WOW!

Thanks Trevor!

What a pleasant surprise!

This is definitely ELITE quality and I think even MsMichelle Lynn will be giving you her best score!

Please put up a wallpaper size for us novices...

Please elaborate a little more (educational) on how you used "a set of Hoya diopters/close-up lenses"... Eager to learn!

Imho I believe this is one of your top posts (so far) on gfx.

Incredible quality, details and sharpness!

PS. Did you use any "cooling spray" on this dude or what?! lol

I like it

Excellent shot here Trevor.. Wonderful work.... Great compo, color, DOF.
John

Patrick,
Thanks so much for the kind words!

Here are some larger versions of this photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=973577916&size=l
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=973577916&size=o

And as for the close-up lenses: sadly, I cannot afford a nice marco lens at the moment (~$700), so I settled for a set of Hoya-brand "diopters" (close-up lenses), which only cost ~$100. These lenses come in a set of 3 (+4, +2, +1), which you can use independently, or combine for an effective 1:1 magnification (which is how I generally use them). The lenses attach like filters, they're easy to use, and they produce good results -- not as good as a true macro lens (due to distortion around the edges), but good value for the money.

Finally, regarding the "cooling spray", I'm assuming that's in reference to Michelle's on "Sympetrum vinicum" by  MsMichelleLynn . I too thought that was hilarious! And no, I did not drop this guy into the freezer with his tongue hanging out and then pose him on this flower.

Very cool photo well done !!! +10

Very Good,
very well done Trevor.
My top mark.

Elite material right there!
Great work!

awesome first 10 for the day

perfect macro +10

Great capture, great shot Trevor!
the color, the composition
great capture

Amazing!!!! Just amazing capture!!

Great capture!.....excellent work!
Top marks!
Carlos

Beautiful colors, wonderful composition, perfect execution. Doesn't get much better than this.

Wow, thanks very much for all the kind words everyone! I really appreciate it.

wow, great shot! nothing more to add, it's really great

Top marks. Focus just where it should be and you handled the whites very well.
Don

Very good quality for a close up lens shot!

excellent shot, no critics at all
about the close up lens, i got one too, and its very effective for the price, allow you to make macro shots with a basic telefocus lens (mine is 150mm, allow me to focus at something like 50cm instead of 150cm)
good luck for elite Trevorm, you deserve it as well as Mert in my opinion

Great macro! Amazing sharpness!

wow!! */8

Very very Well..! +10

Great macro, i like the combination of colors (white, yellow and green)
Beautiful shot! +10

beautiful little creature i'm really liking how the face/eyes came out.
+10

Well done capture of a difficult subject!

wow..this really good..

Such a good focus on the bee! It is a really fascinating creature.

Awesome. I love the background and the sharp focus on the bee's face! Well done Trevor!

Michelle

WHAT A GREAT MACRO...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Exellent job with the sharp..!!!!!!
Well done...!!!!!!!