photoartflightRobber Fly Macros In Studio
A few years ago, I had a group of photo friends meet on the weekend at my studio to shoot some macro setups instead of going to a local Wildlife area and freezing in the cold. We usually looked around for interesting subjects and found this deceased Robber Fly on a window sill and used a piece of bark as a background. Also it was a way to show different techniques in a controlled setup. I wanted a strong fly shadow so I setup the studio flashes for a 4 to 1 power ratio with the main strobe (a focusing spotlight) lighting the fly & giving the shadow and the softboxes filling in, but keeping the shadow of the fly. The featured image was shot @ f/8 to keep the backgound softer so it did not detract from the fly subject. Image taken with a Canon 100mm macro lens.
6 image stack, 100mm, f/14, 1/125 sec.
This Robberfly image and the featured image captured @ 1/125 sec @f/8. I wanted the background to be softer
adjusted lighting ratios for a more dominant shadow
photoartflight 
Excellent results, Reed!
Thanks! Sometimes it is fun to shoot in the studio, especially if it is raining or cold outside. Plus it is fun to show friends other ways to photograph subjects and let them try different techniques.
We’ll be trying some studio work too, now that the cold has set in.
Nice setup, Reed. Funny how insects can still look lifelike while not. I just picked up a Laowa 25mm 2.5-5 macro but won’t be doing insects, dead or alive, for a little while yet. I’ve other plans for it though.
Thanks Steve! The Laowa is supposed to be a great lens. Plus 25mm gives a little more depth of field which comes in handy at that magnification! Can’t wait to see your images with it! It should work well with focus stacking also!
Good gosh, what a startle, it looks like an alien! Excellent macros, Reed!
Thanks Donna! It is fun to try different ways to photograph your subjects. Especially in colder months! Plus you have control over pretty much everything!