First attempt at bug macros

GSXRMovistar · 9 Sep 2007 at 01:03

Had a go at taking some bug macro shots today, nothing amazing but pleased with them for a first attempt.

C+C welcome.

alexisonfire · 9 Sep 2007 at 01:32

They all look very desaturated and overexposed on my laptop monitor. Could also do with a little sharpening too. For example no1

GSXRMovistar · 9 Sep 2007 at 16:56

alexisonfire said:
They all look very desaturated and overexposed on my laptop monitor. Could also do with a little sharpening too. For example no1

I do like the look of that but it doesn't resemble the original scene at all which was what I was trying to capture.

GSXRMovistar · 10 Sep 2007 at 15:13

Anymore C&C? All tips/help appreciated.

Scam · 10 Sep 2007 at 15:23

I'm afriad i agree with alexisonfire. They need more processing - more colour, more levels/curves work, and more sharpening. The shots are fine, you're not doing them justice at all.

With regards to taking the shots, i cant see anything wrong apart from the fact that you've not shot the bugs on a more natural background. They really should be on a leaf or something green in my opinion (not that you can always control that i guess!).

Hope that helps.

Messiah Khan · 10 Sep 2007 at 15:39

You asked for C&C, so here we go (forgive me if any of it appears harsh);

1. Its sitting on a fence. As has been mentioned, unnatural backgrounds like this very rarely work for wildlife shots. you also have too much space at the back of the dragonfly in relation to how much you have infront. So try cropping it tighter, with most of the space coming off the back. And I know the monitor im using here at work sucks, the shot still appears too light and unsaturated to me.

2. Best shot in terms of setting. The subject has been shoved a bit too tightly into the corner of the shot. Its also not close enough. Im not sure what lens your using, so this may not be possible, but I feel the fly is getting a bit lost with all the space around it. the shot also seems a little underexposed.

3. See comments on shot 1 as they apply here as well. In addition, this isn't a great angle as the wings have obscured the eyes, which more often than not are important to get in wildlife shots.

4. Again the background isn't doing you any favours in this one. Its far too busy, drawing attention away from the main subject. thre shot also appears underexposed and a little soft. The angle is pretty good though.

Hope this helps a little.

GSXRMovistar · 10 Sep 2007 at 17:12

Scam / Messiah khan said:
C&C

Thanks yes it all helps, if I dont ask then I won't be able to improve.

Quick question, in regards to the placement of the dragonfly in #1 you (Messiah) say that there is too much space behind it. I was trying not to leave the subject dead centre in the frame, for these sorts of shots (close up) is that considered okay to have (rule of 3rds and all that)?

And agree with the background in #4 being too busy, but was pleased with the angle on the dragonfly. Also think the camera has focused more on the gravel an inch to the left of the dragonfly.

Cheers again.

SilverPenguin · 10 Sep 2007 at 17:26

GSXRMovistar said:
Had a go at taking some bug macro shots today, nothing amazing but pleased with them for a first attempt.

I've just tweaked the levels and colour balance here.

Its not perfect, in fact I think it could still do with some colour adjustment but you get the idea. You just need to get some contrast back. Although keep an eye out for foreground and background distractions, and try to frame the insects pleasingly.

Good efforts and now you have something to work from and things to keep in mind when you do your next lot

Scam · 10 Sep 2007 at 17:40

As everyone keeps mentioning it, i have to say i quite like the composition of that shot (#1). If you look at it, it follows the rule of thirds perfectly, including the wooden fence thing. You cant fault it in that respect. The only letdown is the insects body position, really.

martinturner · 11 Sep 2007 at 09:25

The pp'd one by alexisonfire is quite nice. I think it has a little too much artificial colour, but I agree it is more along the lines of what is required. The framing of the first shot is really good as it does follow the rule of thirds. Unless the bug is taking up the whole shot you do need to aim to conform to these rules. I think the only thing wrong with the others is they do need some post processing to lift them up a bit and darken out the backgrounds so there is more focus on the subject.

Messiah Khan · 11 Sep 2007 at 09:53

Whats this obsession people have with the rule of thirds? Its only a rule, not a law and its only 1 law amongst many others. My main problem with the composition of 1, is that there is more space behind the dragonfly than infront of it. This makes is appear like the dragonfly is looking out of the frame rather than into it, which in turn makes me want to see what the dragonfly is looking at.

I am currently working out my own system of composition, based on weight of tones, detail, contrast, colours etc. I have yet to get anything down on paper, and its all in my head, but this system abandons rigid rules such as the rule of thirds. The problem with these sort of rules to me is that they pay no attention to the actual subject. Hopefully my weight system looks at a lot of the aspects of the shot to determine the best composition. Anyway, im ranting, so heres my take on the framing of number 1 (Its maybe a tad too tight on the tail end now, but you get the idea);

GSXRMovistar · 11 Sep 2007 at 10:23

SilverPenguin said:
I've just tweaked the levels and colour balance here.

Now that I like, better contrast on the dragonfly although still manages to maintain the natural green background (wasn't too keen on the black background in the one edited by alexisonfire).

martinturner · 11 Sep 2007 at 11:42

messiah khan said:
QUOTE]

Not an obsession, more a rough guide that does make sense. Clearly, not all should conform to this standard and as such many photo's I have seen are exceptional and do not. It is clear that several, are quite fond of the composition of the first shot. This would indicate, its down to personal preference.

I have a friend who is technically very capable, but for composition not particularly great. He is midway through a local photography course which has got him working with rule of thirds. His recent photos clearly show improved composition.

messiah - you have a natural ability for composition so its really easy for you to mentally compose your shot. With my own photo's I began working with rule of thirds, I feel I am now more competent with composition and look to break out of it and move forward with my own style. Working with this has been hugely beneficial.

Scam · 11 Sep 2007 at 12:30

@Messiah Khan. Not an obsession! Everyone was slating the composition (well, kinda) and i thought i'd stick up for the guy by way of showing i could see what he was going for. It's all down to preference, though.

To me it looks like the insect is looking down, so i have no issues with it looking 'out of the frame'. Had it been a person or something, i would probably agree. It's not something i generally think too much about, i find composition quite easy - i just go with what feels right. The shot he posted feels right to me, whereas i'm not keen on your crop; the body feels slightly centred, but not quite - and that bothers me. Hope that makes sense. It is all personal preference!