Tech Specs: Canon 80D (F11, 1/250, ISO 100) + a Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens (set to 4x) + a diffused MT-26EX-RT with a Kaiser adjustable flash shoe on the "A" head (the key), E-TTL metering, -1/3 FEC). This is a single, uncropped, frame taken hand held. In post I used Topaz Sharpen AI and Clarity in that order.
Swallowtail Portrait by John Kimbler, on FlickrI was really surprised to find this tiny solitary bee in a Dandelion this time of year. The weather had also been terrible for a few days, but the sun came out so I went looking for something to point the camera at.
Tech Specs: Canon 80D (F13, 1/125, ISO 200) + a Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens (set to 3x) + a diffused MT-26EX-RT with a Kaiser adjustable flash shoe on the "A" head (the key), E-TTL metering, -1/3 FEC). This is a single, uncropped, frame taken hand held. In post I used Topaz Sharpen AI and Clarity in that order. Shutter and ISO set to expose for the blue sky behind the Dandelion.
Pollen Covered Solitary Bee by John Kimbler, on FlickrThis is how I would normally see Sweat Bees bedding down in my Geranium flowers, snoozing between the petals.
Possibly Halictus sexcinctus.
Tech Specs: Canon 80D (F14, 1/250, ISO 100) + a Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens (set to over 2x) + a diffused MT-26EX-RT with a Kaiser adjustable flash shoe on the "A" head (the key), E-TTL metering, -1/3 FEC). This is a single, uncropped, frame taken hand held. In post I used Topaz Sharpen AI and Clarity in that order.
Sweat Bee in a Geranium Flower by John Kimbler, on FlickrThis Preying Mantis was taking deep dives into my Lavender to hunt the moths and other insects that take refuge in it. I took this shot by focusing on the critter's mouth parts and then twisted my wrist (the one holding the camera) to push the area of acceptable focus deeper into the top of the frame.
Image taken in Lago Patria, Italy in September of 2021.
Tech Specs: Canon 80D (F14, 1/200, ISO 100) + a Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens (set to almost 3x) + a diffused MT-26EX-RT with a Kaiser adjustable flash shoe on the "A" head (the key), E-TTL metering, -1 FEC). This is a single, uncropped, frame taken hand held. In post I used Topaz Sharpen AI and Clarity in that order.
Mantis Portrait IV by John Kimbler, on FlickrIt is pretty common for solitary bees to feel the heat coming off of my hand, on cool mornings, and climb onto them to get warm. This Sweat Bee is trying to thaw out so it can start its day.
Possibly Halictus sexcinctus.
Tech Specs: Canon 80D (F14, 1/250, ISO 100) + a Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens (set to over 2x) + a diffused MT-26EX-RT with a Kaiser adjustable flash shoe on the "A" head (the key), E-TTL metering, -1/3 FEC). This is a single, uncropped, frame taken hand held. In post I used Topaz Sharpen AI and Clarity in that order.
Sweat Bee on My Finger by John Kimbler, on Flickr
Nice set.