COOL!!! A cicada is born

[Dani]

I was helping dad put pool chems away in the poolhouse and happened to notice this guy out of the corner of my eye. Its the first time I've EVER seen one of these shedding into adult form! I've always found just the empty shells laying around.

These were all taken handheld with the rebel, 18-55kit + 250D and my new speedlite 550ex flash

Shedding old skin
http://images9.fotki.com/v172/photos/7/70144/1212233/CRW_3187s-vi.jpg

It didn't have anything to grab onto to pull itself the rest of the way out... so I offered it a finger and it latched on and gave a tug... out from its old shell it came and it crawled up my hand

http://images10.fotki.com/v206/photos/7/70144/1212233/CRW_3192s-vi.jpg

I didn't want to interfer too much though.. so I promptly let it crawl onto a branch so it could dry normally. They really are pretty when their wings unfurl!

here he's all crinkly still though

http://images10.fotki.com/v205/photos/7/70144/1212233/CRW_3198s-vi.jpg

It didn't take long for them to dry... I got the camera hooked up and then went back out to look at him and they were already nice and unfurled and dry. I think they wait around for their exterior to harden up before making any first flights though!

after I unloaded the first pics I went back out and took more of him with his wings dry!! Had to use a flash light to help the cam focus lol...

here they are!

http://images10.fotki.com/v205/photos/7/70144/1212233/CRW_3209s-vi.jpg

and

http://images10.fotki.com/v204/photos/7/70144/1212233/CRW_3204s-vi.jpg

Hope you guys enjoyed as much as I did!!

[aero-nut]

Wow!!! That is very cool! I don't think I have ever witnessed that, even though we have tons of them back home. Thanks for posting those!

[audi]

wow. that first shot is amazing! very symbolic.

wonderful job!

[nikk]

http://digitalgrin.com/images/smilies/clap.gif picture all nice and sharp. i really enjoyed looking thru this series aswell.

but the only advice i want to give is....................... go out and get a card reader now!http://digitalgrin.com/images/smilies/icon10.gif

[Dani]

Thanks guys!!!!

for those who posted earlier.. I added pics of him with his wings dry too :):

[pathfinder]

Very interesting series of shots Dani :thumb

I think these images are an excellent demonstration of what can be achieved with a 250D filter screw in macro lens adapter and the 580ex. These images are very nice and do not suffer from the harch electronic flash look usually seen with on camera flash. Very nicely done Dani!! The 580ex rocks!!

Did you hold the flash off camera or was it mounted in the hot shoe?

[Dani]

Very interesting series of shots Dani :thumb

I think these images are an excellent demonstration of what can be achieved with a 250D filter screw in macro lens adapter and the 580ex. These images are very nice and do not suffer from the harch electronic flash look usually seen with on camera flash. Very nicely done Dani!! The 580ex rocks!!

Did you hold the flash off camera or was it mounted in the hot shoe?
Thanks!!! The flash was on camera inthe hotshoe.... I need a lens combo that gives a longer working distance though.. because the 250D with the kit lens puts you rather close for flash work. That or I need some kind of flash bracket or stand for off camera use.

[bfjr]

Yes very cool series, never seen that myself :thumb
Thanks for posting :D

[Lord Vetinari]

Great shots and captures Dani, I love the colours on newly emerged adult insects- sort of look like ground glass/jade.

Brian V.

[BigAl]

Neat series Dani. :thumb Luck to find it, but what you did afterwards was certainly not luck. That 250 is quite impressive!

regards
alan

[gtc]

very nice shot dani-it is so rare to catch them in this act and rarer still to have a camera handy-i think this could be a seller.(congratulations on the 'you know what business' too-hope all works out)

greg



I was helping dad put pool chems away in the poolhouse and happened to notice this guy out of the corner of my eye. Its the first time I've EVER seen one of these shedding into adult form! I've always found just the empty shells laying around.

These were all taken handheld with the rebel, 18-55kit + 250D and my new speedlite 550ex flash

Shedding old skin
http://images9.fotki.com/v172/photos/7/70144/1212233/CRW_3187s-vi.jpg

It didn't have anything to grab onto to pull itself the rest of the way out... so I offered it a finger and it latched on and gave a tug... out from its old shell it came and it crawled up my hand

http://images10.fotki.com/v206/photos/7/70144/1212233/CRW_3192s-vi.jpg

I didn't want to interfer too much though.. so I promptly let it crawl onto a branch so it could dry normally. They really are pretty when their wings unfurl!

here he's all crinkly still though

http://images10.fotki.com/v205/photos/7/70144/1212233/CRW_3198s-vi.jpg

It didn't take long for them to dry... I got the camera hooked up and then went back out to look at him and they were already nice and unfurled and dry. I think they wait around for their exterior to harden up before making any first flights though!

after I unloaded the first pics I went back out and took more of him with his wings dry!! Had to use a flash light to help the cam focus lol...

here they are!

http://images10.fotki.com/v205/photos/7/70144/1212233/CRW_3209s-vi.jpg

and

http://images10.fotki.com/v204/photos/7/70144/1212233/CRW_3204s-vi.jpg

Hope you guys enjoyed as much as I did!!

