OK, I shot a little series this evening before I found out that CJ and PaulNJ are working on some kind of conspiracy. Thought twice about posting this but perhaps CJ and his little Ferrari of a lens won't bother to read it :)

For everyone else, unlike most other forms of photography, you have the ability to control the background when shooting macro. Use it! Pay attention to it!

Personally, I usually look for a good background first then look for good subjects within that background.

Gawd, I hope I'm not giving away too much. There are only 2 or 3 lessons left. Then, I'm washed up!

This example: same subject, same setup, same settings, same post processing (I hope). Only difference: I shuffled side-to-side about a foot and a half total. See the difference? Which one would you use?

I would use either 2 or 3, but 3 would need more post processing to have the bug be a highlight with the dark background. I would try to saturate #3 a bit more, and increase shadows to really put the bug against a contrast. 2 is my favorite though. :-)

Good lesson on backgrounds! *bows to the macro master Loupey*

OK, I shot a little series this evening before I found out that CJ and PaulNJ are working on some kind of conspiracy. Thought twice about posting this but perhaps CJ and his little Ferrari of a lens won't bother to read it :)




LOL!!!


I read everyones's words and look at all the postings! I'm learning a lot from everyone.

Oh, about the lens: Doesn't make me any better of a photographer, just a 'newbie' with a nice lens. Kind of like adolesence, I've got a cool new toy, don't really know what to do with it, but, if I play with it enough…

Loupey,

A ferrari in the hands of a new driver can't win a race against me in my once owned 68 Roadrunner.... I know :wink:

moral of the story.. it's not the gear but the photog behind it.

These are great examples of what a keen eye and a step sideways can achieve!

Some great examples, Loupey. As for that lens thing, you are proof that it's the photographer, not the gear (not that you have crappy gear...lol).

So, I guess CJ read it :( :thumbsup:

Paul, I totally agree with you. If it were that easy, the richest enthusiasts would all become the best photographers.

Payn, that is an AWESOME compliment! Humble thanks to you :)

FWIW, its been nearly 20 years since I owned a true macro lens. But, you guessed it, I'm on my 3rd set of extension tubes :p

So, I guess CJ read it :( :thumbsup:

Paul, I totally agree with you. If it were that easy, the richest enthusiasts would all become the best photographers.

I need to clear a few things:


1. Not rich - in fact my only income is a small disability check for near amputation of my left hand (and yes, I'm left-handed). ( I went to college for graphic design/layout, ran a little B&B and did mtb tours before my accident) My girlfriend (of ten years) is the one who has a real job. She gets cool things for me/us when she can. We almost lost our place due to my injuries. Now, I take care of the place, help with the little 'home-stay' biz and rent out her bike fleet in the winter to tourists. Essentially, I'm a house-bitch (yes I do windows…)

2. Before digital, I'm puzzled how anyone who didn't have 'some money' could ever afford to learn how to create better photos. The cost of film/development/equipment would be cost prohibitive to anyone but higher income persons.

3. Would everyone be nicer if I return the lens and get something more deserving of my ability?

4. Sorry for the enthusiasm. My intent isn't to 'step on any toes' or upset any established hierarchy. I'm not in competition with anyone. I just want to learn how to take better pictures.

HOLD THOSE HORSE CJ.

I know for a FACT that nobody was referring to you.

Seriously.. #1 I can see posting if you wanted to share(I feel your pain as my injured left hand did the same to me for 3 years..left handed) #2 ...I hear that!!!!!! I was lucky enough to make 70k take home doing treework or get free film/developing when I worked at a lab.

#3... point out where somebody was not nice via email and I'll tear them a new ..... You Deserve that lens just as much as the next guy to buy one and your images rock more daily.

#4.. Dude... you can't step on toes here and don't you dare stop being enthusiastic!!!!!

This forum will be fun,we will be ourselves without shame, we will post good/mediocre and even crappy images out of love for photography and I will poke fun at loupey ......

OR I WILL QUIT BEFORE IT BECOME PHOTO.NET

I know of a few jokers with AMAZING gear that can't take an image to save their life! Seriously, I know a guy with a 1DsMKII and 20D that can't get an image with a 500f4 that can compare to an image from my old 1D/100-400IS. THAT'S SAD, because with that gear I would be MORE famous :D

CJ, I am sorry you think people are not being nice. I'm sure everything has been in good fun, and noone meant any harm.

Just a misunderstanding and all's well that ends well.

Let the games begin :D

I can relate to the small disability income, mine is so small now compared to what I was and could be earning, but with a back injury and being 52 going on a 100 now, no one wants to know you. The Government here is now making everyone on disability pensions that might, in their opinion, be able to work 15 hrs and loose their pension. If you can prove, and that hasn't been clarified to us, that you can't work the 15 hrs then they will allow you to stay on the measily pension you are receiving. My pension in Aus $'s is $155 a fortnight which is roughly about $110US.

C.J. you are right if it wasn't for the Mrs then we wouldn't be able to get anything. I like to call myself now a house husband, bitch is not really a term used here much, no female dogs around here much at all.

I really enjoyed looking at your working examples, first work I have seen of yours in these forums, don't venture into the wild very often as PaulNJ can attest to. G'day Paul.

When talking of tubes is everyone meaning extension tubes ??

With the images above which is #1 to #4 in layout is it left to right top to bottom I would pick of the 4 the two with lighter backgrounds as you see more of the bug but would prefer with darker background for standout effect.

Whoa, CJ! I come back this morning to see a HUGE misunderstanding. What I stated was just a general reference to how equipment is only a part of the overall process. Not a jab at you by any means. In fact, I am happy for you for your recent purchases - really!

I'm here mostly because I think that I can offer advice that perhaps others can use. By no means am I here to steer anyone away from photography.

I'd hope by now that everyone would realize my warped sense of humor. I don't mind being made fun of here. That's why they call me...Loupey.

Whoa, CJ! I come back this morning to see a HUGE misunderstanding. What I stated was just a general reference to how equipment is only a part of the overall process. Not a jab at you by any means. In fact, I am happy for you for your recent purchases - really!

I'm here mostly because I think that I can offer advice that perhaps others can use. By no means am I here to steer anyone away from photography.

I'd hope by now that everyone would realize my warped sense of humor. I don't mind being made fun of here. That's why they call me...Loupey.

Cool, I need all the examples and advice I can get! Now that I understand a little more of personalities and approaches, feel free to hammer me. I actually can take it and it has been rumored (rumoured for some) I have a small sarcastic tendency.

Game on…

Moving on…



Macro with a nice lens is doing wonders for me. I now have great saturation and I'm really close to my fuzzy images (LOL). Every nuance, detail, (flaw!) in your set-up is revealed.

I got some shots last night of a damselfly (I think) and I had a hard time getting the whole critter on the same plane, perpendicular to the camera/lens/sensor.