Singapore Grasshopper, a photo from Central Area, Central

Photographer's Note

Another of my test shots with the new macro lens and ring lite flash (Canon ED100mm f/2.8Macro USM and Canon Ring Lite MR-14EX).

As I arrived at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, it took a me a little while to find some subjects suited for Macro Photogarphy. I eventually spotted some Grasshoppers snacking on these flowers; as you can see in this image he's chewed up that hole between his two front legs.

I discovered there is a knack to Macro Photography. Finding a suibtable subject can be time consuming, but even more so capturing it on film. I did not bring my tripod with me for this trip out- as I was using a flash. But given the weight of the Canon 5D, lens, and furthermore having to stretch forward- I did feel I had a bit of shake- and feel a monopod would have been well suited. To further complicate things, the flowers were located on long stems and swayed in the slightest breeze.
Shooting Macro (with a shallow DOF) can also be difficult. As you can see here- the face and front right leg is in focus, yet the antenna and front left leg- just slightly ahead or behind is out of focus... so that further complicates things... but I do enjoy it.

I hope you like the shot...
- Dan

ChrisJ, efigesta, eleparc, david, PJE, gelor has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ChrisJ (171822) 2006-03-25 4:19

Hi Dan

A fantastic macro shot of the grasshopper, with superb sharpness, & an excellent, narrow dof. The green & red color contrasts are striking. Good work!

leo61 (0) 2006-03-25 5:18

Hi Dan!
Good close up shot with nice colors and good sharpness.The contrast of green and red looks great.
Regards,LEO

efigesta (12188) 2006-03-25 5:47

Hi Dan
great macro here, with a nice colors and frame

regards
manuel

eleparc (24063) 2006-03-25 14:03

after the singapore skyscrapes, the macro life of singapore? i love the harsh contrasts in your shot! i like this series;-)
Eric

david (3992) 2006-03-26 3:21

hey dan, i'm interested in your macro shots. i'm on the verge of making a macro purchase. this shot is better than your first one. the framing works well and your dof is good.

how you adapting to macro photography?

PJE (20758) 2006-03-26 19:40

Daniel I think grasshopper is a good nickname for you. I think the title " Around the Corner" might be fitting for this photo. I still need to get my hands on a macor lens. So watching what you can come up with is interesting. I sympathize with the limitations of shallow depth of field that limits your ability in composition choices. I wonder what the effect of having just the antenna in focus on the tips and have the looming creature blurred in background. The possiblities are endless I am sure. I guess the reason why you chose the 100 instead of the new 60mm macro is because your sensor is full size! Darn you with your awesome beastly machine. Walk softly but carry a big Cannon fits well with you...esp when you do your macro shooting! Cheers and keep em coming!

gelor (3233) 2006-06-08 17:35

Une très belle macro ! Superbes couleurs. C'est beau. Merci

Photo Information

Copyright: Dan Walsh (danielswalsh) (13597)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-03-24
Categories: Nature
Camera: Canon EOS 5D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, @ ISO 400
Exposure: f/8, 1/100 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Macro, Macro, Macro, Macro nature, Macro, Singapore Insects, Grasshoppers, Dan's Wildlife Shots [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2006-03-25 4:02