Garden Beast

Garden Beast by Ken Boxsell
  • Maree Toogood

    Maree Toogood

    Wow…...Outstanding shot

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks Maree

  • JohnScott

    JohnScott

    nasa got spy bats this big and look a little like this, lol

  • JohnScott

    JohnScott

    Is this real?

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Hi John it is real. I often dig out a few bugs around the garden. Normaly when the weather is bad, which stops me from getting out to take other pics, I reach for the macro lens. They can be a real pain to capture but I do enjoy this form of photography a great deal.

  • Robin Brown

    Robin Brown

    Ken; you look like a big lad from your portrait!! Big but easily capable of handling a camera like a real pro judging by this fantastic insect study!!

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Thanks Robin. With a head like mine it’s always preferable to stay on the other side of the lens. LOL

  • Lesley Smitheringale

    Lesley Smither...

    Outstanding macro, may I ask where the insect was at the time when you say “they can be a real pain to capture” . Very well done and the reflection is wonderful, hence my question!

  • avocet

    avocet

    Wonderful macro and great dof. The reflection is good too.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanyou very much avocet

  • Lance Leopold

    Lance Leopold

    It’s a Robber Fly,Ken,and a top shot too!!!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks Lance

  • LjMaxx

    LjMaxx

    An excellent macro and I like the outcome from technique you speak of… This has wonderful lighting and detail. Those wings… Perfect! I too like the macro and now find the world of insects/bugs so much more interesting and beautiful.. Super!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks LiMaxx

  • amarica

    amarica

    Marvelous macro, looks like a drawing or a painting, so perfect, excellent Ken

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks Amarica

  • Mundy Hackett

    Mundy Hackett

    Ken this is a really excellent image o I am guessing some sort of robber fly? Oh, and by the way I am stealing your photopaper technique! Brilliant!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks for the kind words Mundy. Try and get the paper to roll up slightly so it becomes a seemless BG. Best of luck mate.

  • Zaldy Infante

    Zaldy Infante

    great capture

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Thanks Zaldy

  • niggle

    niggle

    wow what a stunning image,

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps niggle

  • Kiwikiwi

    Kiwikiwi

    Wow. This is massively impressive. Instant favourite.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks very much Kiwi

  • Magaret Meintjes

    Magaret Meintjes

    wel, i have no words for this one Ken, you did a fantastic job with your techs!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks mags

  • Jodie Carruthers

    Jodie Carruthers

    Amazing work!!!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks Jodie

  • Jonicool

    Jonicool

    Fantastic macro!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks again Joni

  • dpastern

    dpastern

    Lovely shot Ken – beautiful looking Robberfly. I’m surprised it let you relocate it though.

    Dave

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Thanks dp

  • Carol & Kev Haberle

    Carol & Kev Ha...

    Simply SUPERB!!!

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Thank you very much Carol

  • ApeArt

    ApeArt

    incredible

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks ApeArt.

  • Holly Cawfield

    Holly Cawfield

    My goodness!!! What an outstanding image. Wow!

    Beautifully done Ken!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks very much Holly

  • Wanda  Lechene

    Wanda Lechene

    amazing work

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks very much Wanda

  • Kuulei2you

    Kuulei2you

    Lovely view! Thank You! I love there eyes! check out blue dragon on my site?

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Thanks Kuulei

  • digitalmidge

    digitalmidge

    Ken, how in the heck do you get a bug like this to, well, stand still and ‘behave?’ Is this bug real? Is it huge like that? I’m just full of questions that are probably dumb as toast, but I am just freaking out over these bugs of yours… ;-)

    Zoe

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Definatley not silly questions Dig. I will send you a bubblemail with a how too. Thanks for the kind words and taking the time to study my image Dig.

