Face to Face

Image Critiques Macro/Close-up Critiques
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Praying Mantis (2).jpg
Praying Mantis (2).jpg1342Ă—1021 285 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I went to a local park with a flower garden to see what was left and get a few shots. I saw inside a rose bush a huge wasp nest about 8 inches across. I got down close on top of it to get a good shot. I was about to hit the shutter when something caught my eye. I slowly looked to my left and came literally face to face with this Praying Mantis. I slowly backed off till I could focus to take this. He looked huge at first… Shortly after the shot he bolted and I got a few shots of the wasps nest.

Specific Feedback

Did I crop to much? I wanted to show what I saw at first… That Face and those eyes.

Technical Details

Canon 5D SR,100mm Macro, ISO1600, f/5.6,1/350 sec

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2

That is an “in your face” shot, John. I’m okay with the crop. It feels like some of the details are lost because of some highlights appearing blown out on top of his head though. I also fine the bright streak behind him is a bit distracting. I’m sure it was a situation where you were limited on position as well as time to get a shot before he did move. Get him while he was sizing you up and figuring out what you were. You also were probably setup for the wasp nest which most likely was darker than the Praying Mantis. I’m glad you were able to get the shot.

3

A very cool in-your-face shot, John. Shirley has covered the shortcomings, but I still really like this. The bright metallic look of the face and the backlit left antenna are particularly appealing.

4

Thanks @Shirley_Freeman and @Dennis_Plank . It was a fast don’t think shot. As I get better in PS i should be able to correct some of the issues before I post, like the streak. I’ll see if I can fix that. I kinda like the metallic bright head.

5

Amazing shot, John. Very unusual and the details came out nicely.

6

John, this is a good look at the head of this mantis. When they spot you, they will often stop and stare for a while, giving you time to adjust your view and settings. In this case, you’ve got more contrast than the camera can handle with the specular reflections off the back of its head and that stem/leaf behind. One way to handle those reflections is with a polarizer.

7

John: Good advice from the others. Mark beat me to the punch on using a polarizer. I find it a much underutilized tool for flora and macro photography. Of course with moving macro subjects you do lose SS which can be a potential problem. On other bugs I usually don’t like the antennae to exit the frame but on a mantis it doesn’t bother me so much. Nice find and a solid capture. >=))>

8

Very Nice look at this fellow, Skip - especially for a “grab it” shot !

9

Thanks @Dennis_Plank @Bill_Fach @Shirley_Freeman @Mark_Seaver @SandyR-B @Dean_Salman for all the nice comments. I will look at getting a polarizer tonight. I noticed what you are saying Mark, Bill, in other shots. Easy fix thanks. Bill, I’m with you on the antennas, but the antennas on this guy were long. It would be hard to get a close shot and those as well. I do Like the detail of what I did get.

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