Work in Progress

Image Critiques Macro/Close-up Critiques
1

grasshopper moulting.jpg
grasshopper moulting.jpg2000×1125 318 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I found this grasshopper instar in a patch of wild vegetation yesterday. From the rudimentary wings we can see it’s still an adolescent - only after some 5 moults will it have a full pair of wings and can call itself an adult.

Specific Feedback

It’s tightly cropped, but I wanted to show the details of the moult as closely as possible. You can see a lot of the body parts mirrored in the old exoskeleton.

Technical Details

OM1 + 60mm macro 1/500 f 6.3 ISO 800

Blacks and Whites adjusted in LR. In PS, added some contrast, softened parts of BG, straightened slightly and cropped in close for detail.

Critique Template

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2 Likes
2

What a neat find to witness and to photograph, Mike. I have not had that privilege, so I am enjoying this. I love the various shades of green. Excellent details.

3

This is so cool, Mike. I definitely agree with your choice of a tight shot on this one. A perfect moment.

4

Wow, this has crazy great detail Mike. Good job to even spot this happening to begin with.

5

Really interesting. Were you looking and waiting for this or was it happy circumstance? Either way, it’s just great. The details are amazing.

6

Exceptional detail, Mike, and a great look at this fellow, with the tight crop. I love the various greens, and the eyes.

7

Thanks @SandyR-B @Ed_Williams @Dennis_Plank @Shirley_Freeman and @Chris_Baird - it was a lucky find, Chris; it had nearly finished the moult and so I could wait till it was completely “free” again. Here’s a shot I took a few minutes later:

Free at Last
Free at Last2000×1567 284 KB

2 Likes
8

Mike: The tight crop is absolutely the right choice for this fascinating scene. I’ve been lucky enough to witness many butterfly emergences but never a grasshopper or dragonfly. Great capture of a special moment. >=))>

1 Like
9

I too think your crop is perfect, Mike. The variety of subtle greens looks great. Nice find.

1 Like