Macro - Finding the sweet spot

[Second Hand Pat]

Starting to come together.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8836/16727922693_c0a672c0af_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rubYCe)DSC_8631 (https://flic.kr/p/rubYCe) [/url]

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7769/16725698114_b6dd66ed32_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/)DSC_8610 (https://flic.kr/p/rtZzkq) [url=https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/]

[rickztahone]

Alright, here we go :)

First shot. Your instincts are very right on here. You shot the subject at an angle that would put it on a diagonal, very smart. However, the shot is rather "busy". What I mean is, your subject doesn't immediately jump out because the surrounding subjects are drawing away from it. There are 2 things I think you could have done here. One, you could have zoomed in more (remember, prime, you zoom with your feet) to get a tighter frame. Or two, you could have opened up your aperture more. The latter may still prove to not be enough because the surrounding subjects may still detract.

Second shot. Very well isolated. There is a strange (in a good way) rendering by the lens here which gives this shot a very cool "feel" (lack of a better word) to it. Again, personally, these type of subjects I tend to zoom in on them more than what you have done.

A quick tip. When doing macro photography, or actually, general photography (more emphasis on macro though), you always want to take a quick picture of your subject if it is prone to taking off. You always snap that first shot, doesn't matter if your settings aren't that great, just near where they need to be. This is just in case it runs/walks/flies away, then you still have a shot that might work. Once you got that first shot, make some quick adjustments and snap another shot. At this point, you may already have the winner, but, if the subject is still there, adjust your settings fully to where you want them, with more deliberate thought on how you really want to take this shot. Things like f/ stop and SS being the main 2. Now, if you subject is still there, then at this point, you start moving closer and snapping shots as you pause. This way, you have a range of shots with the subject. Personally, I have never been a fan of cropping down shots to get a tight shot a subject (personal preference though). This means, I try to get the shot in camera and process it with the full file with the subject hopefully in the frame in the ratio I would like.

The above tip is never a certainty, but if the subject allows it, give it a try.

Keep on shooting Pat. I love the diversity of subjects you have around you. Around me, I have a whole bunch of flies I can take pics of, lol, but that is about it.

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Ricardo, yea I know the first shot is rather busy but I felt it had sort of a nice flow to it. I got as close as I could to these guys. What I like about these shots on the dragonflies are nicely focused so was a bit more focused on the technical vs the artistic side of things.

[Second Hand Pat]

Round two on the dragonflies. Did a bit better on the background.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7734/16734170234_92b5cff4b0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ruJZNs)DSC_8694 (https://flic.kr/p/ruJZNs) [/url]
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8694/17356320531_b9e8609209_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/)DSC_8701 (https://flic.kr/p/srHFpH)
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8857/16734184514_1506b291c4_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/)DSC_8708 (https://flic.kr/p/ruK53E)[url=https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/]

[Second Hand Pat]

And found this little gem

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7687/17330664096_a509121d38_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/spsbDo)DSC_8670 (https://flic.kr/p/spsbDo)
(https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/)

[rickztahone]

Had I taken that last one it would definitely make print. Possibly 8x10? Very nice. Dragonflies set two looks great too. The second one has great contrast.

[Second Hand Pat]

Had I taken that last one it would definitely make print. Possibly 8x10? Very nice. Dragonflies set two looks great too. The second one has great contrast.

Thanks Ricardo. I am starting to work with the raw version of the photo's and learning some of those pitfalls. Stepping the f-stop up on the dragonflies was just the ticket. Nice compliment on the flower. I took a ton of pictures on that little guy.
Pat

[dagray]

Pat, I would print #2 on metal or at the least metallic paper. Metallic paper is paper infused with aluminum or copper oxide and was designed to bring out more contrast in black and white prints. When one prints color to the metallic paper it gives a very nice print that has subtle tonal changes as you change your angle to the print.

