I do ok, but know there are some of you w/ better skills... any hints, settings recommended?

i'm no expert, but I enjoy the challenge of trying to get good closeup shots and I don't have the best camera for it. when I find a good subject I take ALOT of pics! changing some settings depending on conditions, I wish I would keep track of what works best during different conditions, also set my camera up to take a 3 pic burst, auto bracketing with different EV, lighting settings. the attached photo I took yesterday, I took about 30 pics of this liitle bee on the dandelion, my camera has auto focus and at this close the depth of field is so shallow that just my breathing on a hand held shot can make the subject get out of focus, (use a tripod when you can) once I download pics I go thru them zooming in in to find the best one, then usually crop the photo, add a little brightness and contrast, (this makes the photos POP!) then I use a sharpness setting in Corel Photo Paint called "directional sharpen" at 75 - 99%, this sharpens the contrast on the edges and makes them look sharper than they really are, (there I gave up all my secrets)

the first photo is my original, second one is after cropping and changes.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/huntrz_2006/dandybee.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/huntrz_2006/dandybeecut.jpg

Wow, what a difference...in the first one you can't even hardley see the wings on the bee.......Nice shot...

I forgot to mention I set my auto focus to a little spot so I can get it to focus on my subject. this bigger bee landed on the same dandeion after the little bee left.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/huntrz_2006/dandybmblbeecutlo.jpg

caught one in flight...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/huntrz_2006/ltlbee1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/huntrz_2006/ltlbee2.jpg

VERY COOL, thanks... I think maybe this would be a good monthly contest theme. What do you all think?

VERY COOL, thanks... I think maybe this would be a good monthly contest theme. What do you all think?

BZZZZZZZZ !

sometimes auto focus will give you fits on the macro setting, if you can swap to manual...give that a try...a macro lens on DSLR or a tele with Macro capabilities also makes a big difference. hmm...let me get my head around a this and make a tip sheet of sorts...

okay right of the bat things that I can think of that help to make better macro shots, without extra/exprensive equipment.

As in in photo...simplify...in macro, fill your frame with the image. Use your zoom, use your feet, what ever but get as close as you can focus.
When focusing...many cameras auto focus features have a difficult time with macro, so switch over to manual if you can. Sharp focus is a must, especially if you plan to do significant cropping.
Shoot from different angles and with different angles of light. Be aware that your DOF - depth of field is going to be pretty slim in most macros, unless you are using a macro lens or tele with macro setting, and even then it gets pretty slim.
The shallow DOF is what gives the shots a blurry look to the background and makes the subject stand out more.
I hate tripods, and have pretty much trained myself to operate without one, but many will find the neccesary in macro.
Yikes - I can show you how...and talk you through it, but I'm lousy at writing a lesson!!!

here are some of my macros....
immature milkweed bug
http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/447468aca621590e.jpg

ants on trumpet vine
http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/447468ad533e4a2e.jpg

coral
http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/447468ad5349ae11.jpg

shrooms popping out
http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/447468ad53467210.jpg

another hopper
http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/447468ad5342ad60.jpg

the important thing with macro - get as close as possible, as sharp as possible and fill the frame!

Most of these ( I think) were taken with a 70-300mm at probably 300mm in macro mode. I am so lazy about bending and stooping and laying on the ground these days...LOL