Here are photos for the August Critique. Something different I would like for you to do is also advise me on what equipment I need to improve my photography. With the COVID quarantine happening I am in a serious case of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome).
I have divided my photos into 3 groups. Just pick the one photo in the group you feel is best and make recommendations. Thanks!
Group 1) Macro Photography: Last fall I entered a photo in the NC State Fair for our beekeeping club and it won a blue ribbon. They asked me to submit another photo for this year. I had planned on shooting bees pollinating an actual crop instead of just flowers. I planted Buckwheat several weeks ago to not only feed our bees during the dearth but to hopefully get some good shots. Unfortunately, the Fair was canceled due to COVID but I got some decent shots for next year.
About a year ago, I purchased an used Sony 90 to experiment with macro but hated it. Probably it was because I don’t know how to do macro properly but really frustrated by the sluggish autofocus despite being mounted on my A9. I returned it.
These shots were with my A9 and 100-400GM but with a heavy crop and thus low megapixel.(Probably no where close to 4K) Focusing on a tiny bee was hard enough with that combo, I feel sure the 90 would have been a bust. I thought a photo of bee that was actually flying might be more impressive vs a detailed close up of the bee on the blooms. What do you think? What suggestions do you have regarding Macro? Should I try the 90 again? Is this where the A7RIV would be good for “crop to zoom?” Would I also be disappointed in the focus speed of the RIV now that I am spoiled by the A9? I was going to buy the RIV but when the concerns arose about focusing with the 100-600 and I backed off. I do a fair amount of wildlife photography. (A9 & 100-600) Are you happy with your RIV? Why did you not take it on your trip to UK?
Steve Long. / phoxhunt@hotmail.com