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Friend or Foe ? - (larger)



Img_3771_13_06_2011 (macro)Canon Rebel T3i - Canon EF 100mm 2.8 Macro USM - Shutter Speed: 1/400 sec - F Stop: F/2.8 - Aperture: F/2.8 - Focal Length: 100mm - ISO Speed Ratings: 100 - Exposure Program: Normal - Metering Mode: Spot - Flash Did Not Fire


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Macro

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Because of the Sweet Nectar (glucose) that Peonies secrete, I have

always thought they were essential in order for these very heavy

layered blossoms to open. I recently read that this is a Myth.The ants

aren't a problem near the front porch, mainly because they are more

interested in that nectar than anything else. Usually once the nectar

is gone, most of the ants are also. At times they will invade the

blossoms as well, making them a pest if I want to bring a bouquet

inside the house. Last summer I learned that a simple 'dunking' in a

pail of water will make the ants retreat. A very gentle 'swishing' of the

blossoms in the air for a few moments will take care of any excess

water. They are one of the most beautiful of early blossoms in my

Spring/Summer Garden. Another bonus - if I did not have the

Peonies, I would not have as many 'subjects' to pose for me while I

practice my handholding for Macro Shots!!! (your visits, comments

always welcome, many thanks, Gail)

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I don't know what they like so much to this kind of bud flower,all the time  before I put some of them in the house must be very well shaken to have not ants on it.May be they like that is sweet all round this buds,nice one Gail.

 

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Very nice macro. Better the ants at your house working on your peonies than at my house. Then again, I don't have peonies anymore (sigh!) Wonderful shot though!!

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Hi, Gail! Beautiful work again. I love the crop and the way it is framed. Best regards, my friend. Tamara
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Hi Gail,

After I had written you a detailed review of this image , with an example attached, I felt that I should revisit this image.

I am pleased to see that you did use your lens well in its peak design range for close up work.

The ant is not as sharply focused as it could be, but the image displayed is still adequate.

As for exposure, you would be better to under expose by 50% , too. This allows for better color development and avoids the high levels from the plan in the upper right side of the image.

Close up imaging with fine lens demands the utmost itn precision focusing. The viewfinder of any DSLR is not always capable of providing such details unless it is properly setup and your eye is well suited to the diopter setting or an external magnifier (like a 1.5X, 2X or 2.5X) is employed. The other option is to use "Live View", but this is more difficult in hand held cases (tripod recommended).

When I come across interesting close up opportunities, I take many images from various perspectives, using many shutter speeds , ISO settings and point of focus selected.

Warmest Regards, Mike

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Hey Gail!

I love this photo! The detail and use of light are so fine. I love the delicate colors, and check out the white hairs on the ant's abdomen! Wow...what a perspective this brings.

Nice work!

Tim

 

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I was torn between writing an amusing analogy of Joe on his quest to gather nectar and the apparent shortage of ant sized buckets to carry out the arduous task, and just writng to say how much I enjoyed fine macro with such a wonderful gradation of light. It would seem that I have wrote abbreviated versions of both : - )

Very well done Gail!

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

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Yes they do like the 'glucose'(sugar) that is secreted by this plant. I have learned that 'swishing' the blossoms very gently in a pail of water will rid them of the ants. Then you just carefully 'swish' them back and forth and the blossoms do not get damaged. Thankyou Radu for your visit. ;-) GAil

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Thankyou very much for taking the time to provide some much needed information that many of us can use while doing 'closeups' and 'macro' images. I recall when I took this image, it was during a time when I was very frustrated with taking Macro images. It was then that you started coaching me on HANDHOLDING. At that time(2011) I did not have a Tri-pod but I do now, and my Dad also gave me a Monopod which will come in handy as well. I have been studying up on using LiveView on the Tripod this weekend. I know that when I took this image I used the Normal Program. Which means Autofocus was engaged, but I know I would have turned the lens to try to get better focus. I recall that at that time I was thinking that I should be wearing my glasses and perhaps that would help. I know I adjusted the Diopter more and that did help in later images. I am going to see if I did many Ant images in the Summer of 2012, to see if I managed to improve. I know I did better on some of my Bees and Grasshoppers.

 

Thankyou again for all the info, it is very helpful and necessary if I want to take better Macro Images,

Kindest regards, Gail

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