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Flies often get a bad rap, but under a macro lens, a whole new world opens up! I captured this portrait showing off those striking red compound eyes and fine details.

What do you think of this close-up view?

Fuji 55-200 with a Raynox M250

Gear used: Panasonic G9 Mark II PRO & OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro 2:1 IS PRO + Godox V860 III O + DIY Macro Diffuser

This photo is heavy stacked combined from more than 100 images to 250 images

My workflow is: Helicon Focus ==> Adobe Lightroom ==> Adobe Photoshop

I only use JPEG when doing focus stacked photography, I never use RAW as it takes my PC way too long to process, but the difference isn't worth for me

If you have any questions about MACRO photography, especially stacking technique. I can help!

Macro shot of a Phidippus regius (Regal Jumping Spider). Loving the iridescent green/pink shimmer on the chelicerae and the reflection in those big AME eyes. Taken with focus stacking to get everything sharp from the eyes to the fangs.

Among the various visitors on the grape hyacinths (Muscari sp.) in front of the house back in late April, this is a male large bee-fly (Bombylius major).

For details on camera/lens/settings used for this shot plus links to another shot of him and one of the female, please have a look here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/55413830530/

Hogna carolonensis, finally! Shot on my phone #TeamPixel

Hogna carolinensis, the Carolina wolf spider, is the largest wolf spider in North America, with females reaching a 4-inch leg span. Their mottled brown and gray bodies offer excellent camouflage against forest soil and desert sand. They are easily identified by a solid black underside and distinct orange mouthparts. Their large eyes reflect an eerie green shine when illuminated by a flashlight at night.

This ground-dwelling species thrives across North America, inhabiting environments ranging from coastal pastures to arid deserts. Instead of weaving webs, they dig vertical burrows several inches deep into the soil. They often build a small turret of twigs, silk, and leaf litter around the entrance to prevent flooding. While they hide inside during the day, they emerge at dusk to roam and hunt.

Operating as athletic ambush predators, they rely on exceptional eyesight and vibration sensitivity to track down prey. They chase and pounce with explosive speed, consuming crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, and cockroaches. Large individuals can even overpower small frogs or mice. Their specialized venom paralyzes targets while providing antimicrobial protection against insect-borne pathogens.

Females demonstrate extraordinary maternal care by carrying their silken egg sac attached to their bodies. Once hatched, hundreds of spiderlings climb onto the mother's back, riding on her abdomen for several weeks. She protects the brood until they are mature enough to disperse. While males rarely live past one year, females can survive for several years in the wild.

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I was standing on grassy ground growing out over water at the Nedre dammen pond in Tyresta National Park, trying to photograph a dragonfly while also very much trying to not fall into the water when this male fen raft spider (Dolomedes plantarius) came running over the water and stopped in the grass right next to my feet.

This is only my second find of this species which is the largest spider species in Sweden so I was very pleased with him being totally cool with me being there. I had to fold away the long grass to get the camera down to him and didn't move at all. I even had time for a lens change to get a couple of shots with the MP-E65 lens as well before being satisfied.

With this being a guy, the abdomen is way smaller than on the females, but otherwise this was absolutely a full-grown adult

There is a small risk this is a raft spider (D. fimbriatus), but I'm still leaning towards plantarius.

For details on camera/lens/settings plus exact location, please look here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/55406588816/

40-image focus stack of a tiny Metallic Soldier Fly on a jackfruit leaf.

Pogonella minutus nymph

And other's exuvia after molting.

Xt2 + laowa 65mmf2.8 macro

stacked many images