Submitter's name:	Walt Wayman
Title:	Lighting a bug
Gear used:	OM-4Ti, Motor Drive 2, 135/4.5 Zuiko Macro, 65-116 Telescopic Auto Extension Tube, T28 Twin Flash, T Power Control 1, Kalt shoulder pod w/motor drive cable release, B+W KR3 filter
Diaphragm:	f/11
Shutter speed:	1/60
Film used:	Fuji Provia 100
Technical information:	One flash was on a 14-in. extension arm attached to the shoulder pod, above and to the right of the lens, and the other was immediately to the left, with a 2X neutral density filter for fill. This is my version of portrait lighting for bugs. When shooting the little critters, I nearly always use flash, but it is my opinion that if the background is properly exposed, it’s going to be distracting, and if it’s totally black, it is startling and even worse than distracting. I try to use an aperture that will underexpose the background a couple of stops, yet still retain some detail, in order to give a clue as to the surroundings and some depth to the picture. This shot was in open shade, so f/11, plus the extension factor, made the background 2-3 stops underexposed.
Subject information:	The last butterly I shot this summer, an American Beauty. They’re not all that common, and seem to be getting scarcer. I saw only two all year.
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Comments:

Comment left by: Olaf Greve (no e-mail specified)

Lovely lighting! It looks so natural that I can't even tell a flash was used!

Comment left by: Anonymous Visitor (cnocbui@oceanfree.net)

Beautiful

Comment left by: Mickey Trageser (no e-mail specified)

Incredible shot! Interesting from corner to corner. What detail. Very pleasing balance of flashes, and flash to natural light. Impressive gear too! Are prints available in the lobby? :-)

Comment left by: Tiziana (ciaghitiziana@seldati.net)

I like..very excellent and charming.

Comment left by: Damo (deewhy_au@yahoo.co.uk)

Thats impressive, lighting, DOF, grain and position of subject is pretty much spot on to me. Now equally impressive is the line up of OM equipment! Im jeleous of two things now, the quality of the picture taken an also the gear. Damn thats a fine combo. Keep up the great work!

Comment left by: Roger (robinsnestphotography.com)

Impressive image. You are one patient photographer...obviously very skilled with insects.

Comment left by: Wiliam Wagenaar (wiliam@zeelandnet.nl)

Great technique to balance the object and backgroun lighting. I have tried pictures like this myself (with one flash though) and never got such a good result. First class!

Comment left by: Thomas (no e-mail specified)

Woha....pretty. I'm stunned. Does it get any better?

Comment left by: bbbean (bbbean@beancotton.com)

I'm trying to think of something that would improve this picture, and I can't come up with a thing. Beautiful!

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