Another Imposter: Spilomyia longicornis (Syrphidae)

Image Critiques Macro/Close-up Critiques
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Spilomyialongicornis.jpg
Spilomyialongicornis.jpg2000×1641 578 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

While hunting for interesting critters to photograph, I noticed what looked like one of our yellowjacket species perched on a leaf. Initially, I did not want to take the shot, but ended up taking one photo. While looking at the photo, I realized that this was a darn good mimic of a yellowjacket wasp. So I took a few more shots before it flew off in search of nectar. The darkened forelegs are held out like wasp antennae which further enhances the wasp like appearance of this hover fly.

Specific Feedback

There was a few sticks, leaves, and other distracting elements on the RH side, which I blurred with a Gaussian blur filter and masking layer. I’m not very good at this type of edit and if anyone can give me some pointers on cleaning up the shadow on the leaf’s edge. I may have to do some additional selection work to blend everything together.

Technical Details

Z9 105mm f2.8 Micro + 1.4x TC (1/160 sec at f22, ISO 1600+ -1.3ev Fill) Levels, Masking tool and Gaussian blur for RH side of the image.

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2

Jim, having had more than one “run in” with Yellowjackets, I fully understand your initial reluctance to get in close and photograph. My “old fashioned” approach to adjusting the leaf shadow would be to extend the darker area using a 30% clone brush. The details in the head and back are excellent.

3

Great angle and capture, Jim. If it is easy enough, removing the white just below one of the legs. I have been attacked by these before. Awesome color and details.

4

Jim, this guy had me fooled too. I never would have guessed a hoverfly. His markings really make him look like one that you wouldn’t want to mess with. I’m not the best one for editing photos like some on here so I will let them give you ideas. It looks fine to me. I agree with @Dean_Salman about the white spot as I think you could just clone it out fairly easy.

5

This is an amazingly good imitation of a yellowjacket, Jim. I’ll bet not much messes with it. Nicely seen and very well photographed. The white spot didn’t bother me, but it would certainly be easy to clean up.

6

Hi Jim,

This is brilliant. Your usual impeccable technical skills plus a really interesting slice of natural history.

Russ

7

Jim: Another terrific capture. I think you have an inexhaustible supply. Marvelous details and great color rendition especially. Most excellent. >=))>