[SMB2]

Love the flower Pat. Wonderful subject, nice off center comp. and the background is nicely handled.
Of the dragons I like the one with the blurred background. If you could get closer that would have made the shot. Clearly the macro lens was a great purchase!

[Second Hand Pat]

Love the flower Pat. Wonderful subject, nice off center comp. and the background is nicely handled.
Of the dragons I like the one with the blurred background. If you could get closer that would have made the shot. Clearly the macro lens was a great purchase!

Thanks Stan, you have this same lens? I am getting as close as the dragonflies will allow. Darn things will just not hold. :D
Pat

[SMB2]

They will often come back to the same perch. So if it flies away, move closer and wait! A tripod helps because you can set up and the waiting is easier.
At some point you can try a 1.4 TeleConverter. That makes it a ~140mm lens.
Believe it or not I shoot them with a 400mm lens!
Yup the toys keep on giving!

Seriously, you can really see a marked improvement in your macro shots with the lens. I know it is not always about the equipment and the money spent but selectively, good stuff does help.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Stan and I do feel that I am slowly improving with practice. A friend was visiting and he has the Nikon 70-300mm VR and it seemed to be doing a pretty good job on the dragonflies. That reminds me. You give me an assignment on that spider. Wonder if he is still there :D
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

A few submissions from today...more flowers and yes, the backgrounds could be better.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5469/16757666934_b4fc0b1d6a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rwPqxY)DSC_8843 (https://flic.kr/p/rwPqxY)
(https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/)


I did a small crop but prefer the original above
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8835/17354302756_5717e48ecb_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/srxkAu)DSC_8843 (https://flic.kr/p/srxkAu)

(https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/)

These are the flowers of the beauty berry which is small native bush. The picture converts a sense of the flower without revealing a lot of detail. The flower turn into a bright purple berry later in the year that the wildlife love to eat.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5460/17192628570_d38f6db2cd_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/scfHuw)DSC_8860 (https://flic.kr/p/scfHuw) (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/)

[SMB2]

I think those are great. The backgrounds are fine, nicely out of focus and don't draw your eye away from the subject. If I were processing them I might darken just the background some.
I really like the third one. Again, after taking this shot I might consider different angles. If the stem has a curve with no leaves could it be included in the top right, turning as a leading line to the flower? I like the ghost effect of the out of focus background flower, and use that a lot. Again, by moving a bit you can separate the front and back flowers and that will add to the effect. The ghost image can be used with flowers people and animals and if you look at images you will see it a lot.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Stan, my PP skills are pretty slim ATM. I am not even sure how to separate the foreground from the background. On the beauty berry I have a lot to work with ATM but find the subtle colors and size of the flowers hard to work with. I will upload a couple more compositions from today and post them a bit later.

[SMB2]

Are these with a tripod? How many images did you take of the last one?

Using LR5 I took a brush and "painted" in a darker background and the added a slight vignette. This helps pop out the flower.
BTW if you don't want me to play with your images just say so, I don't want to offend. But Sometimes the picture is easier than typing!




86903

[Second Hand Pat]

I did not use a tripod and of the last one I only have one picture at a different angle. Here it is

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8886/17197342150_3240066517_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/scESF9)DSC_8865 (https://flic.kr/p/scESF9) .

You really made those flowers pop and since I am in the learning process I did not mind you illustrating your point. LR5 is Light Room?

[Second Hand Pat]

Here's one other.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8838/17384657855_7136ba46dc_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sudV7g)DSC_8851 (https://flic.kr/p/sudV7g)

[rickztahone]

Like all 3 Pat. Good job. I prefer the closer cropped one, but they are both good.

[rickztahone]

Yes Pat, LR5 is Light Room 5. Pretty sweet piece of program for a really cheap price. You can find discounted ones all over. Use a previous version and save even more.

