Submitter's name:	Daan Kalmeijer
Title:	Longhorn beetle
Gear used:	OM-4T + 80/4 1:1 auto macro + Close Up Lens + 65-116 Telescopic tube + T28 Twin Flash.
Diaphragm:	f22
Shutter speed:	1/60
Film used:	Fujichrome Velvia
Technical information:	My standard exposure: Manual flash, full output, preset diaphragm.
Subject information:	This little critter flew in our house at the end of a day spend hunting for TOPE subjects. I find longhorn beetles difficult subjects, their "horns" are just too long ... (getting the complete antennae in the frame makes a boring and empty picture, framing them out of the image just doesn't do them right). On this picture the beetle had a nice expression and the framing was a compromise that seemed to work for me.
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Comment left by: Olaf Greve (no e-mail specified)

Nice one! I somehow never seem to be tempted enough to pursue this type of macro pictures. Someday I will try this too though.

Comment left by: Dave Bulger (david_bulger@austintx.net)

The critter spent the day hunting for TOPE subjects? Cool! Perfect framing to "flatten" the bug for DOF purposes. Good job.

Comment left by: Scott Gomez (scott@petroglyph.crestline.ca.us)

This caught my eye due to broad expanse of very rich color. Very photogenic beetle, too.

Comment left by: Mike Cormier (ronaldcormier@hotmail.com)

I think this is one of my favorite TOPE entries. Getting this much DOF with that much magnification must surely have presented some challenge. Great combination of gear as well. I think you're being a bit modest about your framing skills :)

Comment left by: Joel Wilcox (jowilcox@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu)

This is a really fine composition. Both the position of the beetle (not to mention the "expression") and the lines of the plant give unexpected but natural feeling of depth. Also a very even and pleasing use of flash. Looks extremely natural.

Comment left by: Chris Barrett (drchrisbarrett@netscapeonline.co.uk)

Lovely shot. I've just got to get a T28! I'd be interested to know the actual size. I'm guessing that the magnification is 1:1 or greater, and it takes some skill to get the focus just right as you have.

Comment left by: Matt BenDaniel (matt@starmatt.com)

Technically excellent. Nice composition and color. Looks very natural. Perhaps my favorite TOPE Macro entry.

Comment left by: Ray Moth (ray_moth@yahoo.com)

This is a masterly shot and a true macro achievement. Well done! It's intersting to see how little depth of field you get at these distances, even using f/22.

Comment left by: John A. Lind (jlind@netusa1.net)

"It's MY leaf, now scram and go find your OWN! Go ahead, swat at me, I DARE you!" This is one that can attract attention at a distance and hold it up close. Excellent composition, timing and placement of critical focus! DOF is difficult with subjects having this much depth (relative to the magnification) and you handled it well.

Comment left by: andrew fildes (afildes@netlink.com.au)

I love the 'lustre' that the body hairs give the beast. Great composition - the DOF and the leaf veins give it movement - the crop of the 'horns' draws you in too.

Comment left by: Michael Virsinger (mikev@virtechsolutions.com)

This is also one of my favorite entries, sure to wind up as Windows wallpaper on days when I need a little attitude! Well done.

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