# Kids: Don't Try this at Home (Black Blister Beetle--Epicauta pensylvanica) (+revised) **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** wildlife, macro-close-up\ **Created:** [October 17, 2026, 3:26pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/kids-dont-try-this-at-home-black-blister-beetle-epicauta-pensylvanica-revised/52615 "2026-10-17T15:26:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jim\_Zablotny](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jim_zablotny/32/3919_2.png) [@Jim\_Zablotny](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Zablotny)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 3:26pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/kids-dont-try-this-at-home-black-blister-beetle-epicauta-pensylvanica-revised/52615/1 "2026-10-17T15:26:31Z")
## Revised Version ### Revision 1 (latest) ![Revision 1 - BlisterbeetleFinalEdit.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/c/3/c38cf6858cdd46ed38039726a412952b5b183dab.jpeg) **What changed:** I was able to reduce the impact of the darkened LRHC and softened the lower OOF branches. _Added after receiving feedback from the community._ * * * ## Original Version ![Original - BlisterBeetle.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/8/7/875f1941e1b5c725f21100a13200fa493702a13d.jpeg) **Critique Style:** Standard 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? ### Technical Details Camera:Z9 Lens: 105mm f2.8 Micro Focal length: 105mm Shutter speed: 1/200 sec Aperture: f16 ISO: 400 Flash: 1/32 Manual Setting ---
**Author:** ![Huw\_Thomas](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/huw_thomas/32/87850_2.png) [@Huw\_Thomas](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Huw_Thomas)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 4:46pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/kids-dont-try-this-at-home-black-blister-beetle-epicauta-pensylvanica-revised/52615/2 "2026-10-17T16:46:32Z")
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 Great capture Huw ---
**Author:** ![Diane\_Miller](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/diane_miller/32/27391_2.png) [@Diane\_Miller](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Diane_Miller)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 5:42pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/kids-dont-try-this-at-home-black-blister-beetle-epicauta-pensylvanica-revised/52615/3 "2026-10-17T17:42:25Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Seaver](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mark_seaver/32/231_2.png) [@Mark\_Seaver](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mark_Seaver)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 6:13pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/kids-dont-try-this-at-home-black-blister-beetle-epicauta-pensylvanica-revised/52615/4 "2026-10-17T18:13:50Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Friel](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mike_friel/32/28003_2.png) [@Mike\_Friel](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mike_Friel)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2026, 12:27am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/kids-dont-try-this-at-home-black-blister-beetle-epicauta-pensylvanica-revised/52615/5 "2026-10-18T00:27:39Z")
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! ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_Fach](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bill_fach/32/78290_2.png) [@Bill\_Fach](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bill_Fach)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2026, 3:49am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/kids-dont-try-this-at-home-black-blister-beetle-epicauta-pensylvanica-revised/52615/6 "2026-10-18T03:49:18Z")
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.\>=))\> ---
**Author:** ![system](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/system/32/86481_2.png) [@system](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/system)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2026, 1:07pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/kids-dont-try-this-at-home-black-blister-beetle-epicauta-pensylvanica-revised/52615/7 "2026-10-18T13:07:40Z")
The original poster added a [revised version](#post_1) of their image. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Zablotny](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jim_zablotny/32/3919_2.png) [@Jim\_Zablotny](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Zablotny)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2026, 1:10pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/kids-dont-try-this-at-home-black-blister-beetle-epicauta-pensylvanica-revised/52615/8 "2026-10-18T13:10:27Z")
Thank you @Huw_Thomas , @Diane_Miller , @Mark_Seaver , @Mike_Friel and @Bill_Fach for your critiques. I went back to the RAW file and was able to address most of the concerns about the original image…Jim ---
**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2026, 9:19pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/kids-dont-try-this-at-home-black-blister-beetle-epicauta-pensylvanica-revised/52615/9 "2026-10-18T21:19:25Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Kris\_Smith](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/kris_smith/32/59826_2.png) [@Kris\_Smith](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Kris_Smith)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2026, 10:30pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/kids-dont-try-this-at-home-black-blister-beetle-epicauta-pensylvanica-revised/52615/10 "2026-10-18T22:30:24Z")
Regarding Revision 1: 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.