As promised, here are a couple more shots of the ninja assassin bug (ok - that's not a technical name, but it sure looks like a ninja!).

Technical Data: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM with Kenko Teleplus PRO 300 "DG" AF 2x Teleconverter, 1/250 sec at f/22. Canon Speedlight 580EX II flash in auto mode and wireless control. Image Stabilization on. ISO 160. RAW processing in Adobe Camera Raw.

This first one was actually taken inside the light tent. I had trapped the bug in a small tupperware container and transported it to our light tent hoping to get some shots of it on a nice white background. Unfortunately, I think the bright lights really bothered it and it would not sit still for very long. I managed to get a few shots, but more of the time was spent trying to keep it from running away. After a bit, I decided that it was just far too stressed by the ordeal and transferred it back outside.

Fortunately, once it was out of the bright lights and back on a plant outside, it sat still very nicely. Unfortunately, it was 10PM at night, and already very dark outside. So capturing images of it was a challenge. Particularly, focusing was extremely difficult. I had to almost guess at the focus - using the outline of the bug against whatever light source I could find.

In the end, I was able to get a couple shots including the one I shared the other day and this one:

Technical Data: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, 1/250 sec at f/22. Canon Speedlight 580EX II flash in auto mode and wireless control. Image Stabilization on. ISO 160. RAW processing in Adobe Camera Raw.

I was really glad that I was able to get some good shots of such an interesting subject - despite the difficulties presented.

- Bill