Some spring ant pics (dial up warning)

[Ant]

Well, I recently got a new camera! ;D It's a canon EOS XSI 450D! My mom also got me a macro lens. (AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 (Model A17) by tamron) It can't get as good as close ups as I wanted but, it does help take good quality shots. So far I have only gotten 2 ant shots I would call decent. I plan to update this thread with more shots though.

This is a Camponotus pennslyvanicus minor and major from the same colony.

Here are some Lasius neoniger doing some spring cleaning. I wish I knew I could increase the depth of field.


And a little off topic but, here are my main practice shots.

[Jenny]

Those are good photos for your first attempt with a new camera I too have a new camera (Samsung NV100 HD) with which I am trying to get to grips with, as it is all touch screen for the modes etc. The Cornflower ants on the front of this forum were my first attempt, and so I am looking forward to later when the ants really get going

[Wood~Ant]

Love the one of the wasp, she looks really relaxed sitting there
Flowers are often a good subject for a photo close up, as you find small beetles, ants and bumble bees are attracted to them

[Ant]

Thanks, the wasp was actually pretty aggressive compared to other wasps of the same species. I think I found her nest.

Here are two new pics. First is a Formica subsericea worker. Its hard to get them to stay still because they run when they see you.
i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff291/antcatcher/ants/001-2.jpg

Next, here is a Tetramorium worker collecting little leaves from tree buds.
i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff291/antcatcher/ants/005-1.jpg

[Wood~Ant]

I know exactly what you mean Ant. I did some video filming today of my Formica lusatica workers drinking honey, and when I lifted the lid to the foraging tank there were 4 workers on the honey, but as soon as I went near them with my camcorder they started to run in every direction.
In fact one even got out into Jen's room and ran off across the carpet ;D

I did manage to video 2 workers drinking though, so we will put this on the video album soon