I was pleased to get as near as I did to this Japanese Beetle. I’m beginning to photograph insects at a closer distance so that I don’t have to crop as much and to get more detail. I took this with my 105mm lens with a flash to slow movement and a diffuser to soften the light. The beetles can be tricky to take in the bright sun as they reflect light. The diffuser helps tone down the highlights.
Japanese Beetles are very destructive insects, eating through many crops, plants and trees. But as subjects to photograph, their iridescent colouring is very attractive.
June 3, 2017 at 2:39 am
It’s a beauty, like Christmas beetles here in Australia
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June 3, 2017 at 7:58 am
Thanks, glad you think so.
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April 30, 2017 at 10:16 am
Interesting your use of flash; I always use natural light for macro although it can be a struggle sometimes – maybe I should be more bold and try flash?!
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April 30, 2017 at 1:12 pm
I have been quite successful using a flash with diffuser, I would recommend giving it a try!
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April 19, 2017 at 6:59 am
Nice Shot!
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April 19, 2017 at 8:30 am
Thank you!
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April 13, 2017 at 5:28 am
Beauty. Objectivity is the key. Great shot.
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April 13, 2017 at 3:25 pm
Thank you!
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March 19, 2017 at 3:07 pm
I say ‘Beauty.’ No matter how much green he munches, he will never be as destructive as us. Beautiful captures of a much misunderstood beetle.
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March 19, 2017 at 4:31 pm
Thank you Shannon!
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March 18, 2017 at 12:23 pm
Your title says it all. Well done.
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March 18, 2017 at 1:25 pm
Thank you, pleased you like it.
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March 18, 2017 at 3:27 pm
I’ve learned that insects have a beauty to them that I used to deny or not even consider.
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March 18, 2017 at 11:06 am
This is a stunning photo, Belinda. Not only is the beetle so gorgeous, he’s also intimidating, and his havoc is beautifully pronounced.
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March 18, 2017 at 1:23 pm
Thank you. They are attractive yet so destructive.
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March 18, 2017 at 7:50 am
Great macro, well done.
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March 18, 2017 at 9:49 am
Thanks very much.
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March 17, 2017 at 7:16 pm
The closer you get the more interesting and addictive macrofotography gets. Good job !
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March 17, 2017 at 7:19 pm
I think so too. Thank you!
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March 17, 2017 at 5:17 pm
A beautiful beast. Great shot.
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March 17, 2017 at 7:17 pm
Thank you.
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March 17, 2017 at 3:02 pm
🙂 Nice! They sure can be devastating to crops and certain trees!
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March 17, 2017 at 12:47 pm
This photo says it all! I’m leaning towards ‘beast.’ 😉
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March 17, 2017 at 1:45 pm
As a person who loves her garden, I guess so!
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March 17, 2017 at 11:35 am
Love the chews!
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March 17, 2017 at 12:42 pm
😊
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March 17, 2017 at 11:01 am
Great close up ! Well done!
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March 17, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Thanks very much!
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March 17, 2017 at 10:23 am
This is a wonderful picture!
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March 17, 2017 at 12:40 pm
Thank you!
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March 17, 2017 at 9:56 am
Nice result on the iridescence and great detail on the beetle. I like the way you captured the damage to the leaf, too,
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March 17, 2017 at 12:40 pm
Thank you! I often pass this insect by but this one held promise😊
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March 17, 2017 at 8:02 am
Great detail!
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March 17, 2017 at 9:41 am
Thank you!
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March 17, 2017 at 4:19 am
I take it he must have eaten all those holes. Thanks for the lens and diffuser tips, must try out the one I brought. 🙂
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March 17, 2017 at 9:59 am
They’re voracious. Once you get the hang of this “kit” it works very nicely.
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March 17, 2017 at 4:07 am
It looks similar to one of our Garden Chafers. Excellent photo!
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March 17, 2017 at 7:31 am
Thank you!
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March 17, 2017 at 1:55 am
awesome closeup and great capture of its destructive capabilities, too!
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March 17, 2017 at 7:30 am
Thank you!
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