I like the last one you posted as well. Compositionally works well.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Ricardo, on LR5 I'm seeing about $146 on Amazon. Sounds like LR6 is a bit buggy.
Pat

[SMB2]

Pat, I am not a post processing guru but have spent some time with LR.
LR6 came out as an upgrade to 5.7 about two weeks ago. The issues have been taking 5.7 to 6 online. Downloading LR6 from scratch seems OK.
But here is the rub: in about a year or certainly by LR7, Adobe will only update it's Plan (monthly subscription) members, ie LR CC. Updates include new camera info. So if you don't have the "plan" and three years from now you get a new camera you won't have support for that camera in LR. Plus you would miss out on any new features added to LR.
So not a big deal at the moment and you can certainly purchase a stand alone version of LR, but I would learn about LR CC (Creative Cloud) as it will be necessary in the future.

There are lots of great on line video learning classes where you can go at your own speed. http://kelbyone.com/ http://www.steeletraining.com/index.htm http://www.underwaterlightroom.com/ http://blogs.adobe.com/jkost/lightroom-training-videos
Are a few. Looks daunting but again you can go at your own pace. (Watch one during each water change.)

I think the most over looked issue for people getting started is setting up a reasonable library of your images. LR helps with that (somewhat challenging to master but OK once you get it). There are certainly other programs and many on this site that can help you. The key is to start organizing early on so you can always find your images (and not keep them in a digital shoe box). The processing of the images is the fun part but having a good library with adequate storage and backup very often gets little attention.

[rickztahone]

Pat, I am not a post processing guru but have spent some time with LR.
LR6 came out as an upgrade to 5.7 about two weeks ago. The issues have been taking 5.7 to 6 online. Downloading LR6 from scratch seems OK.
But here is the rub: in about a year or certainly by LR7, Adobe will only update it's Plan (monthly subscription) members, ie LR CC. Updates include new camera info. So if you don't have the "plan" and three years from now you get a new camera you won't have support for that camera in LR. Plus you would miss out on any new features added to LR.
So not a big deal at the moment and you can certainly purchase a stand alone version of LR, but I would learn about LR CC (Creative Cloud) as it will be necessary in the future.

There are lots of great on line video learning classes where you can go at your own speed. http://kelbyone.com/ http://www.steeletraining.com/index.htm http://www.underwaterlightroom.com/ http://blogs.adobe.com/jkost/lightroom-training-videos
Are a few. Looks daunting but again you can go at your own pace. (Watch one during each water change.)

I think the most over looked issue for people getting started is setting up a reasonable library of your images. LR helps with that (somewhat challenging to master but OK once you get it). There are certainly other programs and many on this site that can help you. The key is to start organizing early on so you can always find your images (and not keep them in a digital shoe box). The processing of the images is the fun part but having a good library with adequate storage and backup very often gets little attention.

Very well said Stan.

Pat, an alternative to the price you gave for LR5 is to purchase a LR3 full version (I saw one on ebay for $30) and then simply buy the upgrade version which will run you about $60-80. That puts you at a lot less upfront cost for the program. It is a matter of finding the good deal, and as we all know, buying from ebay can sometimes be iffy. Either way, LR and a lot of stand alone programs such as this will definitely improve the editing you are able to apply to your shots. I think it is a good upgrade path for you considering how much shooting you have been doing lately.

A word of advice to you, if you have multiple shots that look "almost" identical, choose one of the few you have and roll with that one. You will soon realize that as you keep shooting, you will be a lot more selective with your shots, but those early shots you will keep shots that are almost identical just taking up space in your library.

[Second Hand Pat]

Guys, what do you think about Gimp? I found a way to get the Nikon raw files into a format Gimp understands.
Pat

[dagray]

I have seen finished work where the photographer used Gimp as their editing software and was blown away. Like any other software there will be a learning curve, but as freeware goes Gimp is pretty nice.

Topaz Labs has a suite that can run stand alone or as plugins to Photoshop (I have used it both ways, but use it as a plugin to Photoshop more), but it is about $350.00.

Adobe Creative Cloud with Photoshop 6 runs me $20.00 per month.

I am enjoying seeing you play with the macro.

