ummm I'm in awe by the shoots posted. It's also killing me that the bugs are not here yet.Really though, I've hosted the WCU for a while now and gotta say, you all take the cake. Every week is a reason to improve, push my gear farther and learn new things. That alone makes the WCU the best of the weeklies as far as I'm concerned.Thank you for taking the time and effort. I really do appreciate it. -- JimB Bug WhispererJoin us in The Weekly Close up every weekend

These are all shot with E-30 and the 100-300. A male Beautiful dmoiselleWhen trying to get closer to the demoiselle a female red damsel landed on the leaf nearer to me, and a male came flying in to see if she was intrested of him.While I was watching the damsels this skipper (Northern Checquered Skipper) arrived like an orange flash and sat in the grass and sat there a little while before flying away.

Now thats a smart Idea.Thanks for the info. -- Collinhttp://www.pbase.com/collinbaxter http://collinbaxter.zenfolio.com/Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. (George Carlin)

Thank you and indeed, Mark! Not really a sweet spot for shooting Macros. It was worth the experimenting though......Macromedswrote:Nice shots mate. You will get some diffraction at f22 as well. -- Mark -http://www.beingmark.com-http://beingmark.com/macro-illustrated/

THank you for commenting, John!johnnyrushwrote:fun to look at.Peace, John

Thank you, Mark! Pretty much almost touching the subject I'd guess. I was not able to go full mag.Macromedswrote:Nice shots C. There wouldn't be much room in front of the lens with the EX and Raynox. What's the working distance at closest focus? -- Mark -http://www.beingmark.com-http://beingmark.com/macro-illustrated/

Nice set, well captured and has a nice story with it. Thanks for sharing. -- Oll an gwella, Jim

Thank you Mark,Yes I can get up very early but I need to take a nap after lunch!For this series I used a Sigma 105mm and a 150mm , with ex-25 or ec 14 (not both together). The higher magnification was obtained with Raynox macro lenses (dcr-150,250)

The Aus Gov, but it's a bit hush hush. Have you ever observed bees while they sleep? They do all the things children do when they dream - arm/wing stretching, kicking out, 'groaning', therefore they dream - is my scientific view. ((: -- Mark -http://www.beingmark.com-http://beingmark.com/macro-illustrated/

Thanks John. -- Mark -http://www.beingmark.com-http://beingmark.com/macro-illustrated/

Thanks Trevor. Not at all, you should see what I shot when I didn't know what i do now, just find out where you aren't getting what you want and what to do to get it.Trevor Carpenterwrote:Stunning, every time i see your shots I think I should call it a day --My Galleries are at http://picasaweb.google.com/trevorfcarpenter

Thanks mate, I don't get them in much other poses, too fast for me.didin19wrote:it's a very nice set Mark! The wasps are very interesting and well presented by your excellent work.

Thanks Greg, appreciated.daddyowrote:These are all great, but the second to last is absolutely excellent in every respect.God Bless, Greg http://www.imagismphotos.com http://www.mccroskery.zenfolio.com http://www.pbase.com/daddyo

Appreciated Greg, all the best.daddyowrote:That is a great macro shot -- razor sharp, and the colors are outstanding. Very nice work!God Bless, Greg http://www.imagismphotos.com http://www.mccroskery.zenfolio.com http://www.pbase.com/daddyo

this is my photo :

Lovely shot Papo. Looks like rain in the BG. -- Mark -http://www.beingmark.com-http://beingmark.com/macro-illustrated/

Thank you Mark!

...it's a river.....Macromedswrote:Lovely shot Papo. Looks like rain in the BG. -- Mark -http://www.beingmark.com-http://beingmark.com/macro-illustrated/