1 | July
"Maternity Ward"
General: 9:19 AM on 3/11/05 | Canon 300D
Technical: 1/250sec | f/3.5 | 100mm (160mm) | ISO-100
Lens: EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Exposure Bias: -1/3
Flash: No

This I was not only laying on the ground in an awkward position right near the ant hill, but with my reflector in one hand, trying to hold my camera steady and my relatively heavy 100mm macro with my other hand, trying to shoot fast moving ants within a focal depth of a millimeter or less. I walked away with some good macros though, so I shant complain.

View a 100% crop.
(Be sure to enlarge to full size once the image loads.)

The final for the linear algebra class that I'm taking at ASU is today, so after that I'll hopefully be able to relax a bit more.

categories: insects macro nature

Thoughts of: Eugene Lee
July 1st, 2005 at 3:35 AM

Beautiful picture! Very lively. I've seen quite a few insect macro pictures but few this lively. I also think the DOF is most appropriate. Great photo!

Thoughts of: Chantal
July 1st, 2005 at 4:55 AM

What a good angle.... aand working with depth in the photo is also great.

Thoughts of: Alastair
July 1st, 2005 at 4:57 AM

Oh Ryan, this is just fantastic! Well done to that man.

Thoughts of: Ian
July 1st, 2005 at 5:04 AM

Well done - this is great work and not at all easy to achieve - congrats.

Thoughts of: Alec Long
July 1st, 2005 at 7:48 AM

Ryan, this is outstanding! Very well done, man. I've never seen a photo like this one.

You should think about some kind of stand or bracket to hold your reflector, and get the camera onto a tripod with a remote release. You'd elevate the shot to perfection with some tack sharpness on the ant's head.

Thoughts of: Navin Harish
July 1st, 2005 at 8:13 AM

Really great macro shot.

Thoughts of: Nik
July 1st, 2005 at 8:55 AM

That is just insane, but all in the name of really great photography:D Very good shot!

Thoughts of: G N Bassett
July 1st, 2005 at 8:55 AM

Yuk, spray that dude.

I mentioned you on my blog today. Thought you should know in case you have to get lawyers involved.

Thoughts of: zac
July 1st, 2005 at 9:19 AM

outstanding shot ryan! your perspective really gives us the view from another ant. damn that DOF is TIGHT! really really great photo.

Thoughts of: yungyaw
July 1st, 2005 at 9:23 AM

Antz Kingdom? WOW! This is very good. I can imagine your situation as you describe above. The super shallow DoF is very difficult to control, but you have nailed it. Great job! I hope you don't get ant bites. ;p

Thoughts of: Philip
July 1st, 2005 at 10:15 AM

Wow thats pretty cool. well done getting it in focus too. perfect perspectictive and composition and nice tones . and the ant has a maggot... :)

Thoughts of: alexandra
July 1st, 2005 at 10:33 AM

Absolutely stunning! The full-size does indeed do justice to the subject matter. The detail, the depth, that amazing colour. Simply outstanding work.

Thoughts of: owen
July 1st, 2005 at 2:41 PM

excellent shot! you did really well to get any of the ants in focus, let alone at such a tight DOF. That ant larvae is just something else.

Thoughts of: Guilherme Pinto
July 1st, 2005 at 2:55 PM

Nicely done... I can imagine how hard it was to shoot this. The DOF is reaaally shallow. Awesome!

Thoughts of: Houser
July 1st, 2005 at 5:01 PM

HOLY BOOGER-SNOTS!! That is simply crazy, man! I have a macro, but mine doesn't come CLOSE to this. Perhaps I need to consider some new glass.

Thoughts of: Mark
July 1st, 2005 at 5:16 PM

wow, I love the color and DOF! Great moment of the ant. . .

Wonderful shot, Ryan

Thoughts of: Julio
July 1st, 2005 at 6:12 PM

Excellent macro.

Thoughts of: myla
July 1st, 2005 at 11:36 PM

To think that my camera can do *this* (wow), thank you for the inspiration -- this shot is amazing.

Thoughts of: Darren
July 5th, 2005 at 11:58 AM

What you won't do for a great shot! It's like watching the Discovery channel.

Thoughts of: Mom
July 6th, 2005 at 3:36 PM

How many of us come "eye to eye" with an ANT? Thanks for a new perspective!

Thoughts of: Mom
July 6th, 2005 at 3:38 PM

I meant to comment on the title, too, "Maternity Ward" - I love it.

Thoughts of: n.smile
July 6th, 2005 at 6:55 PM

wow, that's amazing

Thoughts of: miklos
July 7th, 2005 at 12:58 AM

Spoke too soon on the other shot. This macro is even better. Well done.

Thoughts of: royrak
July 8th, 2005 at 12:07 AM

wow!, this its awesome shot.

Thoughts of: Sonja
July 6th, 2007 at 12:58 PM

unbelievable.

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