EXIF:
Camera: Nikon D810
Lens: Nikon 24mm f/2.8
Configuration: Reverse Mounted
Extension Tubes: no
Image Stack: 18 Images
Stackware: Helicon
Aperture: f/8
Shutter Speed: 1/250 sec
ISO: 200
Flash: Nikon SB200 Dual Flash Heads
Stabilization: Focus Rail on Tripod
Subject Size: about 2.5 cm
Species: Mayfly, Ephemera Spp.
Location: Ft. Collins, Colorado
This gorgeous insect was perched vertically on the side of my house in early April. It didn’t move when I got close so I took it inside to do a studio shot. While I was setting up it suddenly keeled over with its legs pointed straight back. I felt awful because I thought I killed it, though it did seem overly sensitive. But then within only about 45 seconds it wriggled out of its exoskeleton and emerged waxy, shiny and brilliant. It took several attempts for a successful stack because the insect would remain still for half of a stack sequence and then crawl forward.
This is a cropped view of the image above. I find the anatomical details beautiful; they remind of art by H.R. Geiger. The stunning intricacies are a testament to nature’s design, and my 24mm lens.
This is an uncropped image taken with a Nikon 105mm macro lens at 1:1 magnification. 13 stacked photos with Helicon.
