27 | September
"Little Big Guy"
General: 6:22 PM on 9/24/05 | Canon 20D
Technical: 1/125sec | f/4.0 | 100mm (160mm) | ISO-400
Lens: EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Exposure Mode: Manual
Exposure Bias: +0
Flash: 580EX

I was out shooting the other evening and ran out of light a little sooner than I expected. Soon after I spotted an ant hill...wishing I had started out a bit sooner. Not having used my flash all that much yet I almost forgot I had it along. Now was a perfect time to try it out. It worked beautifully in almost no light. The only problem was that I could barely see to focus...that and I had to make sure none of these fellows made their way into my sandals.

This shot has not even been the slightest bit cropped, but I did upload a 100% crop for those of your desiring more detail.

If anyone requests this as a wallpaper...you are w.e.i.r.d.

...More ants coming tomorrow.

categories: insects macro

Thoughts of: Chantal
September 27th, 2005 at 5:53 AM

This photo makes me itchy.

Thoughts of: Tim
September 27th, 2005 at 5:58 AM

That's amazing! lovely lighting, especially considering that was with a flash! How long have you had the D20? I only just saw what the camera was. I used my cousins D20 at a wedding last week, I think he had the same flash as you've got, it's a lovely camera!

That's a great pic! I've tried that sort of thing taking pics when it's dark, and I get what you mean about it being hard to focus, but there the focus is pretty much perfect! I could understand some one wanting hat as their desktop picture!

Thoughts of: owen
September 27th, 2005 at 6:09 AM

Incredible. I'm impressed that you can get this close with just a 100mm macro lens. Those must be some big ants!! Great coverage from the flash too.

Thoughts of: Deb
September 27th, 2005 at 9:26 AM

Wow....this is a neat picture! Our Creator is a Master at intricate design! And BTW, I know someone that would probably like this as wallpaper...

Thoughts of: JM Snell
September 27th, 2005 at 1:10 PM

It would be an amazing wallpaper! :) I love the detail!

Thoughts of: Nik
September 27th, 2005 at 1:19 PM

I love the detail, very nice work! Although I would hate to get that close in real life to those little demons... they hurt!!!!

Thoughts of: Stray
September 28th, 2005 at 6:54 PM

I take it these are ants of the bitey variety then? A great shot, wonderful how you have got most of his body in focus.

Thoughts of: mari
September 30th, 2005 at 10:15 PM

Really like how you isolated the one ant. Great work!

Thoughts of: Mark (4x6)
October 25th, 2005 at 9:53 PM

I love it. Gotta get me a macro; there's nothing like being in a critters face.

Thoughts of: Flickrfest
November 18th, 2007 at 12:55 AM

like the segmented antenna

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