Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Lady Bug 2










Last year, I found out that you can buy lady bugs from a nursery. I thought, why not buy some and take a few pictures. Simple enough! Lady bugs come in a package of 1500, and you keep in the fridge until you release them. The warmth in the house wakens the lady bug to activity. He/she, they start moving quickly. Some start to fly around after just a few minuets. The dozen or so I took out and place on flowers co-operated very little. They move fast. My wife was more co-operative than the lady bugs. She is not afraid of them, but I don't think she will let me choose another insect to photograph in the house. Though I have thought about it! She is supportive of my hobby but she will draw the line occasionally. These are shot using a 105mm macro lens, with my D200. I started using extension tubes but found it difficult with the lady bugs on the move. I will try the tubes on something else. I do have a few more to post, so check back in a few days.

12 comments:

Suburban Girl said...

This is just 'inspiringly' awesome! Love love love the focus.

Woody said...

A few suggestions:
1) You might want to try to photograph them when they are still cold.
2)Fold a napkin several times and dampen it. When they crawl on it, they will likely stop to drink.
3) Cut a raisin in half so they can get to the sweet inside. They will probably stop to eat. A piece of banana also works well. DAMHIK

http://2zars.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-have-visitor.html

Gardendiggers said...

So you had a "lady-bugs-adventures" :-)
Great shots. The colours of bokeh are beautiful and fresh, they emphasize the space. The drawing of petals and lady bug is delicate yet strong... The pictures are very impressive. Congratulations :-)

Carolyn Ford said...

These are simply amazing! I especially like the first photo...the light shining beneath the lady bug's body is so excellent. The color, the blur and bokeh and the tack sharp image of the lady bug...fabulous. I am glad you didn't release all of them in the house...how comical that would have been! :o)

David said...

Thanks guys for the comments. Woody, the suggestions will come in hanndy for the next time. Thanks. I hope that many of the lady bugs will stick around in the yard and I can do it again.
Carolyn, you have a quite the sense of humor!

Dagmar said...

Holy smackerony David. What a gorgious pictures. And your hobby you say? Man o Man make your profession of it. You are good!
Love these ones so can't wait until the next shots come up.

Thanks for being a follower on my blog (how on earth did you find me, little as I am).

Well anyway still got lots to learn from you so I'll visit more often from now on.
See you around and have a blessed day.
Dagmar

holdingmoments said...

Great macros David. Not an easy subject, but you're certainly getting excellent results.

John's Arts & Crafts said...

Great blog & photos! I would love to have a copy of your photo for my website. New blog on the Hx. of the Ladybug:

http://historyoftheladybug.blogspot.com/

David said...

John,
I happy that you like the pictures. Please contact me via email and elaborate more on the intend use of my pictures. I will give it some thought but at this time NOT my permission. In the email, please explain to me your involvement with the Yessy Art Gallery. Thank you for your interest. David

Paul said...

Hhhhmmmmmm..............nothing with the tubes?

Joanna Durczok said...

Lovely photos! I love the colours, they are magical!!!!

Utah Mommy said...

Hello, i haven't been here for a long time! As always, your shots are all gorgeous.... Keep them coming!

I am trying to learn more about photography though and i guess i am learning everyday... Photography Is My Hobby