  • Antanas

    Antanas

    perfect exposure

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Thanks heaps Antanas

  • Rosina  Lamberti

    Rosina Lamberti

    wonderful macro :)

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks very much Rosina

  • SUNSET STUDIO                          Michael Lothian

    SUNSET STUDIO ...

    brilliant macro mate! :)

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks mate

  • Jan Piller

    Jan Piller

    Stunning work!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks Jan

  • Che01

    Che01

    Incredible image. I love the symmetry, is it a mirror image except for the tail?

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks Che. Yes it is mate. It was the symmetry that I was attempting. So thanks very much for taking the time to study my image in such great detail.

  • jesika

    jesika

    I spend hours chasing bugs in bugland. Natural environment, do not disturb etc. Now I shall have to try your technique, it produces really amazing results.
    Another wonderful shot
    j

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks Jesika.

  • zeke7

    zeke7

    Amazing macro shot. Nice job.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks Zeke

  • Gareth Chalklen

    Gareth Chalklen

    I take it you’ve been playing around with the perspective is photoshop? I like it.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    The right side is a clone of the left, apart from that there hasn’t been any PS. Thanks for the comment

  • Gareth Chalklen

    Gareth Chalklen

    Cool. Well done brilliant work.

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Thanks very much Gareth

  • Cathy Middleton

    Cathy Middleton

    Incredible. Thanks so much for sharing your technique too, it’s inspirational.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you very much Cathy

  • littleredplanet

    littleredplanet

    Amazing pict and gallery you have here. I love macro as well and would like to learn a few tricks from your book! I noticed you were sending a little ‘how to’ to dig (above) and wondered if you could make this available to more of us too?

    Cheers Mate and happy snapping!
    dale

  • Mary Aleckson

    Mary Aleckson

    Your bug shots are award winning! Feel like I’m up close and personal. They are all so beautiful!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks very much Mary

  • Sheila Smith

    Sheila Smith

    Thank you Ken your work is wonderful.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    You are welcome and thank you Sheila for taking the time to look

  • Lenka

    Lenka

    Beautiful photograph of a garden beast! How did you make him to pose so well for you? Great job :)

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks very much Lenka. Its all about patience mate Usually about 3 hours of work in each of the Garden Beast shots

  • Marvin Collins

    Marvin Collins

    Your shots of these bugs are the best I’ve seen, incredible!! I sure wish I knew how you did this, my attempts are complete failures. Awesome work!!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Marvin

  • Sparrowing

    Sparrowing

    Fantastic capture!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Terri

  • Ellen

    Ellen

    Excellent close-up!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks so much Ellen

  • georgiegirl

    georgiegirl

    What can I say when everyone else has said it already? Well I can say it all over again!!! It and all of your other bug photos are incredible!! Love the tip about the photo paper too. What a great idea… thanks heaps!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps georgiegirl

  • Naomi Frost

    Naomi Frost

    Awesome capture..It’s got me wondering what the bug was thinking when you were taking it’s pic??

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    “Dont go into the light” Thanks heaps Naomi

  • Jason Connolly

    Jason Connolly

    Wow, I’m envious , superb work.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks very much for taking the time to drop by and leaving such a fabulous comment

  • Glenda  Remaklus

    Glenda Remaklus

    Sensational…......!!!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Glenda

  • Terry Arcia

    Terry Arcia

    this is truly amazing

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Thank you so much Terry

  • H M Bascom

    H M Bascom

    Very cool.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks

  • Kuulei2you

    Kuulei2you

    Ken, Thanks! as usual, when I come here I learn new tricks. It’s great to know you take so much time with the bugs, as I thought, I was just off the wall, now I know that we both are…..lol :>)

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Lol. Yes I sometimes do put hours of work into obtaining an image and of course this one is no exception. Its always refreshing to find a comment that reiterates the time and effort of the shot. Thank you so much Kuulei for dropping by and most importantly for your wonderful support.

  • Kuulei2you

    Kuulei2you

    Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!For your awesome inspiration!!!!!!!!!!I I have been working on getting some good bug shots to show off to you but, those silly bug’s
    keep hiding! Well maybe I am not making it top on the list! Well, maybe next week when I am not looking one will pop up! Until then….......Kuulei

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    For me mate its just try try try and try but more importantly is patcience and time. Good luck Kuulei

  • Kuulei2you

    Kuulei2you

    Ok, Usually I do get good luck, so will be back with the goods soon I hope!

