Backyard Bugs

[wigz]

Well actually fly, spider, cockroaches and beetles, but I liked the alliteration.

I used to find lots of interesting small creatures in the backyard but haven't been able to find much in the last couple of years. I had a poke around this afternoon and found these. Not a lot of variety, but better than i've seen for a while.

#1


#2


#3


#4


#5

[Toddyh]

#1 the fly for me Alan. Outstanding.
The reflective surface of those beetles makes it difficult to get the exposure on contrast spot on with them.
The head and eyes of the Spider gets lost a little in the background.

[wigz]

Thanks Toddy. The fly is my favourite too. Glossy bodies are a problem even though I have a home-made diffuser on the flash. Natural light gives better results but you need really still subjects and no wind.

[HansE]

Amazing fly. Glad we are not close to their size, that would be frightening.

[wigz]

Thanks Hans.

[eaglem]

Well coloured and nicely detailed.

[wigz]

thanks eaglem

[Isac]

Good set wigz. Like Todd mentioned a few technical aspects not perfect but pretty good for just a poke around in the back yard.

[wigz]

Thanks Isac. The main purpose was to test the diffuser and to see if the insect and spider diversity had improved. I'm just nit seeing the variety I used to see. It could be my aging eyes.

[Ironwood]

Nice set of images Alan. #1 is my favourite as well, fly’s can be pretty amazing when viewed at this level.
What are you using for a diffuser? Are you using the pop up flash or something different?

[wigz]

Thanks Brad. My diffuser is a cut down plastic container with several layers of translucent material doing the diffusing. It fits on a Nikon SB700 flash. I intend trying some different materials and stronger diffusion

[Ironwood]

I use some of that flexible packing foam for my diffusers, you can find it in different thicknesses from about 1mm up to about 20mm, the thicker you use the more diffusion obviously. I am using some about 10mm thick at the moment, seems about right for me. The biggest problem I have is getting a pleasing looking reflection in the Spiders eyes. The shape of your diffuser plays a big part in this.

[wigz]

I've been using that Brad. I'll have to try more layers or a thicker one.

[Phoenix]

I made a home made snoot out of cardboard and that soft polystyrene as a diffuser, really makes a nice light on the bug but looks pretty stupid.
Lots of information out there if you google it.

[wigz]

Thaks Jo. I have tried a few things but haven't found the solution for very shiny subjects. My main problem at the moment is finding subjects. I doubt if your diffuser could oook as stupid as mine; I'll only use it in my yard.

[Ralph]

Very impressive. I would like to do more of this but body reason stops me from the lower down ones.
I have to say I like each and every shot posted.

[wigz]

Thanks Arthur.