This is a very interesting thread with some fantastic advice for the novices out there who don't often tackle this type of photography (myself included). This is why the forum is so useful!

Regards
David

I think this is probably just the bokeh this lens produces. I've noticed strange bokeh on the 55-300 on some occasions, but it depends on the type of shot and the aperture used.

Have you tired taking some wide aperture shots with other lenses as a comparison?

Regards
David

Unfortunately a fast lens is what you really need! Could you not borrow a Pentax 50mm F1.7 or similar from someone?

Alternatively, shoot with a higher ISO (KR should be reasonable up to about 3200). Learn to focus manually as the AF will not always lock on in this light. Try to avoid using the flash, or if you do, turn down the flash exposure as far as you can.

I would recommend you have a practice somewhere first where there are similar lighting conditions.

Regards
David

I really do like this one it is a great perspective, but maybe would consider cropping the sides or cloning to remove the houses on the left and the roof on the right?

Regards
David

4 & 5 are my favourites, although I think 5 is a little dark?

Regards
David

It's a vicious rumour Stuey, I'm at home a lot and do more than my share of housework and DIY etc.! At least this is what I tell my missus!

Cheers
David

Are you asking me or Charlotte or both Richard? If you're asking me, here are a few taken with my flash diffuser:













Regards
David

Very beautiful and magical images.

Regards
David

Thanks for the clarity Sean, I guess the combination of subject and background was a little out of the ordinary, as was my choice of aperture for this image. The purple tinge on the moth's wings is as it was to my naked eye; these tiny moths are this colour when the light falls on them in a certain way, whereas when viewed from a different angle they can look brown or bronze in colour.

Regards
David

I also find myself looking again and again at no.2, but I also really like the first one. Three very good images.

Regards
David