Trip to Macro heaven - Agumbe 2017

[anvancy]

I shifted back to my home town after a 5 1/2 yr stint outside for work. This meant I was reunited with my camera gear full time. To utilize this time, I decided to visit one of the macro heavens in India. Its a place called Agumbe which lies in Someshwara Wild Life Sanctuary in Karnataka. It is called the "Cherrapunji of the South" as it holds the title of record rainfall.

More info about Agumbe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agumbe

I went with a group called KCRE which is a local group in Agumbe.

My detailed Part 1 blog is here for those interested in behind the scenes.
http://anvancy.com/macro-expedition-no-1-agumbe/

if you are interested in the trip vlog then I have it too here:
https://youtu.be/RB4ksJxaGaI

Part 1 of the photos.

Bicolored Frog



An unique jumping spider


Camouflaged Hawk moth.


Up close with the Two Tailed Spider.


Leech portrait. (there were lot of them at the camp site).


Stick Insect


Golden Backed Frog


Fresh moulted Cicada. (image rotated horizontal for aesthetic purpose)


Leaf mimic katydid


More images are in pipeline.

All photos with Canon 80D, 100mm, Venus KX800.

Thanks

Anvancy
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www.anvancy.com

Raynox 150|Raynox 250|Raynox MSN 202|Canon MPE 65mm|Canon 100mm.|Wemacro Rail

[ChrisR]

Nice set. I'm glad the leech was sunny-side-up.
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Chris R

[Ken Ramos]

An interesting set of photographs, I really enjoyed seeing the cicada

[anvancy]

Thanks Chris.

Well it enjoyed our blood first. This one is sort of a tummy full photo. It was leech paradise. One time after a trail, I put some water on my gum boots to clean the mud. My guide had warned not to do that. Next thing I know, leeches have invaded my foot. They had a gala time.

Thanks Ken.

That cicada photo was taken during our first night trail and right outside the camp hall. I forgot to take the mandatory vertical photo from upfront.
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www.anvancy.com

Raynox 150|Raynox 250|Raynox MSN 202|Canon MPE 65mm|Canon 100mm.|Wemacro Rail

[zzffnn]

Beautiful images! Thank you for sharing!

After you used flash, did some subjects run away? Or did majority of them just move around a bit and settle down again? I am learning and just curious.

[anvancy]

[anvancy]

New set of photos:

Robberfly with kill.


A colorful Cicada.


A pillbug with iridovirus.


Fulgoridae Kalidasa lanata


Fishing Spider


Giant wood spider with bee kill


Grasshopper


Planthopper


Thanks
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www.anvancy.com

Raynox 150|Raynox 250|Raynox MSN 202|Canon MPE 65mm|Canon 100mm.|Wemacro Rail

[ChrisR]

Very nice. Did you use any stacking with these?
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Chris R

[anvancy]

Thanks Chris. No. All are single shots handheld. Either it was raining, or it was windy. So stacking was not an option most of the times.
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www.anvancy.com

Raynox 150|Raynox 250|Raynox MSN 202|Canon MPE 65mm|Canon 100mm.|Wemacro Rail

[zzffnn]

Wow, the 2nd set is even more beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

I knew you used twin macro flash, but never realized they were that long!

I am guessing AFTER firing the flash, at least another half of the critters ran away? So ideally, one wants to get the perfect shot the first time around (as there may not be a 2nd chance)?
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Selling my Canon FD 200mm F/2.8 lens

[anvancy]

Thank you.

Well it was a mix.

Some insects will run away as I approach them with my weird contraption.

Some insects will run away after the flash is fired, as you said.

But many are stunned to see something weird. They stay still and will be still if you dont make sudden movements. I had situations where insects crawled up on those arms thinking its a twig. Spiders, katydids,frogs you name it.

I think unlike the MT 24EX, the Venus KX-800 requires a different approach to get close to the subjects. Yes it is a difficult flash to use. The arms can be a pain when you approach in very tight situations.Which is why many now prefer the Yongnuo YN 24 EX.
But given its limitations, I really like two things of my venus flash. The arms can be positioned anywhere and everywhere. Big plus point for my MPE. Atleast my build is good that it has survived torrential rains. For my rainforest trips, I DIYed a raincoat for the flash so that water does not seep in. The on the fly positioning for a rimlight, backlight, cross light, choices are endless. The yongnuo heads can be detached but are limited to the TTL wires.
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www.anvancy.com

Raynox 150|Raynox 250|Raynox MSN 202|Canon MPE 65mm|Canon 100mm.|Wemacro Rail

[Troels]

Very nice pictures!
I like your lightning.
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Troels Holm, biologist (retired), environmentalist, amateur photographer.
Visit my Flickr albums

[anvancy]

[Pitufo]

Super photos Congratulations.

[anvancy]