RagE's "Bugography" 2009

[PS-RagE]

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To see more photos from previous summers, check out my photography website at www.bugography.com



Its been a really late summer up here this year. The leaves have only just come out within the last two weeks!

Nonetheless, there are always some variety of creepy-crawlie out there. Plenty of ants and dragons anyhow.

Speaking of ants, here are some ants herding aphids:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/32, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

Nikon D2X, Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro w/ 158mm extension, 1/60, f/32, ISO 100, tripod, focus rail, remote release, triple flash

Nikon D2X, Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro w/ 158mm extension, 1/60, f/32, ISO 100, tripod, focus rail, remote release, triple flash


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Not sure who this little girl is but she sure is pretty! I'll look her up later:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro w/36mm additional extension, 1/60, f/18, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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A sawfly larva:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/11, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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This dragon was not intimidated by me at all:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/16, ISO 100, monopod, flash

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, flash

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, flash<crop>

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This spider on the other hand was quite nervous about the giant looking at him:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

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One of my favorite subjects - a wolf spider:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

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I have been trying to get a pic of one of these little black spiders for years now. This is the closest I have come yet. They are really fast and since they are so dark and glossy, they don't photograph well.

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

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The last photo for tonight (more to process tomorrow). Not sure what these ants are disassembling but they sure wanted it bad!

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro w/36mm additional extension, 1/60, f/23, ISO 100, handheld, flash

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[FinalAura]

Great shots rage. Wish I had the gear you had. Love the sharpness and bokeh in all of them.

 

[madFive]

WOW - I love these! Great looking shots.

Gots to get me one of those 200mm's...

How do you light these? On/off camera? What defuser? What distance?

 

[Sean]

Always love your shots Dale. Great stuff! These are so amazingly detailed, and well shot. Congrats!

 

[Putz]

damn canucks where are your black fly /deer fly pics representing Canada's finest

lol

nice pics/site

 

[PS-RagE]

Great shots rage. Wish I had the gear you had. Love the sharpness and bokeh in all of them.

Thanks!

WOW - I love these! Great looking shots.

Gots to get me one of those 200mm's...

How do you light these? On/off camera? What defuser? What distance?

To light the subject, I use an SB900 on an RRS B85 bracket, with Nikon's "sto-fen" diffuser right out over the lens like this:

The SB900 is also set as "Commander" to control a pair of remote flashes used to illuminate the background:

The main flash is set to -1/3EV and the background flash set to -1EV

Always love your shots Dale. Great stuff! These are so amazingly detailed, and well shot. Congrats!

Thanks!

damn canucks where are your black fly /deer fly pics representing Canada's finest

lol

nice pics/site

No black flies out yet - can't say I miss them. Seen a few deer flies but no one will "pose" with them. Zillions of mosquitoes though

 

[PS-RagE]

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Here is something I didn't know, dragons are cannibals! I watched these two fall to the ground thinking they were mating when I noticed the yellow one was eating the other! Afterwards, I saw quite a few dragons torn up like this one and being hauled off by the ants.

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/20, ISO 100, handheld with flash

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/20, ISO 100, handheld with flash


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A little black orbweaver.

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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A long-jawed orbweaver

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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This bark crab spider is snacking on an ant

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod,triple flash


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Detail from a cranefly

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/20, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash <crop>

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I believe this is a sulphur caterpillar:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 0.6", f/16, ISO 100, tripod

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[VictorChan]

Nice shots...

 

[xphil3]

Nice shots...

heh, rage is on a completely different level than the rest of us. These are beyond nice

Rage,

Simply some of the best macro shots I have ever seen. Period.

 

[BLUEFISH44]

Fantastic shots, even though I'm seeing it I cant belive the level of detail you have captured in these shots. Thanks for posting these.

 

[Kadath]

As always, in awe of your work Dale. Doing another Blurb book? If so count me in again.

 

[PS-RagE]

As always, in awe of your work Dale. Doing another Blurb book? If so count me in again.

Thanks. Yeah, I've started on one but haven't got past page 41 yet. Not much time to work on it lately. I guess I'll end up making it a 3 year project and include this year's photos as well.

 

[Kadath]

Let us know, I'm in...

 

[madFive]

I gotta get a copy of it as well when it's done. Be sure to let us know.

 

[Gee1785]

Nice shots, thanks for the setup info also.

 

[RS3RS]

Ugh, creeps me out just looking at these things. Which means you're an amazing photographer. Great work.

