best subjects to shoot macros. Although, they do fly away at the slightest hint of disturbance, but if they sit somewhere, it is generally for long. They really do like to pose! ;)

Thanks Aryan!

No flash used here:) Shot hand held in natural light:)

Yes! Some dragonflies are indeed very patient posers!

[Bibudesh]

Vicky very nice macros there :) .. inspired by you guys I also tried my hands in clicking insects during my Ranchi visit.
I shot this in extremely low light. The guy was excited about his portfolio and so he did not move at all for 25 seconds in a continuity :) ..

Exif-
Shutter - 25 sec
Aperture- f/8
ISO- 200
Manual Focus @90mm

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/3997453414_7e0c36e39c_o.jpg

[rio008]

Shutter - 25 sec
Aperture- f/8
ISO- 200
Manual Focus @90mm


wow..... 25 seconds studdy rock ? this guy is crazy :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Vicky very nice macros there :) .. inspired by you guys I also tried my hands in clicking insects during my Ranchi visit.
I shot this in extremely low light. The guy was excited about his portfolio and so he did not move at all for 25 seconds in a continuity :) ..

Exif-
Shutter - 25 sec
Aperture- f/8
ISO- 200
Manual Focus @90mm

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/3997453414_7e0c36e39c_o.jpg

but why 25secs??extreme low light?

anvancy

[Bibudesh]

wow..... 25 seconds studdy rock ? this guy is crazy :)

I believe he was sleeping after a daylong work :) ..

Some experiments with water-

#1
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3997452888_06a43ce7a3_o.jpg

#2
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/3996692307_c3c6673bc6_o.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

I believe he was sleeping after a daylong work :) ..



my question is why YOU shot it for 25secs??or u want to write 1/25secs??:confused:

anvancy

[Bibudesh]

but why 25secs??extreme low light?

anvancy

Yes , it was around 10 pm and the only source of light was a small CFL far away. This guy was not visible in one chance, it was discovered by my neph. Firstly I thot my neph is fooling me around since I couldn'e see anything there. I had to watch it carefully to see that there is a dragonfly.

Incredibly I took almost 5 shots with one haivng exposure of around 1 min (they got overexposed and improper focus) .. And my eyes and hands were fatigued by manually focussing them, it was a hit and trial. Of the lot this was the best focussed.

EDIT: ultimately I used a torch to focus it :-)

[Bibudesh]

my question is why YOU shot it for 25secs??or u want to write 1/25secs??:confused:

anvancy

Its ME who opened the shutter for 25 seconds.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Its ME who opened the shutter for 25 seconds.

ahh!!!got it now.

anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/4004952290_24b3497c64.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/4004951782_12f3f730c3.jpg

anvancy

[pravinxp]

My Macro Collections taken using Macro adaptors...

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5255/dsc7431n.jpg
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/8026/dsc7799.jpg

[niks_devil666]

bug on a beach , cropped pic , sharpened a little

"Beach Buggy"

[Aryan]

@Niks: The colors on that beauty looks magnificient! :) I am sure a 1:1 (or even more) shot would reveal some beautiful patterns too.

[Vicky]

Nature at its best!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/4046152400_c26624fec5_o.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

nice one vicky..elegant.

new one from my side:

special 1024 version.:D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/4046912292_16224f5832_o.jpg

like they say...kiss my spiky and lovely A**!!

[shutterbug]

Wicked pic with a naughty caption, Macro chacha!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Wicked pic with a naughty caption, Macro chacha!

nature is surely wicked!

anvancy

[winzeee]

Here is mine
http://www.thephotographer.in/darkroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=593&stc=1&d=1256669923

Cam:K790i:o
Bit embarrassed to post between all these beautiful macros :o

[amvj]

Some macros from my side

1.
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7575/fly.png (http://www.imagehosting.com/)

2.
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1499/picgokul1234.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com/)

Both photos taken with Panasonic LS85 a very VERY basic P&S camera :D

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

rotate the second one for better view!!:p

anvancy

[Nakul]

Always wanted to take this picture..


http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu97/VenomInc2009/Slr/DSC_0185_edited-1.jpg

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Always wanted to take this picture..


http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu97/VenomInc2009/Slr/DSC_0185_edited-1.jpg

subject is nice.next time when u shoot,try to stack up shots for better focus.

anvancy

[Nakul]

Sure will take care of the same.
Any other suggestions ?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Sure will take care of the same.
Any other suggestions ?

this may sound weird but sometimes in the moment we actually block the light that is falling on our subject.so generally find an angle where light makes the subject look vibrant.

keep clicking.

anvancy

[Nakul]

In this case, there was very little light. It was early morning and the place was misty.. the light was from the flash.. and then increased the brightness level during PP.
But will keep that in mind.. Guess the best place for a light source will be behind us. Am i correct ?

[amvj]

Photos taken at a maize field and its very near to my home.

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/6460/insects1.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com/)

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1353/insects2.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com/)

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/693/insects4.jpg (http://img141.imageshack.us/i/insects4.jpg/)

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4095/insects5.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com/)

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/1732/insects6.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/insects6.jpg/)

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/829/insects7.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/insects7.jpg/)

All photos taken with Panasonic ls85 ;)

[KrishnenduKes]

Photos taken at a maize field and its very near to my home.

All photos taken with Panasonic ls85 ;)

Nice ones. I like 1, 3 and 6. Looks like a pretty decent camera!

Always wanted to take this picture..



Pretty good too.

subject is nice.next time when u shoot,try to stack up shots for better focus.

anvancy

Have we had a tutorial here of what stacking is?

[hitanshu]

Strikiing but a tad TOO soft for my eyes.

Lovely captures and effort all the same

[amvj]

thanks ken and hitanshu