Petrophila bifascialis (Crambidae)

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
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Image(s)

Petrophilabifascialis.jpg
Petrophilabifascialis.jpg1776×2000 658 KB

Image Description

It was breezy, hot, and sunny and I noticed a small, patterned moth hiding in the vegetation along the Kalamazoo River. This was the best of the series and I was almost at life-size for this shot. Unfortunately, either the head was not in focus or most of the wings lacked focus. I also had to hold the piece of plant stem and hold the 200mm f4 steady while shooting. Also, the fill flashes helped light up the shadows. Believe it or not, this little moth lays its eggs in river water so the larva is an aquatic caterpillar. That’s my fun fact for today!

Feedback Requests

I cropped quite a bit to get this comp and please let me know whether it looks OK. Thank you.

Pertinent Technical Details

Z9 200mm f4 Micro + 3 flashes for fill (1/250 sec at f20, ISO 800) DeNoise, Crop for Comp, Shadows & Highlights, Bump up in contrast and Brightness…Jim

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Jim, this is a striking moth…love the fringe and subtle colors in it’s wings. As a minor nit, I’d suggest burning-in the very top of it’s head and the bright circle behind it’s wings. Congrats on getting this shot at all, as it sound very challenging.