  • Sandy Stewart

    Sandy Stewart

    Oh my, yet another “WOW” image!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks Sandy. You are too kind

  • Northof40

    Northof40

    Boy this is incredibly outstanding work…................... U Rock

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Steve

  • macmichael

    macmichael

    Taken away from it’s habitat, ie your garden, it really ads whole new dimension.
    Great shot. I have a white kitchen table. Maybe one day I try and use that. Bugs enough in my kitchen, heheheh.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    hehehe. Thanks michael. Try a sheet of A4 photo paper. Heaps more mobile mate

  • Yool

    Yool

    Never I have seen a better image of the fly yet….. capeau!!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much Yool

  • John Hooton

    John Hooton

    This insect looks so good it makes you want to buy one!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps John

  • Lucindawind

    Lucindawind

    aliens ! awesome capture

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Lol…........thanks for dropping by

  • Damienne Bingham

    Damienne Bingham

    Really lovely shot, and fascinating setup! Thanks for sharing your tips with us!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much GEH. I really appreciate your comments

  • theyellowfury

    theyellowfury

    Jaysus, that’s something I’d like to draw sometime. Beautiful shot.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much TYF

  • Kerstin  Inga

    Kerstin Inga

    Did you pay him to pose? how come he didnt fly off? this is awesome! the detail is amazing!!!!!

  • Matt Hurrell

    Matt Hurrell

    Awesome work Ken. The fact that you have got this so perfectly head on, it almost looks like a mirror image. Great, great work!

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Thanks heaps Matt

  • Meeli Sonn

    Meeli Sonn

    Wow. Greatest macro, what I have ever seen. Stunning.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much loiteke for such kind words

  • Brian Carey

    Brian Carey

    Beautiful shot Ken!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Brian

  • helmutk

    helmutk

    Great macro Ken !!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps helmutk

  • Lois  Bryan

    Lois Bryan

    oh WOW … wish I’d read this a few hours back … caught and saved a salamander in the pool this morning … and took a few snaps of him, but nothing worth uploading. Your idea of the white would have been JUST the ticket!!!!! This one is FABULOUS, by the way … but I gotta tell ya, your buddy looks kinda … ahhhh … well …. let’s just say annoyed with you, lol!!!! But WHAT a SHOT!!!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Lois. Yeah he dosnt look real happy does he…...lol

  • BlairCathcart

    BlairCathcart

    great macro shot!!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Blair

  • Hans Goepel

    Hans Goepel

    Great macro Ken !!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Hans

  • Tracy King

    Tracy King

    Brilliant macro, he looks ready to challenge you.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks Tracey….......He sure was pretty comfortable with me getting close

  • Renee Dawson

    Renee Dawson

    This is an outstanding macro Ken!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much Renee

  • tonymm6491

    tonymm6491

    Amazing fly! Kiss for it :)

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Lol….......Thanks Tony

  • Houndstooth Studio

    Houndstooth St...

    Brilliant photo Ken! The technical detail is perfect, and the white photo paper as a backdrop is thinking outside the sqare! Ive done studio work with dogs and cats, but have NO idea in the world as to how to get insects to pose – do they work for food reward, haha??! Thats my one trick and i dont imagine that’d work! Awesome shot!

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Thank you so much much for both the lovely comment and the fav Alex…......I can give you one tip…......bugs hate the cold weather….....makes em really slow

  • eyestrange

    eyestrange

    I LOVE your garden beasts and this is no exception – excellant as always

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much Pat

  • Tonje Thilesen

    Tonje Thilesen

    Woha, that’s just insane. How did you lit this?

