no macro lens

[Eric Virkler]

Eastern Newt (juvenile)

I was out hiking and spotted this colorful fellow in the middle of the trail. My camera was with me on this day only to photograph our visiting friends from the midwest (no tripod, no lens assortment). All I was carrying was a Canon 18-55mm, which used normally wouldn't have allowed me to create the image that I wanted. I took the lens off, flipped it around, adjusted the zoom and focus; and then leaned in and out until the eyes were sharp. Took one shot from maybe 1/2" from the eyes, but I liked this one better. Shooting this way, the only exif data is 1/25s, ISO 800.

Eric Virkler
Faces of Nature Photography
www.ericjvirkler.com

[Alfred Forns]

... good thinking and like the end result !!! Could wish for the eyes to be sharper but don't think you can do any better under the circumstances !!!

Not sure what to suggest with the right leg by the frame Sort of wish to have it all included but image does not look bad at all as presented Waiting to hear some suggestions !!! btw don't know how low it was taken but if getting lower was possible would have been a good choice !! I like it a lot !!!

.... btw really nice gallery !!! ... love the little mouse !!! :)

[Lance Peters]

HI Eric - great thinking, colourful little fellow. That leg on the right is a problem - wish it was included - cropping it out would make it look a little funny. Would leave it as it is.
Don't forget when a opportunity arises to work your subject - try different shooting angles etc especially when you have a co-operative subject.
Looking forward to seeing more :)

[Desmond Chan]

I took the lens off, flipped it around, adjusted the zoom and focus; and then leaned in and out until the eyes were sharp.

How did you connect the flipped lens to the camera body?

In the old days, my understanding is you needed a connector/mount to do it.

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Eric,
You did very well on the spur of the moment type deal...my only suggestion would be to selective sharpen the eye...looking forward to your next one...good show...:cool:

[Eric Virkler]

Thanks for the advice. Funny how hard it can be to be objective about our own images. I've never even noticed the leg before, all I could see was what I paid attention to when shooting it. What do you think about cropping it like this? Is it too forced?

Desmond, you don't need to have any connection between the lens and camera. The camera will fire anyway, you just have to hold the lens and try your best to get a sharp image. I would recommend using a tripod for the body, handholding both can be difficult.

Eric

[Alfred Forns]

Crop works Eric It is a radically different image and I like it !!!

[Arthur Morris]

As above, sharpness and COMP are suspect. A solution would be to get a 5T or 6T 2-element diopter for the front of your short zoom lens; you would always have a macro lens with you....

[Eric Virkler]

Artie, Thanks for the tip (I needed to google dipoters to have any clue as to what you were talking about). I think I'll add one to my bag.

BTW, it was through your suggestions on your bulletins that I joined this forum. Thanks for making me aware of this.

Eric
Faces of Nature Photography
www.ericjvirkler.com

[Arthur Morris]

Hey Eric, Glad that you found us! And glad that you like the Bulletins. Have you checked out the blog?: www.BIRDSASART-Blog.com