Still trying to take macro shots

[Zygote]

Hi,

Since i joined here recently i have learned a lot (i think) from tips, tricks and your stunning photos. Here are 3 of my latest efforts. Comments are appreciated :)

http://zygote.smugmug.com/photos/29149105-O.jpg


http://zygote.smugmug.com/photos/29148822-O.jpg


http://zygote.smugmug.com/photos/29148823-O.jpg

[Lord Vetinari]

Hi Zygote

That first shot is pretty amazing- how did you do that?
The other two insect shots are very good.
The butterfly looks slightly soft and could do with a bit more lightening or contrast. You'll find insects are more interesting if shot from angles other than directly above especially from the side or side/front.

[Zygote]

Hi Lord Vetinari,

I was lucky with the first one i guess. It had just rained and i saw that big drop (?) on the flower and though i should take a picture of it. He,he!

Thanks for your suggestions about the butterfly. I shall try it. :D

Here are details about the butterfly. What could i improve other than using Photoshop afterwards?

Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 80
Focal Length:7.9mm
Exposure Time: 0.001s (10/10000)

Thanks! :D

[Lord Vetinari]

Hi Lord Vetinari,

I was lucky with the first one i guess. It had just rained and i saw that big drop (?) on the flower and though i should take a picture of it. He,he!

Thanks for your suggestions about the butterfly. I shall try it. :D

Here are details about the butterfly. What could i improve other than using Photoshop afterwards?

Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 80
Focal Length:7.9mm
Exposure Time: 0.001s (10/10000)

Thanks! :D
Ah- that would explain why it is a bit soft- the wide open aperture. Not sure what camera setup you are using, but you need to try to decrease the aperture. You should be able to shoot at say 1/100 th sec and smaller aperture. The comment on the slight dullness of the butterfly was directed towards a paintshop job. Most of the macroholics here will be using flash even in bright sunlight to be able to use apertures in the region F11-F16 to get good DOF.
Brian V.

[Zygote]

Thank you kindly! I'm so new at this that i haven't learned yet how to manually set the aperture, shutterspeed and so on to take a good picture. I use the pre set functions. I used my camera's macro function on all the above.