The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive
About This Image
While cleaning one of our windows. I found a black blister beetle wandering across the kitchen floor. With temperatures in the low 30’s this morning, I set up my indoor studio with one of my hummingbird backgrounds and a stem of goldenrod. With my SB-5000 flash out of commission, I used an old Nikon SB-26 set at 1/32 with an AK diffuser for diffuse light. Blister beetles are named because when attacked, they release defensive toxins that can cause blistering and irritation to the predator’s mouth.
Feedback Requested
A couple of things that require critiquing: I darkened the lower RH corner with a radial gradient. I’m not sure that I like the effect. What do you think? Would you also be tempted to remove the lower OOF branch below the subject?
The strikingly black beetle is wonderfully sharp and well rendered so all the textures are visible.
The main stalk is also beautifully reproduced and the BG colour is lovely
I like the framing , I of course tried it the other way up - but it is way better this way up.
The branch at the top seems entirely optional , although I might darken it. It works removed completely but I quite like the way the beetle is caught between the two other stalks.
I might consider removing the bit of lower stalk by the antennae end
Wonderful lighting and detail! It looks like it’s planning a leap, with the head twist. The darkening in the corner isn’t a problem but it does stand out a bit – maybe dial it back by 50%? Looks like there is a darker shape hiding right in the corner – maybe clone it out? Good suggestion by @Huw_Thomas about the piece of stem almost touching the antenna. I also think the top piece could be removed – it is a bit eye-catching. Or blur it a bit, so it is a closer match to the bottom piece.
Jim, the beetle looks great. I like it’s surroundings also, the oop branches add well to making a realistic setting. Yes, the radial darkening in the lower right looks strange. There are times when the masking in LR is the most efficient way to “fix” a problem, but there are other times where PS and luminosity masks give much more control and subtlety.
Beautifully sharp, Jim, with no distracting reflections. I don’t mind the oof branches, but I agree you could lighten the LRC. It looks like you encouraged it to produce a toxin globule, so I trust you handled it with respect!
Jim: You really managed the black extremely well which is a testament to your lighting skills. I like how the OOF branches frame the subject and if you hadn’t said anything about the gradient I would certainly not have noticed it and even now it doesn’t bother me at all. Lots of effort went into this one and the result shows it.>=))>
Almost glad I came in late to this one, Jim. I like the revised image much more than the original and since you’re there I don’t have to try to figure it out! The final result is a stellar image.
I meant to chime in earlier, but I needed to work at the bench so…I’m late and the revision is a banger. I love blister beetles and have had the opportunity to photograph them a few times, never upside down though and it makes for a really engaging photo with lots of beetle-y energy. Great details and light and I love the odd articulation in the head. You’ve caught a little of the blue/green iridescence as well. Sweet.