[rickztahone]

Guys, what do you think about Gimp? I found a way to get the Nikon raw files into a format Gimp understands.
Pat

You can do a large majority of the stuff you can do with PS on GIMP. It is the pros who benefit from upgrading to PS many times because the tools are a little more integrated and easier to work with, but GIMP has some of the same tools, just a little more getting use to for fluidity. Their URAW converter was very handy for me before getting PS and I did most of my edits on it. Seeing as GIMP is freeware, it is a bit of a no brainer to at least not put it through its paces ;)

[Second Hand Pat]

You can do a large majority of the stuff you can do with PS on GIMP. It is the pros who benefit from upgrading to PS many times because the tools are a little more integrated and easier to work with, but GIMP has some of the same tools, just a little more getting use to for fluidity. Their URAW converter was very handy for me before getting PS and I did most of my edits on it. Seeing as GIMP is freeware, it is a bit of a no brainer to at least not put it through its paces ;)

Good to know Ricardo and it seems like a great place to start since I am at the beginning of this photo journey. I did find and download UFRaw. It convert the Nikon NEF files into something Gimp can read.

I took Stan's advice and while not quite the backside....
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8730/17394272762_ded75a71c7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sv5chw)DSC_8938 (https://flic.kr/p/sv5chw) [/url]

The foreground is just way to distracting on this one. Another crop might help.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7778/17208454098_db16593d7d_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/)DSC_8923 (https://flic.kr/p/sdDPSs) (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/)

Native Florida grass. Very hard to photography....perhaps not worth it.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7724/17210033019_cb094310ed_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sdMVee)DSC_8916 (https://flic.kr/p/sdMVee)

If you look close there are tiny orange flowers.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8741/17395875041_a933a0bbc2_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/)DSC_8912 (https://flic.kr/p/svdpA2) [url=https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/]

[rickztahone]

Are you kidding? That third one is one fantastic shot! Love delicate shots like that. Oh, and yeah, I forgot the conversion is called UFRaw and not URAW, lol. Thanks for the reminder.

[SMB2]

I like the grass! Sometimes the image sets up better if you tilt the camera (or crop) to have the stalk more on a diagonal. Some would say starting near the left corner as we tend to "read" l>R.
The last one has a little more tilt and could perhaps use some more. I, again, like the "ghost" grass images for background.

What ever you process in please keep an organized library and be sure you can seamlessly move to LR or PS etc. in the future. Understand that if you process in Gimp things like keywords or some changes may not get passed on to a LR.
I used Aperture (Apple) from 2007 to 2014 and had almost 7TB of images. Well Apple pulled the plug on Aperture and it's new editing program is so far, not for advanced work. It was not an easy task to move Aperture images to LR5, much of my editing work was not transferable. Took some time to get everything the way I wanted, but I still keep Aperture available for safety sake.

Last week I took over 7000 images in Florida on a birding trip. I have already deleted half of them. More will go as the weeks pass. But I can't stress enough the need for organizing folders in a way that you can quickly get to images.

Meanwhile keep shooting!

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks guys, I really like the grass shots too and love the ghost grass in the third shot. The grass is lite, airy and full of interesting little detail. Thanks for the tilt suggestion Stan. I forget about that.

In the meantime most of my "library" consist of jpegs as I only recently started to keep the raw version of the photos. So what strategies do you guys employ to organize your images?...subject matter, date, meaningful folder titles etc. I can see keeping three versions of an image; original raw, edited raw and final jpeg. Oh yet, one time about the UFraw conversion, the original raw is 22MB and converted raw was 47MB.

[SMB2]

I am not pushing LR but here is one of the best things about it.
As you set up your library the only images are the original RAW shots. ALL processing is kept as data in a separate file called a Catalog. This saves A LOT of space.
When you pull up an edited image LR applies the data of the edit to the RAW picture so you see the edited version. You are storing just the RAW image and edit data (and edit data takes up very little space relative to image files). You can make umpteen different versions of one RAW image and LR will apply the data of each version to the original RAW image.
If you want to export the edited version you do that through LR in any form and size you like, TIFF, JPEG and email it, post it on SD, whatever.

