Guys, I have a life to live too! I didn’t forget about the second poll, I just had other things to do. And @macrotim, thank you for the spider complement. I still need to learn how to focus stack…
it’s cuz you can’t @ mention more than 10 people in one poll/post
Ah, no worries! Focus stacking takes a lot of practice, but the results are worth it!
Okay, no problem!
I have to ask— how do you get such spectacular photos? What sort of lens do you use, and does it require a high-quality camera body as well? I currently have a 150mm macro lens, but it can’t capture nearly the amount of detail yours does.
Camera body definitely doesn’t matter. I use a somewhat old Nikon D3100 that I bought used. For the lens, I currently use a Laowa 25mm 2.5-5x macro ($399) and occasionally an Oshiro 60mm 2x lens ($130?). The Laowa one is much sharper and has much higher magnification, but does have a quite steep learning curve to get decent results. No matter what lens you use, a really valuable technique is focus stacking. Basically, you just start from the front/back of a subject, and slowly move the opposite direction. Then you can combine them in software (this does cost a bit) creating a much sharper and more pleasing image if used appropiately (make sure not to over stack). Also at high magnifications a flash is pretty much neccesary, which I use a Neewer Z880-N which is yet to fail me. For good macro photography tips you should check out https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Cvnyoh-taxA and other videos by him. Please feel free to ask any more questions!
Thanks so much! I’ve experimented a little with focus stacking, but I can never seem to get the camera perfectly still, so it hasn’t turned out very good. Also, I do not have a diffuser. Is this something you recommend? I don’t entirely know what they do and how to go about making/buying one.
big green-striped grasshopper I caught with my hands and put in a jar to take photos. Just gently grabbing them before they jump is a fun process and gets some exercise in haha. Here’s the ob: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/328395206
The purpose of a diffuser is to direct light to close subjects and especially to soften light (less harsh highlights and softer shadows). You can buy professional ones from AK diffuser or Cygnustech diffuser, or you could go the cheaper route like I did and make one instead. Mine is pretty “unusual” (ugly) looking, but it gets the job done! Made entirely out of paper, tape, staples and clips. The front panel of the diffuser I made out of plain, normal paper, and the sides were with slightly thicker. I ususally have to replace it every couple months or so (or anytime I go near water, lol), in fact mine right now probably needs replaced.
I also use a Nikon D3100! Old but great camera, also purchased a macro lens for it, I’d have to check what brand though. I also need to buy or make a diffuser soon.
Wow, thank you!
Ah! Pleased to have made it into the second round :D and thank you @whistlingduck for always putting the polls together!
I just got a new (used) camera body that I’ve been saving up for, and am very excited how much better it works with my lens. Caught these two doofy freedom chickens on my way home on Thursday. They absolutely hate my vibe.
(Observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/329523757 )
First warm day of summer here in Canberra and I managed to catch this Swamp Wallaby Wallabia bicolor cooling off by licking its forearms. Wallabies and kangaroos have blood vessels near the surface on the inside of their forearms that they use for evaporative cooling.
Wow, that totally beats mine!
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/329866506
(Not for the poll, but I just uploaded it ;)
This very tiny and shiny beetle that I saw quite a long time ago.
Observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/322064202
Nothing to do with the rest of the photos around here, but this posture never fails to amuse me. The classic duck-mushroom pose:
@aydenburd had the most votes in either poll, so you will be our winner!
Ohhhh so FLUFFEH, good lord 
I had no idea they could be so… furry?
(Hooray!)
I haven’t been able to make many observations in the past few days, but maybe you’ll allow me to submit my best photo of the year for the next poll? I just realized that I never shared this one with you guys.
It’s a portrait of a moorhen that I shot back in August. They’re not too rare where I live, but this one was particularly photogenic :)
