Hexagenia limbata

Image Critiques Macro/Close-up Critiques
1

subimago.jpg
subimago.jpg1600×2000 696 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

Mayflies are unique among in that they undergo two molts after the naiad stage. This one just achieved its final molt and the opaqueness of the body and wings will disappear after the exoskeleton hardens.

Specific Feedback

I boosted up the contrast a bit and may want to provide a tighter crop. What do you think?

Technical Details

Z9 200mm f4 Micro (1/60sec at f20, ISO 320) Topaz DeNoise AI, Levels, Curve adjustment…Jim

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
2 Likes
2

Jim: This is pretty fantastic. I don’t think I’ve seen a mayfly presented here in a long time if ever so you’ve set a standard. Great perch and there is just enough texture in the BG that it complements the rest of the frame nicely. Superbly crafted image. >=))>

3

The crop looks fine to me, Jim. The grass head makes a wonderful perch and the Mayfly was nice enough to perch in a good spot on it. Superb detail throughout. F/20 did the trick on depth of field very nicely at this angle. There are a couple of sensor spots slightly above and to the left of the head of the Mayfly, but that’s the only issue I can find with this beautiful image. I love the two toned eye.

4

Jim, I don’t think I have ever seen one of these before. Wonderful capture with excellent details. That eye is amazing.

6

Great look at a great bait Jim. Nice to catch it so soon after molting. Great detail and classic mayfly pose on the seed head.

7

Great shot, Jim. I’d also consider a bit more on the bottom and/or removing the pale triangle LLC. Lovely muted colors.

8

Seeing a spectacular photo of a green drake like this makes my trout-fishing heart go pitti-pat.
The photo does a very sensitive job of conveying the beauty of a the streamside experience of seeing things non-flyfishers rarely see.
The backward-leaning perch is realistic and sort of engaging, but I wondered what the feel would be if tilted otherwise.

hex
hex1000×888 213 KB

1 Like
9

Jim, this looks great as presented. The details are excellent, the colors throughout coordinate well and the background helps descibe where you found this critter.

10

Thank you @Sandy_Richards-Brown , @Dennis_Plank , @Ed_Williams , @Dick_Knudson , @Mike_Friel , @Shirley_Freeman , @Bill_Fach . and @Mark_Seaver for your comments and critiques. And another thank you @NPN_Editor for the EP. @Dick_Knudson , I like the image rotation and I’ll get one like that for next year’s hatch. @Shirley_Freeman , this species can be found where you live. All you need to do is read the outdoors fishing report for the Hex hatch and you will have no problem getting some nice shots. @Dennis_Plank , I have to get going with cleaning that sensor. Just another project…Jim

1 Like