The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I went out briefly to the Duck Pond to search for small creatures to capture with my macro rig. A large cup plant flopped over and I found this scorpion fly (Panorpa species) that was hunting for a meal. It captured a small plant bug and the remnants of it are hanging out of its mouth. I also posted a version with more natural coloration as I felt the original was too bright and vivid!
Specific Feedback
I positioned myself to use the OOF Silphium flower as the BG. How do you like the yellows of the BG?
Technical Details
Z9 105mm f2.8 Micro + 1.4x TC (1/250sec at f22, ISO 1600+ fill at -3.0ev) DeNoise, Levels, Slight crop, rubber stamp tool to remove small piece of orphaned bud from upper LH corner.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Vision and Purpose:
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Emotional Impact and Mood:
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Balance and Visual Weight:
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What a cool animal. I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a scorpion fly before.
To me, the colors in the original looks just fine, Jim, and I like the yellow BG. You did well to tone down the stem highlights, but otherwise I don’t think it’s over the top.
Never seen this one, Jim. I like the original for the same reason as @Dennis_Plank stated. I would like to see the leaf the fly is sitting on only toned down a bit. The over all BG looks good
Jim: Hmmm, perhaps the Jimmy Durante of bugs? I do like the repost a touch more than the original. Having a bit more room ahead of the critter works a bit better for me. Really nice find and capture of a unique and unusual bug.>=))>
Fascinating bug very nicely photographed! The RP tones down the perch nicely but the crop in OP is a bit more dramatic and the bug is brighter. I’d just select the perch (probably everything right and below its top edge) and tone it down while adding detail, as you did in the RP. The legs and wingtip intruding into the selection wouldn’t be a problem as the subtle changes would never show.
Jim, this thing has quite the snout! I had to look large to see the prey. I slightly prefer the extra space in the repost. The colors look fine in either.
Late to the party Jim, but what a fabulous little critter. Beautiful job of capturing such a dynamic pose. I like the RP for the extended room in front of the bug. Colours are vibrant but not overdone.
