The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
While camping in northern Michigan, I decided to use my D850 and 200mm f4 and went out in search of insects. One of the more abundant insect species were these colorful net-winged beetles that were walking around the roadside vegetation. These insects display warning coloration which provides a recognizable pattern and a bad memory for any predator that attempts to eat one. They are quite distasteful to any bird that makes the mistake of trying out its appetite on one of these beetles.
Specific Feedback
Probably one of the more variable backgrounds and the colors result from dead grass stems and live grass. How suitable do you find this BG?
Technical Details
D850 200mm f4 micro (1/160 sec at f20, ISO 640) crop for comp DeNoise, Levels, blurred some of the lower BG elements slightly…Jim
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Excellent, Jim - I think the BG is perfect, with the touches of green and rust to compliment the bug. Great critter, fine detail, and cool perch.
I think I’d prefer a bit more room at the bottom, although it would slightly decrease subject size.
What an interesting critter - very nearly moth-like in some ways. Those wings are incredible. Don’t think I’ve ever seen one, but I’d like to. The bg works on a few levels - it reminds us that this creature lives out in nature and that’s where you found it as opposed to a studio shot or a bug you captured and chilled (not that you would do that). The vegetation is at a far enough distance to be rendered basically smooth and so it works. Funny how bold (often red) patterns in nature are a universal warning to predators.
Oh and I love that you’re still using your older gear. I’ve kept my original G9 and still use it along side the M2 version. Still life in those old kits! Were you in the UP or lower?
Jim: Excellent capture of a very interesting subject. I think your BG management is perfect and the detail on the wing structures is terrific. I find myself using my 70-200 a lot more than my 200 macro but when I want to get up close and personal the DSLR/200 combo is still hard to beat. Excellent work here. >=))>
An excellent image, Jim. F/20 worked very well here and the background is excellent in my opinion. This looks like a grass seedhead? If so, that’s a pretty small critter which makes this an even more difficult shot to get.
Jim, this is excellent. Wonderful details in this little beetle. I like the BG very much. It just makes this guy stand out. It is all about the beetle. Outstanding shot.
Thank you @Ed_Williams , @SandyR-B , @Kris_Smith , @Shirley_Freeman , @Bill_Fach , and @Dennis_Plank . I was surprised to see many along the roadside grass. @Kris_Smith I do like the image quality of the D850 and the noise profile for macro shots is excellent. I had to quickly adjust to the sound of the mirror and shutter during picture taking. Thew 200mm f4 has outstanding optics so it was worth it getting these photos…Jim
