Hoverfly

Taken with Olympus E500 digital camera on June 24th, 2007. Click image for larger view.

These hoverflies are so fascinating and beautiful. Their beauty doesn’t get hurt from sitting on a poppy flower.
The blue spots in the background are forget-me-not flowers.

Check out my other hoverfly picture here.

Information about the picture:
Camera: Olympus E-500 digital single-lens reflex camera
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Lens: Olympus Zuiko Digital 35mm F3.5 Macro
Location: Laupstad (Andørja), Troms in northern Norway

Taken with Olympus E500 digital camera on June 21st, 2007. Click image for larger view.

This is a hoverfly (Syrphidae), also know as flower flies, that are feeding on a dandelion flower. I have been trying to figure out what kind of species it is and I believe it is a Leucozona lucorum. From the looks of the hoverfly it seems to be mimicking a bee.

Lately my photography have been concentrated on taking macro photos because there are so many insects buzzing around.
When I’m seen outside I’m usually on my knees hunting for new subjects to photograph. I have discovered several new insects that I have never seen before and have got to know the names of several insects.

I have been having some challenges with my macro lens. It is has a focal length of 35mm which means I have to get really, really close to the subject to get a nice close up. To get so close can be really hard with camera-shy insects like hoverflies or butterflies.
So here is my photography tip of the day: If you are buying a macro lens, buy one with long focal length if you want to take insect macros.

Information about the picture:
Camera: Olympus E-500 digital single-lens reflex camera
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Lens: Olympus Zuiko Digital 35mm F3.5 Macro
Location: Laupstad (Andørja), Troms in northern Norway