First macro to show you

WOW, too bad he wasn't holding his wings still.  That's incredible.  Good job.

Wow...I didn't know bees (wasps?) had that much detail. Lol. That is amazing! I'd also like to know the details (lens, camera, f-stop, shutter, etc...) Great job!!

I think its looking at me!
One of those images that seems like the eyes follow you from all angles.

nicely captured.
love the use of DOF. (Im focusing on this area of the art right now)

Corey

Excellent capture of the Hoverfly.
Have you a top view? I can probably give you an Identification.

Susie, the wings are still, it's the body that is in focus for this shot. Greater DOF needed for the wings. Remember, macro is different to what you are used to.

It's a great idea, Travis, however, in most cases, a macro ring light is used which Canon makes or Nikon has this system
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/ProductDetail.page?pid=4803

When I did macro, I always allowed the sun to be my source of light. I especially liked shooting during hazy days.

This is a crisp shot,
I would prefer to see a three dimensional view instead of one, it gives the viewer exactly what it is they are viewing. The front of the hoverfly is something else to see, huge eyes, a dangly thing in the front, micro hairs, then there's the back, there are beautiful markings which can be a quick way to identify the species of hoverfly.

Oh Yeah!  I see the detail on the wings where they are close to the body.  Thanks Mike.

Well Travis I understand what you're saying and it makes sense to me too, but it does look very contrasty and harsh without the diffuser. The device I made is also to move the point of light forward to the end of the lens. Imagine the lens plus tubes - it is quite long - and the insect can be very close to the lens. Because of this the lens blocks the light from the shoe mounted gun. The cardboard device is like a funnel on the flash head with the diffuser at the end.

There are better but not cheaper ways to achieve this, but I think it works well for my needs.

Mike, I'm sorry you feel it's one dimensional, maybe you can explain what you feel is wrong?