Nina- Thanks! Also many thanks for all may images you have ID'd for me. I appreciate it. I am lousy at ID.

You're welcome Jerry.

I've noticed that the quality of your images has improved greatly--are you using a different camera or different software? I got a new camera a few months ago, but am still trying to master the myriad of settings.

Nina

Nina- Addition to my more extensive message. I always use the close up setting, the setting used for taking pictures of small objects close up. It has the best focusing power. Jerry

I also noticed the improvement in your photography. I am amused by the use you give to your screened porch. That explains your numerous images of bugs on a screen.
Since you use the flash a lot you should know about this extremely simple light diffuser. I use it all the time, the simplest version: just three Styrofoam bowls stapled together with a hole the right size. It is amazing how well it works. I don't know if you are familiar with it yet.
I suggest that you edit your previous entry and delete the phone number; I wouldn't be comfortable showing mine in such a public place. I intentionally didn't answer that comment because it would lock it and then you wouldn't be able to edit it.
Happy bug hunting.

Beatriz- Thanks! I will look into the light diffuser.

Nina- I use a camera with an optical zoom of 10 X. I never use digital zoom. At night, with minimal zoom, I let my camera do the focusing for me. I do not use the eye view, I use the lcd to initially get the subject in view then I let the camera focus on the subject and then take the picture. I always use flash day and night.

I only need to get a subject in focus regardless of size. I then use Photo Shop V6 to position, enlarge, and edit the subject.

Took me a long time to stop using digital zoom and trying to get as close to the subject as possible and making the subject as large as possible in my eye view or lcd view. Just close enough to make a good focus then let the editor do the rest.

By using the lcd I seldom have the camera up to my face. I only need to be able to see the lcd to know when the subject is in focus and to take the picture. Thus I have directional range the length of my arms and my tiptoes.

During the day I take many pictures inside my screened in back porch. By leaving the door open the porch becomes a trap. I also use a ladder to lift myself up to the level of the subject. Inside the porch I also have a very bright light which attracts the insects at night and traps them in the porch so in the morning I have daylight to take further pictures of insects I took during the evening before. At night the insects, attraced by the light but are stopped by the screen, usually stay on the screen thus I can walk around by porch on the outside and take pictures.

I also have two bright lights in front of my house to use as photo opportunities. In addition, several neighbors let me take pictures of insects at their front yard lights at night. This supplements the pictures I get from my back porch and front lights.

Thats about it. If you have further questions let me know. My personnal email is gdonehew@satx.rr.com.

Now then Nina, tell me about your secrets of being able to identify insects!! But do not let insects get in your way of completing your PhD.

Jerry Donehew