I really enjoy the challenge of trying to photograph insects and this ladybug was a relatively cooperative subject. She sat still for quite a while, which allowed me to experiment a little with techniques. The first show was taken after she started to move a little.
The light was fading a little, so I decided to see what would happen if I used my pop-up flash. It’s obvious to me that I risk having a hot spot, which is most visible in the second shot, but it seems that the additional light helped to bring out some additional details. I have seen the fancy setups advertised that use dual external flashes, but don’t think that I am ready to make that kind of financial commitment. Perhaps I will experiment with a cheaper, LED light or possibly a ring light and see how well they work.
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Nice macro shots, Mike. The hot spot in the second shot doesn’t bother me in the least. You’re getting some really nice detail in these, and your choice of composition complements the orientation of your subject very well.
Very well done, great choice of subject.
Thanks, Charlie. I love ladybugs and can’t help but try to photograph them every single time that I see them.
yesterday morning a bunch were coming out of their metamorphosis, and I desperately wanted to photograph them… unfortunately, I was at a softball game and couldn’t!!
nice pics of yours though!
I am sure you’ll have other opportunities with the ladybugs. I sometimes have to remember to balance my photography with the rest of my life. 🙂
true.. it was one of the few times this ladybug was in a very good place to photograph.. and was bright yellow when he came out!