Hummingbird Moth Caterpillar (Snowberry Clearwing) + repost

[Allen_Sparks]

I went back and tried some different shots for the stack. I think this is better. The head is sharper anyway. Four shot stack this time:

Original:

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I saw our coral honeysuckle was hosting one more of these caterpillars. I noticed it as I was about to leave for another shoot so tried a fairly quick focus stack. I had to raise my tripod to close to full height and use a step stool to shoot it. I liked the pose and how this shows the caterpillar’s underside is brown.

Specific Feedback

This is a three image focus stack which didn’t didn’t get the whole bugger sharp but fairly close I think. Any thoughts on that? Would this be a keeper for you?

Technical Details

Canon 7D mark II, Sigma 150mm macro, 1.4x teleconverter, 580 EX II Speedlite, Angler diffuser, tripod
ISO 400, f14, 1/250s

Stacking done in photoshop.

[Shirley_Freeman]

It’s close enough sharp for me, Allen. I still haven’t done any focus stacking. Just don’t have that much time to set up with all that I have going on. Something to learn later in life maybe. Anyway, I love the position you caught him in! Really neat. And that BG makes him stand out nicely. The leaf partly gone tells what he has be doing.

[Dennis_Plank]

The level of detail works for me, Allen and that is one killer pose you caught!

[Diane_Miller]

Amazing acrobatics!! And a good stack for being in a rush. I love the detail in those little feet hanging on! I love the color, composition and BG!

[Mike_Friel]

I really like the “three munches later” version, Allen. Lovely to have your garden hosting the life cycle of this great moth. With a bit of luck you may find the pupa later too.