# A Darkling Beetle **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** editors-pick, macro-close-up\ **Created:** [April 14, 2024, 12:30am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/a-darkling-beetle/40821 "2024-04-14T00:30:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mike\_Friel](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mike_friel/32/28003_2.png) [@Mike\_Friel](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mike_Friel)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 12:30am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/a-darkling-beetle/40821/1 "2024-04-14T00:30:24Z")
![A Darkling Beetle.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/7/4/74406ddd0d29c139b7062e0d1da22b43d64a6465.jpeg) > **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_ > > The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image. ### Description I found this beetle, of the genus Ceropria, under thick bark on the trunk of a standing dead tree in our local woods the other day. When exposed to the light, its black surface displayed attractive iridescence, so I placed it on the ground where this could best be seen and took a handheld series of focus-bracketed shots. After this, I placed it back on the tree to resume its business. ### Specific Feedback All comments welcome. ### Technical Details OM1 + 60mm macro 1/60 f5.6 ISO 400 diffused flash 7 focus-bracketed shots TIFFS stacked in Zerene (PMax) then processed in Photoshop: cropping and a little added saturation. ---
**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 1:14am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/a-darkling-beetle/40821/2 "2024-04-14T01:14:30Z")
A really nice stack, Mike. I don’t see any anomolies or out of focus areas. I love the iridescence on the back and you picked a good background for it. ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_Williams](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/ed_williams/32/65698_2.png) [@Ed\_Williams](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Ed_Williams)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 3:02am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/a-darkling-beetle/40821/3 "2024-04-14T03:02:40Z")
This is a beautiful beetle Mike. Wow, those colors are amazing, and the pattern is really intricate too. Love the pores. Nice BG to make it pop off the page. ---
**Author:** ![linda\_mellor](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/linda_mellor/32/15806_2.png) [@linda\_mellor](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/linda_mellor)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 9:50pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/a-darkling-beetle/40821/4 "2024-04-14T21:50:08Z")
Wonder colors and detail, Mike. Love it , great shot! ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Seaver](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mark_seaver/32/231_2.png) [@Mark\_Seaver](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mark_Seaver)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2024, 1:59pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/a-darkling-beetle/40821/5 "2024-04-17T13:59:53Z")
Mike, the iridescence really helps this beatle stand out. The fairly uniform colors in the surroundings work well also. Your flash did a great job of showing off the iridescence. ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_Fach](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bill_fach/32/78290_2.png) [@Bill\_Fach](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bill_Fach)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2024, 3:43pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/a-darkling-beetle/40821/6 "2024-04-17T15:43:14Z")
Mike: I love the full spectrum of colors that the light brought out. Really well crafted image of this guy. 👍 👍\>=))\> ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Zablotny](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jim_zablotny/32/3919_2.png) [@Jim\_Zablotny](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Zablotny)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2024, 1:00am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/a-darkling-beetle/40821/7 "2024-04-18T01:00:07Z")
Well deserved EP–Details, soft lighting, and captured colors make this a winning shot. Awesome…JIm ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Friel](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mike_friel/32/28003_2.png) [@Mike\_Friel](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mike_Friel)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2024, 1:54am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/a-darkling-beetle/40821/8 "2024-04-18T01:54:09Z")
Thank you for the EP.