Of Ants and Aphids - (enlarge)

This is a shot that I could have done much better had I known how to

use my lens and camera better. I was experimenting in Manual

Mode. I had my ISO in my Menu set to 400 as that was the lowest it

would go, yet I did not know that I could change it manually from

the 'outside' of the camer on the INFO screen. It should have been

100 I think. In actuallity the real setting was at 800, although I don't

know how it was set to there. My F Stop should have been F/2.8 but

I had it at F 5.6. I took this shot 'hand held' from my deck steps

looking into a Sheltered Overhang of the Deck. It was Shaded and

our Bittersweet Vine was growing so well under there. But one very

hot summer day I discovered the new shoots were covered with

Aphids and the Ants were having a 'party'. They love the sticky

white/clear substance the Aphids secrete. I actually have a shot of a

droplet of it hanging from an ant's mouth, but the shot is not in very

good focus. Linda Davidson had told me about Ants being so smart

they 'colonize' Aphids and they actually use them as Slave Labour. I

looked this up on the Internet and found out it was true. Hard to

believe. I always knew they were hard workers but never imagined

they had 'slave camps for Aphids'!!!! This summer I hope to do much

better with my Macro Lens. I am certainly going to aim for much

better Focus and Detail. Am busy practicing on Solid Objects trying

out different settings. Although it isn't the best Macro, thank you for

your visit, most sincerely, Gail

Beautiful work! Not sure 2.8 would have been better. In my opinion DOF is fine here.

Best regards,

Alain

Beautiful macro, Gail. Warm regards, Olaf

Dear Gail,

 Its actually a fine shot. Remember with macro lens at 2.8 the DOF is very narrow. So This aint bad at all, and I look forward to more.

Holger

Excellent work Gail !

Hi Gail,

An attractive scene.

I applaud you for reviewing your thoughts about taking such shots.

I know that I have taught you that the Canon 100mm F/2.8 macro is best used between F/2.8 to F/5.6. You have seen many examples of close up imaging where I use the lens wide open, yet preserve the DOF that I seek.

It is a fact, that very good lens do perform at their best shot wide open. The challenge is to use such lens without compromising image quality, and that is where the working distance is so important.The DOF quickly improves as you back away, perhaps change the lens angle to the subject, too.

With your camera, a high definition image that is smaller can easily be enlarged to reveal the finest details. The highest definition possible is through the proper use of the f-stop.

If your goals are different , than the f-stop can be used to improve the DOF, control the amount of light to the sensor, and to produce a "softer" image for effect. Light control is also controlled by shutter speed and ISO settings, so stopping down a lens can often be avoided for that purpose.

Warmest Regards,  Mike

Great macro shot with lovely smooth BG,details,colours & DOF. Thanks for sharing.

My best regards.

Kallol

Fantastic!! Great macro and beautiful design, I love it.

Cheers.

Hi Gail, this is wonderful, I look forward to later in the year and seeing more of your efforts.

I have soooo got to get a macro lens!

Kindest regards

Gareth.

Glad you liked t his capture Gareth. I was fortunate to have 'bartered' with my cousin for a 'camera deal' he had won, for a few 'Limited Editon Prints' that were just lying under the bed!!! But it is my favorite Lens. I do have much to learn about it though.

The small world fascinates me, and those that get 'spectacular' results just awe me. thankyou for your enthusiastic response, it does INSPIRE !!!!

Warmest regards, Gail

Dearest Alberto, lovely to hear from you, so glad you enjoyed this capture and glad to have you  visit!!!!

Warmest regards, Gail

Many thanks for your visit, support and input Kallol. I truly appreciate your dialogue.

Kindest regards, Gail

I will surely jot down this information. The knowledge required to compare your F Stop with every other factor without jeapordizing image quality is where I am 'weakest'. Thankyou for the info, and it will truly help me in my future images.

You always provide such great 'teaching' when you comment Mike!!!

My sincere thanks,

GAil

Thankyou so much for your VISIT and your encouraging comments! Truly appreciate your time and support.

Kindest regards, Gail

I do understand what you are saying; my 'balancing act' on our deck stairs was not the best, but still wanted to obtain some images of this 'hord' of APHIDS and the Ants that were so 'obsessed'  with their presence and the 'nectar' they so love!!!!

Kindest regards, Gail

Hello Olaf!!! So nice to hear from you! You offer much encouragement and inspiration to 'keep klick'in'....so I will do just that!!!

Kindest regards, Gail

Thankyou for those very kind words of Critique. Your input is valuable as well as encouraging. One day I will 'nail it down'!!!

Many thanks for your visit!!!

Most sincerely, Gail

That is quite a nice shot you got of this little creature. I like the contrast of the black and green very much, plus you did a nice job composing the image.

Alex

Thankyou Tomasz for your vist. I am very appreciative of the time you take to view my image and also comment. The encouragement and support truly inspires me to do better.

My most sincere regards, Gail

Nice to have you visit. I do appreciate your input and it pleases me that you found merit in this image. I enjoy and admire your work, so this is a fine compliment.

My sincere thanks, Gaiil

A very nicely composed beautiful shot, Gail!

With best regards,

Ruud.

Many thanks for your input, I do value what you think and admire your daily stream of work! You are an inspiration and wonderful support.

Warmest regards, Gail

Hola Gail.

Un macro fantástico, la nitidez es muy buena,  la composicion y presentacion es excelente. Te felicito.

Un cordial saludo, Joaquín.

Harmer, great macro work with perfect contrast, DOF, details, nice color tones, lovely done!    Best  regards     7!