I really enjoy "bugs" in the garden. While I like taking pictures of flowers, insects and spiders are my favorite macro subjects. So I was very happy to see my first ladybug of the spring. I find it a little difficult sometimes to get good photos of small moving subjects, and I realized last summer that I was going through a phase where I was very focused on the technical aspects and consequently producing images that are nice but not particularly compelling. To try to get out of this rut, late last summer I started trying to really consider color, both in the main subject and the background in insect macro shots. This ladybug caught my eye when it landed briefly on a purple deadnettle (lawn weed) near sunset. The reddish purple hue of the deadnettle makes an unusual and intriguing color combination with the ladybug's cheerful red, I think.
Today I'm playing along on Macro Monday, hosted by Lisa's Chaos. Check it out to see some other cool bugs, and lots of other macro subjects.
Good color. It is has nice sunset light.
ReplyDeleteHi Bryan, Thanks a lot.
DeleteAmazing macro!!! Excellent clarity and sharpness. What a "cute little guy". Mickie :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yeah, they're so cute it's hard to take a bad picture.
DeleteI've never been able to catch a ladybug. :)
ReplyDeleteThe sun really made the red stand out - lovely capture!
Thanks. I got lucky because I was already set up on the tripod taking a photo of a flower nearby. It also helps to have a good macro lens, of course!
DeleteCute and pretty!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I really like ladybugs, even though they're a pretty common photo subject.
DeleteThere is something special about ladybugs, I love looking for them and watching them too.
ReplyDeleteMaybe because they are so colorful and whimsical looking, like something made for kids. I like them a lot too.
DeleteA constant conversation in our house (I am married to an American) is that here in Britain we call them Ladybirds... he is insistent that there is nothing bird-like about them at all.
ReplyDeleteMollyxxx
Yes, I know. They're not really "bugs" either, since the true bugs are a different family of insects and ladybugs (ladybirds) are beetles. I guess they are trying to encourage us to use a more appropriate common name, but I enjoy common names despite (or because of) their illogic and regionality. What's the connotation in British English of this use of "bird"? Is it a diminutive, or related to guys calling young ladies "birds" or just random? Any idea?
DeleteWonderfully done photography ~ I too love the lady bug photo ~ thanks, namaste, Carol ^_^
ReplyDeleteCute picture! Ladybugs are welcome in my garden!
ReplyDeleteA Wondering Star
Mine too! On the other hand, I wish I would see more locally native lady bugs instead of this introduced species that is almost all I ever see.
DeleteBeautiful macro photo.
ReplyDeleteRegards and best wishes
Thank you.
Deletei love lady bugs and this is a gorgeous shot.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot. I love them too.
DeleteYou got a wonderful shot! I need to work on my macros - but I think it's more my camera than me! (That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!)
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I've had a lot more fun with them since I got the fabulous Canon 100 mm macro lens. I also learned a lot from a great book called ... wait a sec ... maybe I'll write up a short review for your Book Review meme, which I was otherwise unprepared for. Hold that thought!
DeleteI was photographing blooms around the garden and found a ladybug tucked beside a peach blossom. It was such a pleasant surprise. Your ladybug image is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThank you. It was a nice surprise for me to see this one also. I have not seen very many insects, nice ones or otherwise, yet this year.
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