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much much Blackout. I used a wireless flash transmitter and a couple of 580EX’s I think (It was such a long time ago mate)

  • Karen Zimmerman

    Karen Zimmerman

    I am so happy that you commented on how you did this…it is one of the most amazing insect shots I’ve ever seen! I love it!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much Karen. I really appreciate the lovely comment and most certainly the fav

  • Mammalia

    Mammalia

    Ooooooooooh LOVE the perfect symmetry here Ken, amazing lighting and OMG the DETAILS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Mammalia

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much Mammalia

  • Steve Chapple

    Steve Chapple

    Amazing…..

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Steve for dropping by and for the fav mate

  • Ingrid77

    Ingrid77

    wow – this is outstanding! It’s posing for you … you must have promised something to it ;-))

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    He only works for food…......LOL…
    Thanks heaps Ingrid

  • Alan Coote

    Alan Coote

    I think this is amazing. The clarity is superb. Thanks for sharing your information – terrific idea for background.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks for dropping by Alan

  • Paul Vanzella

    Paul Vanzellafounder

    this is so damn cool! LOVE IT!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Paul

  • Elaine Harriott

    Elaine Harriott

    This is amazing Ken – the reflection, perfection!!!
    How on earth did you manage to get it to stay still in the spot you wanted??

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much Elaine….....It wasnt easy…..

  • Candyworld

    Candyworld

    Wow! How did you take this shot? Very cool!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Candy for dropping by and leaving a fav….....You are too kind…...Check your Bmail in a few hours

  • Steve plowman

    Steve plowman

    Wonderful shot, love the reflections of the legs in the photographic paper.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks Steve

  • Grant Scollay

    Grant Scollay

    Brilliant!!! I love the symmetry one side of the “beast” is almost a mirror image of the other. Things that you wouldn’t notice without the help of a Macro lens Great photo

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks heaps Grant for both the awesome comment and the fav mate. I really appreciate it

  • avalyn

    avalyn

    for an old bloke …you certainly got a steady hand…..........another wonderful shot!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    LOL…...Only because my joints no longer move..;-)
    Thanks avalyn

  • Narelle Power

    Narelle Power

    brilliant !!!!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much Narelle…. I really appreciate you dropping by and leaving a lovely comment and fav

  • dmarie

    dmarie

    WOW…awesome shot…excellent close up… :-)

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much and I really appreciate the fav. Glad you liked it

  • stevmac

    stevmac

    This has a beautiful simplicity about the it…. great shot, robber fly?

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Thanks

  • PamelaJoPhoto

    PamelaJoPhoto

    Ok, I could fave all of your images…...I think I have just witnessed the best macro photogrpahy of bugs that I have, or may ever see again. I would love to get some ‘How to” secrets from you. I just love your work. You are the Macro Man!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Ok ….dont let me stop you……..LOL just kidding
    I cannot thank you enough for all the lovely words and favs. They mean so much much to me.
    For me there are about 5 rules to shooting bugs. The first 4 are all the same patience and dont stop at one single image……....just get as many shots as you can.
    The most important rule is that you must get to know your subject and quite often you will find that when they realise, you mean them no harm (such as moving very slowly and predictably), through shear curiosity, many of them just do not want to leave. For example this little guy , after placing him on a plant, he just kept on flying back to me

    If you want to know anything specific, please just give me a Bmail

  • LindaR

    LindaR

    most excellent macro ~ the comp, form and reflection is superb ~ the rest of my kudos goes to nature itself ~ great collaborative work!! ;) xx

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks

  • Orla Cahill

    Orla Cahill

    Amazing photography. You are obviously very talented.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Talented….....probably not…......persistent and stubborn. Absolutely…...
    Thank you so much Orla for both the lovely comment and the fav.. Cheers

  • Jen Cannella

    Jen Cannella

    Brilliant shot!

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thank you so much Jen for both your lovely comment and the fav. I truly appreciate it

  • toby snelgrove  IPA

    toby snelgrove...

    sweet image … I know the feeling of a crapy day looking for something interesting … and you found it … wonderful captures.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks

  • Colin12

    Colin12

    Nicely done Ken.

  • Ken Boxsell replied

    Thanks

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