We’re back in the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences for another macro shot. The subject here is a longwing butterfly. There are many different longwings but they can be found in South and Central America, the Caribbean and in the southern states of the US.
Once again, this was taken using my 90mm macro lens and the Nikon R1C1 macro flash rig. I’m still experimenting with the flash but am generally extremely happy with the results. I tried a variety of different setups with and without close up diffusers. On balance, I think I prefer the shots with both the diffusers installed. That said, the biggest factor in the flash setup seems to be the shutter speed in use. When shooting flash, the shutter speed can be considered as your ambient light control – the longer the shutter is open, the brighter the background in comparison to the foreground. Juggling the shutter speed, therefore, allows you to determine just how isolated the main subject is. Too short, and you end up with that “oveflashed” look and a black background. Too long and you either end up with blurring in the main subject or the background becomes so bright that it can distract from the butterfly. As always, experimentation is the key!
Well, however you did it, it worked beautifully!! Amazing sharpness, and a very striking composition.
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Absolutely stunning macro shot you have here!
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