Praying Mantis Silhouette

Image Critiques
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Original - DSC_0846_01.jpg
Original - DSC_0846_01.jpg3000×2000 964 KB

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 + Technical

About This Image

Here is a different take of a praying mantis on the hummingbird feeder photo! It was late in the day and the light was not very good when I took this photo. I also had glare coming from the sky behind us, so I converted this photo into black and white. The only color visible was a bit of red on the hummingbird feeder. Usually when I spot one of these guys on the feeder I take some macro photos and gently remove them. This silhouette is a bit different for me with this type of subject.

It looks to me like the feeder is more in focus than the praying mantis, something I can probably improve with a bit more editing. I kind of like the black/dark shading on the left of the photo, as it adds to the drama a bit.

Feedback Requested

The praying mantis is waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting hummingbird, so the photo subject is somewhat dark. Does the black and white work? What about the dark splotches on the left of the photo? Does the bit of softness in the praying mantis distract from the photo?

Technical Details

Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Focal length: 400mm
Shutter speed: 1/800s
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 640

Processed with On1 Photo Raw 2026.

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Richard: Good catch and a fine capture. I like how you crafted the silhouette. The feeder is sharp but the mantis head and front claws are sharp and that’s the part that matters IMO. I’ve seen shots of a mantis attacking a hummingbird and if I hadn’t seen them I don’t think I would believe it. Fearsome predators and I think your treatment does bring on some foreboding.>=))>

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@richard27 Its a lovely composition and shows the mantis as the fearful predator it is.

Dark and sinister, and I like the condensation texture on the feeder.

Its a well seen composition

Huw

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Thanks Bill and Huw for your feedback!

Glad the praying mantis is sharp enough and I have no desire to see what they can do to a hummingbird. :slight_smile:

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