Very nice photo Huw. The BG adds a lot to the comp with it being lighter just in the right spot. The OOF leave is subtle and and helps the RH side of the perch blend into the scene. The subject is very sharp and there’s enough DOF to get the subject’s head and thorax entirely in focus. I would be tempted to use f16-f18 on future encounters to get more of the suject in focus. Always worth a try! However, I do like this one as presented–Awesome photo…Jim
Will do - with flash I’m usually f/20
I need to not worry about iso - I have it limited at 6400 which may be over protective. What do others tend to limit auto iso too?
Huw: Really nice lighting and the DOF works for me. Of course you know that I use a 2x a lot on my 70-200 and the 100 macro. With it aboard the f2.8 lenses become f5.6 so f11 with a 2x on board still gives you a pretty shallow DOF even at the greater working distance. On your camera I wouldn’t be super concerned with the DOF. With mine ISO 3200 is the end of my comfort zone although the AI denoise in LR is pretty darn good as is DxO. Old habits die hard though when one grew up shooting Fuji Velvia at ISO 50! Nice work here and keep 'em coming.>=))>
Nice work Huw. The shot puts me right down in his little world. I like the lighting. I like the back of the insect being out of focus as all my attention is on the…face? LOL. I do suggest darkening his tail right behind the wings. It is a little harsh and takes away from the moodiness of the shot for me. Also, at the end of that bottom twig there is a splinter that is bright and distracting. I vote to take that out as well. Beautiful shot.
The green behind really works well to isolate this tiny critter. That said, the exposure there and on the bug feel too different and makes the shot less harmonious and more as if you used flash even though you didn’t. The bright bits of stick could safely go IMO. Dragonfly season is just about at its end, so it’s nice to see one more.
Huw, the head and thorax are nicely sharp, showing excellent detail.. Having some of the wings sharp is nice, also. While it may be how the background was, it feels like you’ve used a heavy vignette, so I suggest some dodging, especially to the left of its head. The sharp parts of the stick look a bit oversharpened in the largest view. Some burning-in of the brightest bits there and on the bottom of the abdomen would improve the viewing. The oof leaf on the right is a good benefit, although I would do some darks dodging along it’s edge to let it blend better with the background.
My comments would match Jim Z’s, so just saying that this is a great image, especially from so far away!
I much prefer the first image, even though the second is provocative, I like seeing the critter, especially when as sharp and detailed as yours.
rather than repost