All editing is on the RAW file so no pixel information is lost, no matter what you do in LR. Not sure how GIMP works.

[rickztahone]

I am not pushing LR but here is one of the best things about it.
As you set up your library the only images are the original RAW shots. ALL processing is kept as data in a separate file called a Catalog. This saves A LOT of space.
When you pull up an edited image LR applies the data of the edit to the RAW picture so you see the edited version. You are storing just the RAW image and edit data (and edit data takes up very little space relative to image files). You can make umpteen different versions of one RAW image and LR will apply the data of each version to the original RAW image.
If you want to export the edited version you do that through LR in any form and size you like, TIFF, JPEG and email it, post it on SD, whatever.

All editing is on the RAW file so no pixel information is lost, no matter what you do in LR. Not sure how GIMP works.

right. these edits are called side car edits. basically it is just an algorithm that allows the computer to backtrack the changes you have made to the RAW file.

The way I organize my files is a little different than most because my priorities may differ from others, but the truth is, each photographer finds their own way of sorting. The key point here is to just start organization early on.

There are relatively straight forward ways to store files by date, or by photo shoot name. I personally do it by subject. I'll have one for wildlife/flowers/people (within people I'll have a folder specifically for my kids)/events....etc.

[SMB2]

This should get the job done for you, Pat.



http://nikonrumors.com/2015/05/05/cambo-actus-and-nikon-d810-part-2.aspx/


86942

[Second Hand Pat]

This should get the job done for you, Pat.



http://nikonrumors.com/2015/05/05/cambo-actus-and-nikon-d810-part-2.aspx/


86942

Stan, I am not even sure if I could lift that lol. Looks very intimidating.
Pat

[dagray]

Third shot: Print Big, and print on metallic paper. :) Dragon fly is very nice too :)

[Second Hand Pat]

Third shot: Print Big, and print on metallic paper. :) Dragon fly is very nice too :)

Thanks Dave :)
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7724/17538976121_41a6513f1d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sHRQy2)DSC_9165 (https://flic.kr/p/sHRQy2) [/url]

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5342/17539188345_5d02f5ffbd_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_9166 (https://flic.kr/p/sHSVD4) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/]

[dagray]

Great use of light, depth of field, and composition on both of those orchids. My preference is the top one with the select focus (the main flower in focus and the rest with a soft focus) Also from a commercial standpoint this one would print very well on many different papers, or other media (canvas, linen, velvet, metal) for prints.

The lower photo with the center being sharp and the rest being soft would print nicely on linen or canvas real well, and would look good printed on a satin paper.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Dave, in both I need to clone out the green leaf at the bottom of the photo.
Pat

[dagray]

Pat it wasn't a distracting element to my eye, others might have different opinions.

[Keith Perkins]

Very fun to watch what you're up to in your retired life Pat. Um, do you still have fish? :D

[Second Hand Pat]

Very fun to watch what you're up to in your retired life Pat. Um, do you still have fish? :D

I do Keith. Perhaps some fish pictures are overdue. :D
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Ok, life is back to normal. Visited a neighbor's butterfly garden. Have a bit of fun with this purple coneflower

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7777/18246698126_2e07979603_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tNp6Dy)[/url] (https://flic.kr/p/tNp6Dy)

But this one is my favorite. Not sure what it is.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/490/18085579278_b7ac98a7bd_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tyajCo) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/] (https://flic.kr/p/tyajCo)

[Second Hand Pat]

Liked the way the background surrounds this flower.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/535/18246864636_923d8ff476_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tNpX9q)[/url] [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/] (https://flic.kr/p/tNpX9q)

[Second Hand Pat]

and one more. :)

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7757/18274807461_f96c0a429b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tQTazg)[/url][url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/] (https://flic.kr/p/tQTazg)

[dagray]

nicely done Pat.