 

[Red Falcon]

Oh, I could only imagine taking photos like this.

Thank you for posting these Rage! These are some of the highest quality close-up photos I've ever seen.

Better than college texts!

 

[PS-RagE]

Thanks guys! Just got back from my annual two week photo trip so will have more to put up soon once I begin processing.

 

[Kadath]

Standing by to stand by.

 

[PS-RagE]

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Here is the first batch from my vacation. These were taken at Oka National Park in Quebec:

I watched as this green frog started to puff up and as he began to sing I would fire off a burst:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 80-400 f4.5-5.6 VR @ 400mm, 1/160, f/8, ISO 800, monopod

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This beautiful, big fishing spider was carefully guarding her egg sac:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4, 1/60, f/18, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash


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Obviously, these guys have to eat but until I took this picture, I had no idea how:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4, 1/60, f/16, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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A harvestman:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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A little dragon:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4, 1/60, f/16, ISO 100, monopod, flash

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I think this is how everyone prefers to see mosquitos:

Nikon D2X, Tamron 90mm f2.8 with 158mm extension (1.75x), 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

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more tomorrow.....

 

[PanzerBoxb]

As usual, Rage, I am both mesmerized and horrified in equal measure.

 

[BLUEFISH44]

(Note:

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I think this is how everyone prefers to see mosquitos:
*SNIP*

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more tomorrow.....

Kinda feel bad for it now that I can look into its freaky eyes. Were you able to revive her?

Great freaking shots BTW.

 

[madFive]

Wow - more amazing stuff!

I need to get to your actual site eventually... are you selling prints there? Think I'd like a couple of these in like 12x18.

 

[PS-RagE]

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This little fat head caterpillar almost looks like he's smiling:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

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My wife loves these little jumping spiders. She calls them "muppets":

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

"Eek - its a long way down!"

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash


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I have no idea what this thing is:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, dual flash

Nikon D2X, Tamron 90mm f2.8 w/158mm extension (1.75x), 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, dual flash

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A grass spider:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

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Normally, I don't like backgrounds that go black but it seemed most appropriate for this katydid. Looks almost alien:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/18, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash


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The next leg of our journey brought us to New River Beach Provincial Park in New Brunswick.

This is a five image HDR composite (-1.3/-0.7/0/+0.7/+1.3). I wasn't impressed with the colour version but when I converted to an infra-red black and white I got this:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 12-24 f4 @ 12mm, 1/60, f/16, ISO 100, tripod mounted, remote release

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A stable fly:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/20, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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A little beetle:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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The inside of a flower:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, flash

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A spikey spider:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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More tomorrow....

 

[PS-RagE]

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I believe this is sheep laurel:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/25, f/13, ISO 100, tripod mounted

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An orchard orbweaver:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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Caterpillar:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

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Barnacles and seaweed:

Nikon D2X, Tamron 90mm f2.8, 1/8, f/16, ISO 100, tripod mounted, polarizer

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Seaweed:

Nikon D2X, Tamron 90mm f2.8, 1/4, f/11, ISO 100, tripod mounted, polarizer

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A flower beetle in the sheep laurel:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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more on Monday....

 

[Kadath]

My wife loves these little jumping spiders. She calls them "muppets":

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

Love em all of course but this one is fantastic, high on the personality scale. The bullfrog one too.

Can you explain more about the (slug?) eating leaves?

Sam

 

[PS-RagE]

Love em all of course but this one is fantastic, high on the personality scale. The bullfrog one too.

Yeah, almost like a kitten, huh?

Can you explain more about the (slug?) eating leaves?

The woods were filled with these slugs. I was taking a picture of a leopard frog when I noticed what this one was doing. Damnedest thing, huh?

 

[PS-RagE]

Wow - more amazing stuff!

I need to get to your actual site eventually... are you selling prints there? Think I'd like a couple of these in like 12x18.

There is a link to Blurb there but nothing for sale, really. This is a hobby for me, not something I do to make money. If you really want a print, drop me an email and we can work something out. I have the ability to print up to 13"x19"

 

[PS-RagE]

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You'll notice water drops in the majority of these images since it was pretty wet the whole trip. This bee doesn't seem to be enjoying the weather at all:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/16, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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After mating, the female spider will attempt the eat the male. This guy did not get away:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/16, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash (crop)

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A pair of hoppers:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/18, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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A weevil:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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An orb weaver:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash

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Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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A grass spider's web after the rain:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash


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more to come...

