Leaf Grass Hopper

[barrettsline]

Found this guy two days ago, and for whatever reason didnt think to take pictures of him then. But last night when I got home he just so happened to be on my window screens. So I took the opportunity! Please let me know what you think, photography is a second hobby that I am, trying to get into more than ever.

[TheFantasticG]

I like the 2nd image the best. Composition and all of the bug being in the image work in its favor for my eyes. Lighting is a little harsh, but getting a handle on that new flash of yours first is more important... and damn I love that Canon 100mm L...

[barrettsline]

Thanks bro. When you say harsh, can you go into a little more depth on that?

[jfoureyes]

I can't get the Exif so I don't know the lens or f stop you were using on these photos... more DOF would have helped and getting the camera parallel to the subject will also help in having all of it in focus. I'm no expert in the use of flash...I shoot 99.9 % in natural light, but there are several expert on this forum that may help you with that part of it.

Shooting these vertical would have also been nice to see. I usually shoot in both formats and several f stops if the subject will let me. Just something to think about while you're working a subject.

[barrettsline]

Thank you for the input. I was using my 100 mm 2.8 L series, f stop was on 2.8 for these if I remember correctly. I completely agree on the need of more DOF. Yeah light was an issue when I was taking these. It was about 9-930 last night. I have more that I took vertically but out of all of the ones I took I liked these. I'm also trying to learn Lightroom 3 at the same time. Surprisingly enough the grass hopper is still in the same spot as I left him yesterday. If he's there when I get home, I may have to find a way to keep him for a little while to pose for some more pics under better light.

[jfoureyes]

Originally Posted by barrettsline

Thank you for the input. I was using my 100 mm 2.8 L series, f stop was on 2.8 for these if I remember correctly. I completely agree on the need of more DOF. Yeah light was an issue when I was taking these. It was about 9-930 last night. I have more that I took vertically but out of all of the ones I took I liked these. I'm also trying to learn Lightroom 3 at the same time. Surprisingly enough the grass hopper is still in the same spot as I left him yesterday. If he's there when I get home, I may have to find a way to keep him for a little while to pose for some more pics under better light.

Try shooting at f 8 to f16. You should have the metadata on each frame you shoot in the software. I use NX2 and it shows all the shooting data on each frame. As cool as it is outside these guys should be moving real slow and easy to work with. Getting good at shooting critters like this just takes some practice and patience...the more you do the better you'll get. Good luck and have fun!!

[TheFantasticG]

I have to agree with Jim on trying different angles and f-stops. I believe they call that "working the subject" but I've never been much for sayings.

[ifly223]

#2 is my favorite. : ) Personally I shoot at f22, 1/200s, ISO 200 with macro flash. Seems to be a good combo for DOF.

[Photogdude]

#2 best, eye is sharp, DOF is natural and not distracting to the subject, the only thing i would change on that, is go ahead and black out the BG. Sure the lighting is a bit harsh, (hard strong shadows), but it works for the subject.

PS-get used to shooting at 5.6

[barrettsline]

Thanks everybody for all of the input and advice. I will definitely put it all to good use!