Drifting To The Underside - (enlarge plse)

The ants just love Peonies, and whenever I can I have been out

practicing doing Handheld Macro Captures. It is still a challenge, and

yet I still am perplexed why when I have a good lens. Handholding is

not always the easiest - at least for me. Waiting for 'these little

creatures' to STAND STILL becomes frustrating and I am realizing

that when I figure I can release the Shutter, sometimes I move the

slightest bit - but that is all it takes. Yesterday I was taking some

shots of a Columbine that I had purchased at a local Nursery, and I

finally had the sense to put on my reading glasses. (?) Dumb or

what? I had some better captures but of course the plant was not

moving around like some crazed little ants. With each session, my

muscles in my hands and arms are gaining more control. Soon I

hope I can find a few Butterflies to capture, now that would be

a 'Colourful' and pleasant change. (Thanks for any visits, truly

appreciate, Gail)

Interesting reading your narrative regarding hand held shots. I can really empathise with your experience, I suffer the same, which is why I use a tripod whenever possible. But there is sometimes no choice, you have to take the shot hand held to get in the desired position to take it. One thing you may want to try, is to use a bit of negative exposure compensation, this will result in a slightly darker image, but increase the shutter speed resulting in a sharper image.  Having said that, I think you have done well here, the ant looks sharp and the details are well defined.  A Great shot of Joe & Dave on the underside!

Best Regards

Alf

A most marvelous macro shot! I'm a gunna suggest you just increase the ISO. I know, I know this will make for a noisier image but I often shoot at ISO 1600 with little negative results. ISO works just like the shutter speed (or aperture) every doubling of the ISO is like one stop of exposure and you can shoot at a higher speed with a more sensitive sensor... Just Saying :=}

I once got so discusted with ants on my peonies that I just mowed them down :/

Cheers, Raymond

bella e creativa ,anche un po esplosiva:-))paul

Gail,

  Wonderful macro with great details.  Take care, Patsy

I mean great macro which is not that easy to achieve with APS-C format sensor! Bravo dear Gail!

Best regards

PDE

A beautiful result with very nice details, Gail!

 

This sphere is attractive from the first moment I saw it,the ants look excellent one of them with so good details also on bud green texture,best regards.

thank you for writing all this! I feel better now :) . Sometimes I hate my lens! It is so sensitive to any little motion. But what a self satsfying moment when you get what you want! I am sure you feel like that looking at this picture! Happy shooting, Gail. Warm regards, Tamara

Great capture, marvelous details! Excellent shot...Best and warm regards

This makes me want to continue to go after "the shot." Hand held.....it can be done as proven here.

Hey Gail, great shot. Excellent detail, Comp, and light. Did you try to decrease the highlights at all to soften the reflective white spot on the center? It may help the shot if you didn't. Either way, well done.

You know I never thought to 'decrease the highlights', thanks for the suggestion, that spot bothered me, the sun was shining brightly (afternoon), I actually tried to clone the area to tone it down but did not look right at all. Glad you mentioned the highlights, Many thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.

Sincere regards, Gail

I'm glad it encourages you, yes handheld can be done, it does take practice, and often I take many shots to come up with one that is acceptable. But it doesn't stop me from trying. Many thanks for your kind words and visit.

Warmest regards, Gail

I see you are experiencing the same frustration!!! But I am determined to meet the challenge. Macros like this pretty well have to be taken manually, and even then, my Canon lens will 'beep' that the shot is in focus, when really I still have to 'tweek' it to get better focus. Many thanks Tamara for your visit and shared thoughts on Macro.

Warmest regards, Gail

Extraordinary macro shot! My warm congrats

You're really learning how to handle that macro. This one is sharp exactly where it needs to be. Just an excellent composition too.

I have been practicing a lot. I do take quite a few before I manage to come up with one I like enough. But I am determined to learn. Many thanks Jack for your visit and encouragement.

Warmest regards, Gail

My sincere thanks for your visit Yannis! Your compliment is very encouraging!!

many thanks Radu for those very nice words of critique. I was hoping to hear from you. You always have good advice!

Whatt a lovely compliment Pierre, I did not know that it is difficult with my 'sensor'. Makes the challenge even more interesting I guess. Sincere thanks Pierre for encouraging me along my way!

I'm glad you enjoyed this capture Patsy. You've taken some great macros and I am looking forward to what you will suprise us with this summer. Take care, Gail

Grazie amico mio !*_*! always great to hear from you!

I have been going to experiment with the ISO just to see what it would do for the exposure, just have not gotten to that stage quite yet. I have had a bit of a plan to go by, but am a bit slow at it as I have been shooting so many images and of course ending up with a few that I really want to keep. I'm trying to take notes also. One day I want to go where I can capture some Butterflies, other insects that are more interesting, however, ants are quite amazing when you realize just how intelligent they are. Thank you so much for your suggestions. I get frustrated when I try to bring the flowers into the house, seems I can never get rid of all the ants!!!! Cheers for now, Gail

I shall try your suggestion Alf, makes so much sense!!! Many thanks for your input, much appreciated. I tried using my tripod the other night and got a few shots I liked, but I find the handheld at least with the ants a bit better, more room to move! Many thanks, Gail