 

[madFive]

A grass spider's web after the rain:

wow - think this is my favorite one yet.

 

[Kadath]

The thing I find incredible is that even at your talent level you continue to get better Dale. Those are simply extraordinary. Keep it up!

 

[TimG]

Wow, amazing detail. Perhaps I should look into Macro photography.

Is that Nikon a full frame camera or a crop? How close to the front of the lens do you normally get to the bugs?

 

[PS-RagE]

My main body (D2X) is a crop camera. The higher pixel density gives me better detail and more DOF.

With the 200mm I get 1:1 magnification at about 18"

 

[Kadath]

Dale uses both D2XS which is a 1.6 and D3 which is a full frame.

 

[PS-RagE]

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A fly:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash


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Leafhopper:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/20, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash

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Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/30, f/6.3, ISO 100, tripod, focus rail

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[madFive]

awesome! these just continue to get better - great shots.

I really am going to get around to ordering some prints from you eventually... think that last dragon-fly will have to be one of them.

 

[PS-RagE]

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refresh the page and they should come up.)


A stinkbug:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash


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A little spider:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/18, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash


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A fuzzy caterpillar:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, dual flash


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Leafhopper:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash


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Bumblebee:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash


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This is by far the largest jumping spider I've ever seen. Normally, they are tiny little guys. This one was the size of a fat orb weaver:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash (separate stands)


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My favorite of this batch is this fly. Look at his snozzle fully extended so he can have lunch:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash


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[PS-RagE]

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Here are some non-insect images from my trip east:

This mill was in a little town called St. Charles:

Nikon D3, Nikkor 28-70 f2.8 @ 34mm, F/11, ISO 200, tripod mounted, five exposure composite

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Here is something we saw a lot of on this trip - fog:

Nikon D3, Nikkor 28-70 f2.8 @ 28mm, F/13, ISO 200, tripod mounted, five exposure composite

Nikon D3, Nikkor 28-70 f2.8 @ 28mm, F/3.5, ISO 200, tripod mounted, five exposure composite

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This is a carniverous plant called "sundew":

Nikon D3, Tamron 90mm f2.8, 1.6', F/16, ISO 200, tripod mounted

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The Hopewell Rocks at low tide. Since low tide was in the middle of the afternoon, I bracked the shots:

Nikon D3, Nikkor 28-70 f2.8 @ 45mm, F/8, ISO 200, tripod mounted, remote release, five exposure composite

Nikon D3, Nikkor 28-70 f2.8 @ 56mm, F/11, ISO 200, tripod mounted, sremote release, seven exposure composite

Nikon D3, Nikkor 28-70 f2.8 @ 34m, F/11, ISO 200, tripod mounted, remote release, seven exposure composite

The beach was crawling with tourists, when a cloud passed over the sun, I decided to grab a pic with some of them in it to show the scale of the rocks:

Nikon D3, Nikkor 28-70 f2.8 @ 52mm, 1/60, F/11, ISO 200, tripod mounted

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This image was captured in Ottawa. Normally, this little waterfall only runs in the Spring but with all the rain this year it was flowing in July:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 12-24 f4 @ 24mm, F/13, ISO 100, tripod mounted, remote release, polarizer, two exposure composite

Still haven't decided if I like this version of it or not yet:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 12-24 f4 @ 24mm, F/8, ISO 100, tripod mounted, remote release, polarizer, two exposure composite


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I think this guy was trying to warn me off: "Look how big I am!"

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 80-400VR @ 400mm, 1/160, F/8, ISO 100, monopod


When that didn't work he took to the sky with his girlfriend and circled around. Amusingly enough after he circled for a few minutes, more and more of them came over - musta thought there was something to eat!

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 80-400VR @ 400mm, 1/400, F/8, ISO 400, monopod

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[PS-RagE]

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refresh the page and they should come up.)


One little white butterfly:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/13, ISO 100, monopod, triple flash


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A wolf with lunch:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, handheld, flash


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A hiding hopper:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/18, ISO 100, monopod,triple flash


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A damselfly:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/18, ISO 100, monopod,triple flash


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Bunchberry:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/15, f/9, ISO 100, tripod mounted

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Crab spider on a daisy:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod,triple flash

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I think this is some kind of imperial moth:

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/14, ISO 100, monopod,triple flash

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 200mm f4 micro, 1/60, f/22, ISO 100, monopod,triple flash

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[northrop]

bravo <claps my hands>

awesome photos RagE!