Thanks for the comments guys.
Asher, I took this shot last September so I may not remember correctly, but using the uncropped image and memory as guides, I would say the wasp was maybe 10-15 cm from the front of the lens. I am not all that comfortable around wasps so I don't think I got very much closer than that
Also, he was not still for long so I do remember setting the mag. ratio to something that was manageable when I was following him around. The camera was handheld but I usually do try to find something to lean against at least.
The image is slightly cropped. I too would have liked to see more of the left legs, but that is not what I cropped. Here is a small proof of the image in its untouched state (except RAW processing and color correction)
As you can see (maybe), the image has been retouched as well. I darkened the lower left corner a bit and removed all the little dust specks and dirt from the window. The picture was taken in RAW format (almost all my pictures are), then processed through RSP. Default sharpening was applied at this stage, but I also ran the PhotoKit web output sharpener after I re-sized it for the web.
Oh, and the image was taken at ISO 100, with a 580EX flash on a Wimberly ShapeShifter flash bracket. I have since bought a 220EX because the 580EX is way too heavy for me when I shoot macro hand held.
Edit: Forgot to answer you question about printing. I have printed it, but I have a calibration issue so the print is far too contrasty for some reason. I'll post a question in the relevant section soon, I think.
Asher Kelman said:
I'd like to see more of the left legs so that side in the light is defined. Hiding one side is dramatic. Showing the other side might sometimes be more effective.
Could you elaborate on that a bit more? I'm not sure I understand what you mean.