The Juggler (Please view larger)

I have received several messages asking where and how I get these insect images... So I figured I'd post a synopsis...

This is Texas, so here is how it goes:

Step 1: Apply a layer of sun protection
Step 2: Chiggers!!!!! Soak yourself in insect repellant from head to toe (these microscopic insects will find any speck of skin that is not covered with Deet)
Step 3: Convince yourself that it is OK to walk in a field of tall grass knowing that venomous snakes and spiders live there
Step 4: To avoid any movement on your images do this on a windless day when it is 105 degrees in the shade
Step 5: Try to not pass out from a heat stroke as you carry your equipment
Step 6: Grasshoppers!! Every step you take, 100 grasshoppers jump and fly hitting you in the head and scaring away the insects you are really interested in. So walk a path to remove them, and walk back the cleared area back and forth searching for the perfect bug and setting.

Step 7: Kneel down to be at eye level with the insect and discover a patch of cacti growing underneath the grass
Step 8: Take countless shots of the same subject
Step 9: Get back to the car turn the AC on and drink a gallon of Gatorade
Step 10: Post Processing. Get confused trying to select the best images out of hundreds of shots of the same subject. Keep about 15. Work late into the night to try to produce the perfect image.

And voila! It's that easy.... But seriously, very rewarding! (BTW, I did answer every message with technical details...)

Ah, the joys of macro photography. It's a bit cooler here in Costa Rica, but otherwise pretty much the same thing.

Nice capture of the wasp, a pretty sturdy one from the looks of it.

Nice image.  The others are awesome as well. Thanks for posting your secret recipe;-)

Do you use manual or autofocus on these?

.

Thanks for your comment. You need to do manual focus on things this small. I use both manual mode or aperture priority. Spot metering...

Me impresiona y admiro  tu trabajo Line, como es el caso de esta imagen, la pose de la avispa genial, el buen foco y detalles son estupendos, pero ese control de la luz que tienes es una maravilla.

Magnífica macro.

Saludos

Front position you had to caught this image makes this to be so good,is like this insect looks right in your lens,excellent details where needed and contrast with blur green bg completes this,compliments.

I have been in Texas a few times, and I know it can be terribly hot. I can not say I've been tempted to venture into the terrain to photograph insects in 105 degrees, and I have to admit that I don't like them either. Your photos on the other hand had an excellent technical and artistic quality.

Regards Eystein

Thank you both for the comments, much appreciated as always.

Sincerely, Line

Amazing shot!

Best, Tina

Perfect! a real superb and impressive reward to all your investments!

Many regards! Hanan!

I see you've earned every bit of these great accolades.  Excellent and masterful work, Line.

Thanks to each of you for taking the time to comment.

Sincerely, Line

Excellent!!!

Loved your synopsis of taking photographs in Texas!

As for this picture - stunning detail and focus which are clearly trademarks of yours. Was showing it to my son and he said "ohh what's thattt..  looks like the face of a puppy tilting its head sideways about to whimper". Wonders of mind. Regards.

If  people would look at the world through the eyes of a child...