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Archive 2015 · Critter Mix

  
 
Dalantech
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Critter Mix


I've been working on a new diffuser (just finished it tonight) and experimenting with the position of the flash heads a lot lately. I like to use them in a key and fill orientation (key at the top, fill off to one side). I've pretty much convinced myself that I'm getting the best results with either both flash heads mounted directly to the flash mount that Canon supplies with the MT-24EX macro twin flash, or with the key elevated on a cold show (Kaiser Adjustable Flash Shoe).

The first three images were taken in the field, and the last in the "studio" (patio table).

Tech Specs: Canon 70D (F11, 1/125, ISO 200) + a Canon EF-S 60mm macro lens with 25mm of extension + a diffused MT-24EX (flash head "A" set as the key and "B" as the fill). These are single, uncropped, frames taken hand held. Technique: I cut a Zucchini flower, taped it upside down to a leaf, and then injected artificial nectar into it. I used the flash to expose the subjects and natural light to expose the background.

Bumblebees.

Feeding Bumblebee Light Test III by John Kimbler, on Flickr

Lunch Date by John Kimbler, on Flickr

A male Banded Eye Drone (Eristalinus taeniops). Male because its eyes are touching (females have a gap between them).

Tech Specs: Canon 70D (F11, 1/60, ISO 200) + a Canon EF-S 60mm macro lens with 37mm of extension + a diffused MT-24EX with head "A" set as the key and head "B" as the fill. This is a single, uncropped, frame taken hand held.

Technique: I injected the flower with artificial nectar to give the critter a reason to let me get close.

Finger Licking Good by John Kimbler, on Flickr

Coelioxys sp. Leaf Cutter Cuckoo Bee

Tech Specs: Canon 70D (F16, 1/250, ISO 100) + a Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens (around 2x) + a diffused MT-24EX. This is a single, uncropped, frame taken hand held.

Technique: I went looking for dormant bees early in the morning and found this Cuckoo Bee sleeping in my Lavender. After it woke up I placed it next to a Daisy and it went back to sleep. I used an artificial flower behind it to keep the background from being black.

Sleeping Cuckoo Bee by John Kimbler, on Flickr



Oct 17, 2015 at 03:41 PM
MarkB1
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Critter Mix


Wonderful shots John.


Oct 24, 2015 at 09:32 PM
bladesofgrass
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Critter Mix


Nice series here John, hard to pick a favourite.


Oct 25, 2015 at 12:12 AM
e6filmuser
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Critter Mix


John,

Very nice images. I also like to have the main flash and fill in the positions you describe. The trick is to have the fill forward far enough to not snag your right hand. Putting two smaller ones up near the lens and keeping the main one back, as with my Printing Nikkor 150mm setup. is a joy to use, from a lighting point of view.

Harold



Oct 25, 2015 at 02:57 AM
Dalantech
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Critter Mix


Thanks Mark, Paul, and Harold


Oct 25, 2015 at 10:09 AM





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