The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This is a common postman which can be separated from H. erato by the thick ivory white band that terminates well before the edge of the hindwing. Unfortunately, I left an integral part of my macro flash apparatus at home so I was forced to use the available light at the time. Also, I think that flash would darken the BG too much and I actually like the additional colors in the BG from the natural light present in the scene. This lens is one of my favorites for macro use because of its sharpness and it produces some very ideal backgrounds when used correctly.
Specific Feedback
How do you like the comp as presented. I might try to reduce the sharpness a tad.
Excellent job getting the perfect angle on this butterfly, JIm. I don’t see any need to reduce sharpness, but that’s a matter of taste. It might work with the beautifully soft background a little better, though I’d worry about losing detail in the coiled proboscis. That pattern in the eye is wonderful.
Great angle you caught here Jim and I do like all the detail too. BG is fine also, especially with the colors that add interest. Coiled proboscus is very cool; didn’t know what it was until reading @Dennis_Plank’s reply.
Jim: You are a man after my own heart with your love for the 200mm macro. My old Minolta 200 has entered semi-retirement since I just bought Sony’s new 100mm macro that I can pair with a 2x for 200mm f5.6. I’ve shot a lot of Postmen at our local butterfly pavilion and don’t think you could do much better than this. Is the pattern in the eye a reflection of the facility lights? At first I thought it was from a ring light but from your description apparently not. Regardless of where it came from it’s a killer addition to a perfect capture. >=))>
It’s a great shot. I wouldn’t reduce sharpness at all. And I agree about not darkening the background–the green line provides a really nice parallel to the green plant the butterfly is resting on, and it is nicely framed between the two. The tip of the green plant also seems to be pointing toward the butterfly, providing a nice leading line.
