The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I went outside a few days ago to fill the birdbath and spotted this guy. Ran in for the camera and tripod and he stayed still for a few focus stacks. I didn’t know they came in tan – desert camouflage? (If so, appropriate here!)
Specific Feedback
All comments welcome!
Technical Details
Canon R5, Canon 100mm macro, ISO 1000, f/5.6, 1/180 sec
Virtually no adjustments in LR. A stack of about 10 loaded into Zerene Stacker. Not much done with the resulting DMap – some very minor cloning of overlap fog, but less than I usually get. Slight crop for composition.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Excellent image of this praying mantis Diane. Some will actually change colors to camouflage into their environment. Apparently, they tend to be this color of tan right after they molt. I love the incredible detail you’ve picked up in this one, they eyes, the veins in the wings, the little camo spots on it, amazing. It is most apparent in the largest versions. Your stack was completely successful.
What a catch! Perfect focus with your stacking! Nice perch and great comp as well. Exquisite detail, right down to the tiny mouthparts.
An exceptionally fine image…
And thanks to Ed for the explanation about colouring, as I also have never seen one this colour.
Excellent image, Diane. Beautiful detail in this mantis. I see the green and tan ones here, so I believe Ed has the facts down. It picked a very appropriate perch for the coloration.
Hi Diane, I like the simple comp and it was nice that the mantis perched out in the open for stackable images. My kind of macro shot–simple with intense sharpness and detail. Awesome!..Jim
Thanks, @Ed_Williams, @SandyR-B, @Dennis_Plank and @Jim_Zablotny! This was a surprising encounter and I’m glad it gave me a chance. It moved quite a bit but hesitated several times – I’m surprised I didn’t seem to disturb it much. Went back out to check on it later and couldn’t find it.
Diane, a very successful image and I agree with all the positives above. Did you opt for the DMap for a reason, or were both stacks equally good? I ask because I find the DMaps are usually preferable when there is a lot of vegetable clutter in the background.
Diane, what a find. Perfect timing to go out to fill the bird bath. There are so many times we find things like this to photograph when we aren’t even looking for them. I don’t think I have seen one this color before, but he sure matches the color on the that is on the perch. Love everything about this.
Thanks, @Mike_Friel and @Shirley_Freeman! Mike, I usually stack both and mask the best parts but in this case the DMap didn’t need any help, just a few tiny overlap spots cleaned up. Shirley, I loved the stick, too – do they intentionally seek camouflage in their surroundings? I think I’ll go out now and fill the birdbath – and take my camera!!
