The detail is superb Nigel. I especially like the lillies, the closed one best of all.

I like the studio table set up, have you thought about patenting it?

Thanks Nigel. Yes he seems to have aquired the Bonnie Tyler look in this one !

I did try and damp the highlight a bit in PP with Silkypix but couldnt adjust it satisfactorily. It didnt show as blown in the histogram on the camera so I think it is right on the edge.

Nice. I love bluebells. Shame they don't last long

My latest portrait offering. For this I used a reflector dish for the main light from the left and a softbox providing fill from just right of camera. I added a kicker/hair light in the form of a snoot from high up, behind Rio and right of camera. A bit hit and miss how this would work as I am never sure where his head will be !

Once I have got the hang of a few techniques I may venture towards human subjects !

Appreciate any comments as usual.

Well for me it my exploration of flash lighting that I have been doing this year. My purchase of Cactus v6II radio triggers and extra flash units has opened my eyes to a chapter of photography I had previously ignored. It's been portraits of our dogs so far, but I want to venture out to human subjects soon !

That is my usual reply when I capture a great photo by accident and cannot remember the settings I used.

I like the hare and the spider....(sounds like the name of a pub).

The spider works very well with the reflection.

The detail is amazing. Never really done macro work, but I can see the attraction. To be able to see what normally we cannot.

I think you are right Nigel, the square crop suits much better. Although with this particular photo it shows up the focus defficiencies more.

Sigourney was busy I am afraid.

The halo you are seeing is from the illumination of the grey background. I am using one flash with a reflctive umbrella to light it up to try and achieve "seperation" from the subject. Directly behind him is the brightest spot and the light falls off quite sharply. I think I could do with two flashes on the background to light it more evenly, but am already using two flashes on the subject (+1 on background) and I dont have a spare........Yet !!!