[marlof]

A nice story and cool shots. What more could we want?

[Andy]

aj: there's still time to find a girl that's more, well, "girlie." :lol3

:uhoh

[gtc]

bug fancying gals are ok in my book -they can put up with just about anything and can rough it -its the ones who are scared of chipping nail polish and messing up the hair that I am wary of....

[MuskyDude]

aj: there's still time to find a girl that's more, well, "girlie." :lol3

:uhoh
lol... Naw, me likes his woman a bit dirty. Ok, a lot dirty... :thumb :D

WTG Dani!!!! Great shots, tack sharp! I knew you'd get great bug macros with your new flash! :clap



AJ

[Skippy]

They are weird looking bugs those Cicadas, actually last summer was the first time I haven't really heard them, this year I think we have a had a lot more rain so this summer might see a change in things.....the drought did some major damage to the Eco system, we hardly hand any bees either.

I see your Flash performed really well, so that would make you really happy I'm sure :D I'm going to give my flash a good work out over the next 7 weeks in America.

Dani you were very lucky indeed to catch the morphing process as it was actually happening, I love seeing your shots, I just hope I too can show you some critter shots during my US visit, I have packed every lens I own :rofl
Even packed my Kenko Ext tubes, and my Flash & Diffuser too.

Awwwww boy I may get a chance to find a bug that is not GRAY, BLACK, BROWN, or Plain Old WHITE :rofl yeahhhhhhh that would be real nice.........even a pretty butterfly will keep me happy :D

Take Care Dani....... 2 sleeps to go, 2 sleeps to go whooohoooooo!!!!!!! :clap
Skippy (Australia)

I was helping dad put pool chems away in the poolhouse and happened to notice this guy out of the corner of my eye. Its the first time I've EVER seen one of these shedding into adult form! I've always found just the empty shells laying around.
These were all taken handheld with the rebel, 18-55kit + 250D and my new speedlite 550ex flash
Shedding old skin
It didn't have anything to grab onto to pull itself the rest of the way out... so I offered it a finger and it latched on and gave a tug... out from its old shell it came and it crawled up my hand
I didn't want to interfer too much though.. so I promptly let it crawl onto a branch so it could dry normally. They really are pretty when their wings unfurl!
here he's all crinkly still though
It didn't take long for them to dry... I got the camera hooked up and then went back out to look at him and they were already nice and unfurled and dry. I think they wait around for their exterior to harden up before making any first flights though!
after I unloaded the first pics I went back out and took more of him with his wings dry!! Had to use a flash light to help the cam focus lol...
here they are!
and
Hope you guys enjoyed as much as I did!!

[gluwater]

Very nice. I like series like this where you tell a little story about what happened instead of just posting the images. Maybe ther should be a "Story" Forum?

Nick

[Phil U.]

wow Dani! excellent series! Love the "progress" you captured.

[wxwax]

Since you were there for its "birth" will it now follow you everywhere you go?

[gluwater]

Since you were there for its "birth" will it now follow you everywhere you go?
No, but I think it makes Dani it's godmother.

[Dani]

No, but I think it makes Dani it's godmother.
Does this mean I have to buy it birthday and Christmas presents???? :lol

[gluwater]

Does this mean I have to buy it birthday and Christmas presents???? :lol
:rofl :rofl :rofl :lol3 :lol3 :lol3

[Dani]

wow!!!! I didn't expect so many replies!!! Thanks all! Glad they were enjoyed :) I'll just reply to everyone individually in one big honkin post... or something :uhoh

Yes very cool series, never seen that myself :thumb
Thanks for posting :D
Thanks Ben! It seems most people have never seen this event.. which is why I feel blessed to have captured it! Now if I can just catch the thing crawling out of the ground and up onto a stick before it sheds the old skin :wxwax :D

Great shots and captures Dani, I love the colours on newly emerged adult insects- sort of look like ground glass/jade.

Brian V.

Thanks Brian! yup he does look like jade doesn't he? (she???) Too bad they don't stay that color... its so much prettier than the drab olive/brown and black they harden too.

Neat series Dani. :thumb Luck to find it, but what you did afterwards was certainly not luck. That 250 is quite impressive!

regards
alan

Thanks Alan!!!!!! I sure love my 250D.. great piece of glass for what it is!! I recomend everyone have one lol :thumb

very nice shot dani-it is so rare to catch them in this act and rarer still to have a camera handy-i think this could be a seller.(congratulations on the 'you know what business' too-hope all works out)

greg
Thanks Greg! on both accounts :D :clap

A nice story and cool shots. What more could we want?
hmmmmmm how bout a party!!! well it technically IS his birthday.... so... uhhhh :bday
:lol :rofl

kidding... Thanks marlof

aj: there's still time to find a girl that's more, well, "girlie." :lol3

:uhoh
hey you shush up Andy!!!! I'm plenty girlie when I need/want to be :rolleyes :smack :thwak :lol :rofl :D


bug fancying gals are ok in my book -they can put up with just about anything and can rough it -its the ones who are scared of chipping nail polish and messing up the hair that I am wary of....


