I was working on two cuttings today from Tecoma Stans (Texas Yellow Trumpet Bush). Bringing them inside I discovered there was a stow away. http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/userpix/2978_20130529181450_ZS_PMax_1_1_2.jpg http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/userpix/2978_IMG_6782_3_1_2.jpg A Cano...

Beautiful photos! The cornflowers are some of my favorites. They dry really well and retain their color relatively well. Strangely enough, I guess the fact that they grow in disturbed soil fits in well with where I would find them. While living in San Francisco I would find them in bunches along the...

I have not seen any striped blister beetle with other markings or modifications other than what I have seen thus far. The antennae have a strange antler like shape at the connection with the head and then at which point has a resemblance to segmented antennae. Both in my photo and the photos in Bug ...

That is so cute. What a world we live in and don't even realize the other worlds that are happening around us.

I'm not even going to say what my first guess would have been. Is it insect poop on a surface? Perhaps fly something or other but that is usually black.

I came home tonight to find it waiting for me while posing on a rock crystal sample found in the area. I used the onboard flash since it was 10:30pm. The shot was done very quickly since it was already attempting to fly away when I walked up on it. I always carry my camera for cases such as this. ht...

Thank you Rik. More searching this evening for the beetle's ID was successful. On the website for Texas A&M Agrilife Extension department has it listed as the Striped Blister Beetle (Epicauta vittata) with several species listed. The description did not exactly describe the ones I found but they had...

In the five years I've been here in the desert, I've seen this on numerous occasions but never had the chance to photograph it. I found this one clinging to my front door frame two evenings ago. It was the perfect opportunity. I used a clear cup to contain it somewhat since it's habit is to constant...

Hi Pau. That is a great diffuser model. When I first became a member of this forum I did some research in diffusers and I recall seeing your model. Very ingenious. I did in fact use something similar based on your model, I also used a paper towel as suggested by LordV, that works as well. I've also ...

Rik, thank you for that information. You are always very helpful as are everyone here in the forum. The info is always so valuable. What a great place this is! I think I will go ahead and make that purchase for my first flash. Then later if I need to I can upgrade to the Canon Speedlite if need be.

Okay, I have read in numerous articles and opinion pieces that manual is superior to E-TTL and I understand why in many circumstances. However, I am new to flash photography when it comes to macro shots. If I use a manual flash am I also throwing something into the mix if I use a non-Canon flash man...

Roy and Harold both of you have great ideas. I actually purchased the 5-in-1 diffuser/reflector. It's huge and I'm not sure I expected or needed something that large. It's almost bigger than me. I was almost accosted by it when I opened it up. I think I will try the embroidery hoop idea and try it w...

Yes Roy, the plants here in the desert are very adapted to their environment. Such an interesting and contrast to the environment of the Appalachians and Blue Ridge that I grew up in. As far as the darkening issue. At this point I am still learning about exposure techniques etc. At the moment I do n...

I have been shooting photos of blooms for the past two and half months now. After five years in the desert and encountering other experiences in the past, I might assume that I know better. I guess I need a reminder from time to time. I shot the photo below quite a few weeks ago and yesterday I foun...

Thank you Rik. Yes you did answer my question. I guess what I meant when I see to bring it to the forefront was what happens when a photo is cropped. The image then appears as if it has been enlarged and has brought the viewer closer to seeing more detail in the photo. However, you did address the s...