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The Question:
from James N.
on 5/13/2007 3:57:15 PM | | Bug shots
I am a newbie to photography and loving it so far. I noticed you are also from Maryland. I live in Rockville and was wonderring where you get the shots of the bugs/insects. My wife is hoping they don't reside anywhere in MD and is hoping you raise them in your basement in a safe environment under lock and key. ;-) Seriously though I do enjoy nature shots and am curious how you go about getting these shots. Thanks! |
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Previous Response:
from Bob C.
on 5/13/2007 6:21:58 PM | | Hello James,
Unfortunately...(as far as your wife is concerned), all of the bugs on my website are Maryland natives.
Our state hosts a variety of insect species and each are quite fascinating in their own special way.My bug forays generally take me to the Catoctin Mountains west of Frederick but interesting specimens can be found almost anywhere in the state.
The fall months are best because most species have matured and are quite large making them easier to photograph.
Also, the mornings are cool that time of year and it's often possible to find a myriad of subjects in suspended animation shrowded in dew. I have a bellows assembly and a full arsenal of macro equipment specialized for shooting close...(up to 40X-lifesize). |
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Previous Response:
from James N.
on 5/14/2007 5:08:58 PM | | OK, as I said I'm a newbie and your macro arsenal has me drooling. I started out with a Sony DSC h-2 and just a few weeks ago moved up to a Sony a100k DSLR. I purchased the cheapest telephoto lens as I enjoy shooting birds. I had previously purchased a macro/close up lens for the DSC H-2 and was just getting into the whole Macro thing. I'm trying to decide if I want to take a course online or go up to Montgomery College (AKA Harvard on the Pike). Can you offer any advice on which way to go? |
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Previous Response:
from Bob C.
on 5/14/2007 6:40:04 PM | | James,
As a self-proclaimed "newbie" and one who is eager to learn and amass knowledge quickly, I recommend that you read as much as your mind can absorb.
If your comprehensive skills are adequate and you remain focused and committed, you can learn quickly without formal training or paying for expensive courses.(...Though these can be beneficial later if you apply for a job somewhere in the photographic field. A degree or a resume of completed courses never hurts.)In my opinion, the best way to learn is by doing...by practicing...A LOT! Try to remember what works and what doesn't.
When something works remember what you did so you know how to repeat it. When it doesn't work remember what you did so you can try something different when the same situation arises.
This simple formula establishes the groundwork for the empirical knowledge that only experience in the field can provide. You should get to know your equipment intimately. Know its strengths and its weaknesses...as well as its limitations. When your practice sessions start paying off, your abilities will evolve beyond the limits of your equipment and it is then that you should consider upgrading and expanding your arsenal to accommodate your needs. If you are really interested in macro, start with a true macro lens...(and a good tripod). The Sony 100 2.8 macro will focus to around 13" from your subject and will yield 1:1 lifesize reproduction.
You will get much better results than with those screw-on close-up lenses. ...Hope this helps.
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Previous Response:
from James N.
on 5/15/2007 7:34:18 AM | | Thanks for the advice on the lens. I'll start saving my pennies today. You mentioned the screw on close up lenses aren't as good as a macro lens. Why is that? I look at it as though when the camera is "looking" through glass, it's all glass but some is higher quality I suppose. Just curious why the bug difference between screw on close up and macro. Thanks for all the advice! |
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Previous Response:
from James N.
on 6/5/2007 10:55:33 PM | | Bob - I wanted to let you know I finally purchased the macro lens you recommended. I can't wait to learn as much as I can about macro shooting. I hope I can get a few shots that are half as decent as the ones you have in your gallery. Cheers! Jim |
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Previous Response:
from Bob C.
on 6/6/2007 3:42:46 AM | | Congrats on getting that new lens. I'm sure that your macros will improve once you've mastered this new piece of equipment.
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