Hey thanks greg!!!


lol... Naw, me likes his woman a bit dirty. Ok, a lot dirty... :thumb :D

WTG Dani!!!! Great shots, tack sharp! I knew you'd get great bug macros with your new flash! :clap



AJ

:lust :sweet

*goes and gets dirty... oooops.. I mean... thanks AJ :D:D :D :D

lol........ :evil

They are weird looking bugs those Cicadas, actually last summer was the first time I haven't really heard them, this year I think we have a had a lot more rain so this summer might see a change in things.....the drought did some major damage to the Eco system, we hardly hand any bees either.

I see your Flash performed really well, so that would make you really happy I'm sure :D I'm going to give my flash a good work out over the next 7 weeks in America.

Dani you were very lucky indeed to catch the morphing process as it was actually happening, I love seeing your shots, I just hope I too can show you some critter shots during my US visit, I have packed every lens I own :rofl
Even packed my Kenko Ext tubes, and my Flash & Diffuser too.

Awwwww boy I may get a chance to find a bug that is not GRAY, BLACK, BROWN, or Plain Old WHITE :rofl yeahhhhhhh that would be real nice.........even a pretty butterfly will keep me happy :D

Take Care Dani....... 2 sleeps to go, 2 sleeps to go whooohoooooo!!!!!!! :clap
Skippy (Australia)
yeah Its been horribly dry here this year too... our yard and flowers look like crap!!! :cry

My guess is you get plenty of fantastic photos to share with us!!!

Very nice. I like series like this where you tell a little story about what happened instead of just posting the images. Maybe ther should be a "Story" Forum?

Nick
Thanks Nick! always nice to share the story when theres actually one behind it I think :):

wow Dani! excellent series! Love the "progress" you captured.
Thanks Phil!!

wow... this is a long reply! LOL:thumb

[Dani]

Since you were there for its "birth" will it now follow you everywhere you go?

uhmmm.... geez I hope not!!

*looks over shoulder* :uhoh

[Higgmeister]

An excellent series of shots Dani. Just goes to show that being aware of your surroundings really pays off. Quite amazing considering a kit lens (I have the same one) with an attachment (250D). Nice job with the exposures. Hope you don't mind me asking, but how many shots did you take for this many keepers. I may shoot several shots from several positions for about 20-30 shots of a bug to get "maybe" 3 keepers if I'm lucky (many times I get 0 keepers). Usually it's my focus or DOF plane that is off. Did you go auto or manual focus?

Thanks for sharing,
Chris

Also, congrats on your recent acquisition :clap. So, has he driven your other love yet (TT)?

[Dani]

An excellent series of shots Dani. Just goes to show that being aware of your surroundings really pays off. Quite amazing considering a kit lens (I have the same one) with an attachment (250D). Nice job with the exposures. Hope you don't mind me asking, but how many shots did you take for this many keepers. I may shoot several shots from several positions for about 20-30 shots of a bug to get "maybe" 3 keepers if I'm lucky (many times I get 0 keepers). Usually it's my focus or DOF plane that is off. Did you go auto or manual focus?

Thanks for sharing,
Chris

Also, congrats on your recent acquisition :clap. So, has he driven your other love yet (TT)?
Thanks Chris!!! I'm not sure but maybe 15-20 shots at the most. Just various positions and angles... they all came out nice and sharp and well exposed though so I just picked a few from the bunch.

I used auto focus

and nope... I offered though!!!!!

[Steve Cavigliano]

Fine, fine shots of this noisy lil insect :thumb :thumb What's even cooler is that you were there to lend a helping hand (or finger, as the case may be....LOL).


I remember these guys from my childhood in NY and hearing that almost electric buzzing noise they make. We don't see or hear many of them out here on the Left Coast :dunno

That kit lens did a super job too :clap



Steve

[Dani]

Fine, fine shots of this noisy lil insect :thumb :thumb What's even cooler is that you were there to lend a helping hand (or finger, as the case may be....LOL).


I remember these guys from my childhood in NY and hearing that almost electric buzzing noise they make. We don't see or hear many of them out here on the Left Coast :dunno

That kit lens did a super job too :clap



Steve
Thanks Steve!

[Aussie_bluey]

Very nice macros, I like the series showing the different stages of the wings drying. :D :D :D :clap :clap :clap :thumb :thumb :thumb
Tim

[Dani]

Very nice macros, I like the series showing the different stages of the wings drying. :D :D :D :clap :clap :clap :thumb :thumb :thumb
Tim
Thanks Tim!

[Netgarden]

Dani, so nice to see you! Wonderful, fabulous shots! Love the camera I bet! You sure have it all figured out already!:thumb Enjoyed your photos tremendously.
You guys have the coolest bugs.:clap