Flower and Insect ??

[David DesRochers]

I'm looking for help identifying the flower and the insect. Taken in the Adirondacks, NY in June.
Canon 40D with 180 macro, ISO 100, f/13, 1/6 sec, twin light macro flash, on gitzo tripod.

[Ed Vatza]

Hi David,

The flower is an Orange Hawkweed (not fully opened). We don't seem to have them around here in PA but I did make some nice images of them up in Acadia National Park (ME) back in June. The bug I have to leave to someone else to identify.

I am curious as to what you may have done in post-processing with this image. It looks awfully soft given that you shot at f/13 and used a tripod. So I am assuming that you did something to create this look. Actually, from a purely creative perspective, I kinda like it. As I look at this more, it must be the angle at which you made the image. It looks like you may have focused on the insect here.

[Robert O'Toole]

David,

The selective focus and DOF as presented works great for me. The soft light and colors are great. Beautiful.

My only change would be to give the subject a little more room in the frame.

Robert