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[HappyCynic]

This weekend, I decided to play with the macro setting on my lens (not true macro, though). I had also picked up a close up filter set (I got it used) so I decided to try out the +4 filter in combo with the macro setting. The macro setting on my lens (it's an old Minolta 35-105 mm lens) requires manual focus so I a fair number of my shots were blurry because my hands are a bit shaky and I wasn't using a tripod or monopod. (The extra weight of the old Minolta lens and the movement of the subjects didn't help either.)

I went to the Bloedel Conservatory and found a lot of ladybugs. They seemed more interesting to me than the flowers or the many birds. So, here are some of the shots that were actually in focus and of tolerable composition (at least I hope so).

[hippywife]

1. What fun!

These are great! :hi:

[HappyCynic]

3. Thanks

Most of them kept scurrying out of sight when I started to get them into focus. They'd run to the other side of the leaf or in one case, just fly away. Thankfully, there were a ton of them so I still managed to get some decent shots.

[HarveyDarkey]

2. Are those ladybugs or Japanese Beetles?

Doesn't matter, they're great shots. I particularly like the third one.

[HappyCynic]

Self-delete - dupe post

[HappyCynic]

4. Definitely ladybugs

Due to the destructive nature of the Japanese Beetles (all hail Wiki, the fount of information), they'd probably get rid of them if they found them. No telling how much damage they'd do in the conservatory.
I briefly considered entering that as my "alien landscape" photo if that was chosen as the theme. I decided on another photo which I thought would be much better. However, it doesn't look like that'll be an issue this month.

[sandnsea]

5. Those are wonderful

Love them all. Sorry about the alien landscape thingy. Seemed like there were too many complaints in the end.

[HappyCynic]

6. Thanks.

No worries about the alien landscapes. I don't think you should be too concerned about the complaints. I think everyone was focused too much on the type of alien landscape that was portrayed in the article. I don't believe you need to go very far for alien landscapes. An alien landscape can be as close as the nearest aquarium. If that doesn't work, then a change of perspective might help. A close in shot - eg. "ant's view" - might be sufficient. I'm sure there are many other possibilities too. At any rate, I still have the photo so if the theme ever comes up, I'll have it ready.
Storms is a great topic too, and it is still open-ended enough to allow for non-obvious interpretations. And the fact that I don't really have anything ready (I have one I could use but I don't know that I'm happy with it) encourages me to go out and shoot something (with the camera, of course). We had a windstorm a few days ago but I unfortunately don't have any shots from it. One shot of some of the aftermath but it's a very bland shot. I'll probably have to try to think of a non-weather related submission...