Topic: Critique Forum / "Sweet" by Ken Boxsell

I love it just the way it is.

Topic: Critique Forum / Butterfly

Thank you, Shelley. Someday I will figure it all out :)

I did drool over that lens. Even pulled out my VISA card!

Sometime, very soon….

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Party Pooper !

It’s a stunning photo! It’s amazing how much of that stuff they end up wearing!

Topic: Critique Forum / Halo by Lexsis

Found the series. I took these while waiting for a train. It was pre-dawn and raining. They were growing along the tracks.

The halo with the cropping you suggested -

Another taken at the same time-

Thank you for your suggestions. The new crop is definitely an improvement!

Topic: Critique Forum / Halo by Lexsis

Ok, Ill look for the orginal and see what I can come up with.

Topic: Critique Forum / Halo by Lexsis

I agree with Inishiata, feels like the crop could be extended a bit. nice colours though.

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Party Pooper !

Great shot, can’t think of anything to improve.

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Party Pooper !

WoW and awesome colours too – excellant imho

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Party Pooper !

Great shot Rob. Absolutely perfect

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Party Pooper !

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Party Pooper !

Topic: Critique Forum / Butterfly

clickable link

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Paradise by Robkal

Spot On shot imho – Ace job

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Paradise by Robkal

Where green might add contrast, there is a lot to be said for the colors as they are. Great photo!

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Paradise by Robkal

I really like the photo just the way it is. The close up sharpness is fantastic, and the color seems right to me. I even like the DOF.

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Paradise by Robkal

I forget to add that all of my macros are taken with a flash !

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Paradise by Robkal

Absolutely, Robyn !!
I use a Panasonic Lumix FZ-30 camera with a Raynox 250 macro lens. This is a thin lens that clips onto the front of the camera. While it gives you excellent magnification, the depth of field with this lens is razor-thin, so it can be very frustrating trying to get your subject in focus.
All of my macros are hand-held (no tripod), on the M (manual ) setting, at f/11 and 1/200 sec, and on manual focus.
As for the background color which you have commented on, this was the actual background color of the flower that the hoverfly was on, so I wanted to keep the photo just as natural it was taken-even if a different color background might have enhanced the final result.
Thank you very much for your critiques and suggestions. They are always welcome !!

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Paradise by Robkal

Can you tell us what lens/equpiment you used to get this shot so we can strive to do better ourselves please ?

Topic: Critique Forum / Halo by Lexsis

Hi lexsis – I wonder what it would look like if you had the complete circle of the flower – would include a bit more stem as well – my eye wants to complete the circle. Feels like it is too cut off at the bottom.

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Paradise by Robkal

I tend to agree with Robyn. A green background would really bring out the wonderful detail in this image. I am always in awe of such wonderful close ups with so much detail and clarity. You have done a great job with this shot.

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Paradise by Robkal

I really love this image. In fact I was showing this image to a photography friend of mine here and saying how I would like to take these kind of macro shots.

The eyes really have it – beautiful focus, and the flower and pollen also. The wings are blurred, but I personally think this is very acceptable so the depth of field is spot on in my opinion.

The only thing I’m not sure about is the colour of the background. I’d like to see it green, but again thats just a personal opinion, and there’s probably not a lot you can do about it.

Great image – well done :)

Topic: Critique Forum / Pollen Paradise by Robkal

Topic: Critique Forum / Butterfly

Ken, I believe you mean the 105mm f2.8 AF-D Micro.

Shopping around you can find a tamron or sigma for half the price.

http://www.adorama.com/SG10528DNKAF.html?searchinfo=nikon%20105%20macro%20lens&item_no=2

I don’t remember how to make a link :( Sorry

Topic: Critique Forum / Butterfly

Hi Vonnie
You really do need a 1:1 lens if you want to get much closer…...I only shoot with Canon so I am afraid I am not too much help with Nikon. However I know there is a Nikor 10?mm macro (around 100mm not entirely sure but I think it is 105mm). I do know that its very expensive and that there are other manufacturers that make good macro lenses for Nikon at a much cheaper price. I would have a look at sigma or tamron.

Topic: Critique Forum / Butterfly

BTW I work with a Nikon D50