Photoclubalpha

Playing with the macro lens.

nice shots. how were they lit?

Excellent. Would you please detail on how you did it?

Not too difficult Doctor! Caught the grasshopper after seeing where it landed as it flew past me. Brought into my house and placed on one of the plants in my lounge. Used the Sigma 105mm lens on the A700 and put the HVL56 into wireless mode. My son was holding the flash (manual, 1/2 power) high above the grasshopper and I shot from the front and side. It wouldn't sit still and in fact it was quite funny how I was chasing it around the plant, shooting away as soon as it would sit still for a second. No chance for tripod or any support, all hand held. Must of taken about 20 shots, and was amazed, about 15 were good. I have done a slight crop on these to show the detail. Must admit I did battle a bit on the power for the flash until I turned down the power. Was overexposing until then.

RobbieA wrote:Not too difficult Doctor! Caught the grasshopper after seeing where it landed as it flew past me. Brought into my house and placed on one of the plants in my lounge. Used the Sigma 105mm lens on the A700 and put the HVL56 into wireless mode. My son was holding the flash (manual, 1/2 power) high above the grasshopper and I shot from the front and side. It wouldn't sit still and in fact it was quite funny how I was chasing it around the plant, shooting away as soon as it would sit still for a second. No chance for tripod or any support, all hand held. Must of taken about 20 shots, and was amazed, about 15 were good. I have done a slight crop on these to show the detail. Must admit I did battle a bit on the power for the flash until I turned down the power. Was overexposing until then.

Thanks Robbie. I was curious because I couldn't get the "head & shoulders" shot myself. I couldn't get closer. Well, partly due to using the Sony 50/2.8 Macro.
Here are my shots:

Yes, I think your limitation was not having enough reach on your lens. The 105mm has got that extra advantage over a 50mm in situations like this. Your pics are still very sharp and well exposed.

I have never seen blue-eyed, blue-limb-jointed hoppers before Robbie, they look amazing. Nice getting to know this little restless guy!

Dr. Harout, very crisp shots, your hoppers have a nice green to match the leaves. Good for camouflage I guess...

I yet have to see and shoot my first hopper...

Yildiz

aster wrote: I have never seen blue-eyed, blue-limb-jointed hoppers before Robbie, they look amazing. Nice getting to know this little restless guy!

I yet have to see and shoot my first hopper...

Yildiz

Yildiz, not a good pic but just to give you an idea of how colourful these hoppers are. Here is one with open wings.

RobbieA wrote:Yildiz, not a good pic but just to give you an idea of how colourful these hoppers are. Here is one with open wings.

That's indeed a most colourful hopper! Enough to make any butterfly jealous...

Thank you Robbie..
Yildiz