Who you callin' Bug-Eyed
Close up of a robber fly.
Close up of a robber fly.
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Jan, 2014Views
1899
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Awards
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 21
Legendary Award
Winner in Macro fly Photo Challenge
Winner in It's in the Detail Photo Challenge
Featured
Winner in MacroMania Photo Challenge
Staff Favorite
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
Jaw Dropping
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Exceptional Contrast
Genius
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
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Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
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Top 10 rank
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
Photo was taken at a landscapers, plant nursery in Bear Gap, Penna.Time
I believe the time was late morning.Lighting
Sun was very bright so positioning without getting too much light or glare was difficult.Equipment
Nikon D90, Tamron 90mm macro lens. I believe I had the UV filter on the lens.Inspiration
This is what I love. I have had an avid interest in insects and spiders since I was a kid. The macro world hides some spectacular creatures. This one is a small robber fly in the genus of Halcocephala.Editing
I moved the light levels down a bit and cropped for composition. When shooting an insect this small, and we could probably put 3 or 4 of these adults on a dime, it is extremely difficult to compose in the field.In my camera bag
The only lens I use for shots like this is the Tamron 90mm macro. I do have a few other lenses and filters but they are not really usable for this type of photography.Feedback
Be passionate. Be patient. Your subjects are very tiny and most often quite shy. Along with their compound eyes, many insects have a second set of "eyes" called, occelli. They are very primitive and more of a photo-receptor gauging light and dark. So just the passing of your shadow can cause them to flee. Spiders are very sensitive to vibration. And learn a little bit about plants particularly wildflowers and weeds. You can't find a dogbane beetle on a rosebush.
