Out of the Depths + Edit (formerly "Crabby")

Image Critiques Macro/Close-up Critiques
1

Edit:

CrabXXXX - Copy2XXNB
CrabXXXX - Copy2XXNB2008×1596 693 KB

Original:

CrabXXXX - Copy2XXNB.jpg
CrabXXXX - Copy2XXNB.jpg2024×1612 1.03 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

An ancient image from the Galapagos in 2006.
I never edited this one, as I saw nothing of value here.
Now, maybe I do… :slight_smile:
Crabby was half in and half out of the water.

This little Sally Lightfoot crab was about 3 inches across, so posted in macro.

Specific Feedback

comments welcome, as always

Technical Details

Model: NIKON D1X
105 Macro
Software: Adobe Photoshop 26.1 + DxO Pure Raw 4
Date Taken: 2006-04-13 08:22:08
Exposure Time: 1/2500 sec
F Number: f/2.8
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 250
Exposure Program: Shutter priority
Metering Mode: Spot
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
2

Sandy, what a beauty you have captured. Making a close up image of this is very difficult., These mostly are the “Sally light foot crabs” ?? love the ghostly image of it coming out from the dark.

I will be posing a crab image, as i often go out crabbing …may be not in the Macro gallery

Balan Vinod

3

Interesting processing, Sandy. I like the way the crab is emerging out of the darkness. I could see bringing up some of the appendages toward the front of the crab a bit more-just enough to provide a hint of their existence. Other than that, it’s fine as presented.

4

Hi, Balan - yes, these are Sally Lightfoot crabs.
I should have mentionned this - added to the description, thanks.

5

An interesting subject, Sandy, and the darkness all around the crab adds interest and some mystery to the image. I too could see a bit of brightening especially on the face. The eyes are lit well and they are kind of cool. I am curious if it is natural light or did you use some artificial light, if you remember?

6

Hi, Shirley - only natural light here. I don’t think I even HAD a flash back then…
While I don’t remember this specific morning, I suspect it was cloudy. VERY minimal processing done - crop and sats only

1 Like
7

What a lovley little crabby! And with a name like Sally Lightfoot to match its cuteness.

I like the emergence from darkness showing detail where needed.

I’m leaning toward your original post as favourite here. The processing could be endless here and entirely based on your creative vision. May a version of somewhere between the OP and the edit?

8

I like this very much. Those “bokeh bubbles” really make it for me, as they evoke movement through the water so well. And the black BG helps this too. Are you still using that lens (my favorite for macro)?

9

Sandy: I thought I commented on this but it seems to be somewhere in the ether :roll_eyes: Anyway, I think this is way cool and a striking portrait. Like @Mike_Friel I like the bubbles as well. Glad you reached back into the archives. Most excellent. >=))>

10

@Mike_Friel I loved that lens; alas, it’s a Nikon and I’m now using Sony stuff. The Sony 90 mm is good, but I do prefer the Nikon 105.

11

Love closeups of little critters and you’ve captured this guy nicely. Seeing the bubbles is a nice touch too but would like some added exposure to reveal more of him, but still keep the mysterious mood. Overall, a really nice catch Sandy!