I am elbow deep in fish tanks planting South American plants and acclimating some Lemon Drop plecostomus (algae eating squad)... a breeding pair and cave that still had about 20 babies in the cave.


I got most of the babies out of the cave and into a 20 gallon where they won't get eaten :)

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Dave :) and sounds like you had fun today.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8891/17742826534_dec034c5fa_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/t2SCbj)[/url] [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/] (https://flic.kr/p/t2SCbj)

[rickztahone]

Ok, life is back to normal. Visited a neighbor's butterfly garden. Have a bit of fun with this purple coneflower

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7777/18246698126_2e07979603_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tNp6Dy)[/url] (https://flic.kr/p/tNp6Dy)

But this one is my favorite. Not sure what it is.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/490/18085579278_b7ac98a7bd_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tyajCo) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/] (https://flic.kr/p/tyajCo)

Absolutely beautiful shots Pat. The rendering of this lens is out of this world. Super great capture by you. Keep up the good work.

[Second Hand Pat]

Absolutely beautiful shots Pat. The rendering of this lens is out of this world. Super great capture by you. Keep up the good work.

I absolutely love this lens Ricardo. Feel like I am really nailing the flower shots now.

[rickztahone]

I absolutely love this lens Ricardo. Feel like I am really nailing the flower shots now.

That is very easy to tell. Remember, gear is only part of it. You have a great eye, and without it, these shots wouldn't be as great. :guitarist:

[Second Hand Pat]

That is very easy to tell. Remember, gear is only part of it. You have a great eye, and without it, these shots wouldn't be as great. :guitarist:

Thanks Ricardo :)

[Second Hand Pat]

A few from today

Bulbine
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/464/18778207912_9aebd7f2f9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/uBndZo)DSC_9523 (https://flic.kr/p/uBndZo) [/url]

Zebra Longwing butterfly
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/323/18785729571_86a6d73717_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_9554 (https://flic.kr/p/uC2LVa)
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/289/18595484640_1770653900_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_9555 (https://flic.kr/p/ukdHJ9)

Purple Cone flower
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/303/18783217255_4509d82e37_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_9570 (https://flic.kr/p/uBNU6n)[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/]

[rickztahone]

Lovely. The last one is a stunner

[Second Hand Pat]

Lovely. The last one is a stunner

Thanks Ricardo, I was specifiably looking for that effect :)
Pat

[dagray]

Pat I agree with Ricardo, that last one is fantastic. The butterfly shots are also very good. It is great to see you grow your photography :)

Many blessings on you and yours.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Dave :)
Pat

[rickztahone]

I love how the background of that last photo provides some sort of glow around the purple cone flower. I keep coming back to the shot :)

[Second Hand Pat]

Yea I'm loving that shot too. :)
Pat

[Discus-n00b]

Haven't posted to this thread yet. Here are a couple from tonight with my 100mm macro of some coral. I don't use my Macro a lot, and especially in the aquarium you really have to be square and level with your target to get a good one but it can turn out some great results.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/495/18941365905_58eabaa957_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/514/18936052542_159b1b1eac_b.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/18936051902_78941b9102_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/391/18320721663_3d8c87418c_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/538/18915124386_bc97310179_b.jpg

[rickztahone]

Excellent Matt. The lighting is absolutely gorgeous! Macro can be so much fun, but also very frustrating. If you do not know what I mean, go squat by flowers that you know butterflies or hummingbirds frequent and see how long it takes to get a good shot :). It is always worth it in the end for me. I hope for you guys too

[Second Hand Pat]

Absolutely gorgeous Matt. Detail, lighting and backgrounds are perfect.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

A few from today.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/549/18814839380_6f400ba64f_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/uEAYfq)[/url] (https://flic.kr/p/uEAYfq)
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/558/18814872818_45091f88c3_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/uEB9bW) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/] (https://flic.kr/p/uEB9bW)