Another Slug for Bruce (Cantab Bruce)

[Brownbear]

Eight months have gone by since I've posted my first slug for you Bruce! Even though the "post your slug thread" died a quick death I didn't forget about my promise to you - to try to capture the true beauty of a slug.

The day before yesterday I found another slug on the move, on a journey across a forest trail.

I did my best to get down to the same level as the slug (not an easy feat for a full grown adult). As the slug slithered along the trail I moved as many distractions (rocks, leaves and dirt) as I could while hand holding my camera.

As before I remembered that slugs travel surprisingly fast. Being much wiser and knowledgeable about my subject this time around I knew that the eyes of the slug are located on top of the tentacles (not the breathing apparatus as I thought the first time around) and where to place my focus point.

If you ever have the opportunity to view a slug on the move through your lens you will learn that they wave their tentacles about constantly, surprisingly fast. Their eyes move about in different directions on different planes at the same time. Not an easy feat! Indeed I believe that it is far harder to grab decent focus on a moving slug then on a bird in flight.

Still not the beautiful image that I hoped for (harsh shadows, distracting background and a rather ordinary coloured slug) but the focus is on the eyes..


Just for you...










I will try again the next time I encounter a slug!

[FootLoose]

Good captures, Christina. I like the first one as it has so much detail of the face (?).

The third one: that's how my eyeballs feel after sitting at the computer all day.

[Brownbear]

Hi Greg,

These are just for fun but I'm glad I captured the eye. I tried to pick up the slug to put it in a nicer place and light but the critters hang on tight to the ground, and I truly wasn't crazy about picking it up. Another time perhaps.

Yes, I believe that is the face of the slug... the lower tentacles are sensory organs. On the side (blurred in this image) is it's breathing apparatus. I do have another shot with the breathing apparatus in focus and the eyes out of focus, if your really keen on seeing it.


That's how my eyeballs feel when trying to figure out layers in Photoshop.

Good captures, Christina. I like the first one as it has so much detail of the face (?).

The third one: that's how my eyeballs feel after sitting at the computer all day.

[Marie Hass]

He is very cute, Christina. Focus is spot on for such a tiny critter.

that's how my eyeballs feel after sitting at the computer all day.

I know exactly how you feel, Greg.

Marie

[Stagecoach]

Well done Christina. We think as slugs as slow but once in front of the lens this close they certainly aren't and you did really well to get those tiny eyes in focus.

I often use a leaf placed in front of the subject in the hope they will move onto it so I can place them elsewhere

Did 'it' get a name

Grahame

[Otavio]

Nice captures, indeed, Christina. Very good use of the DoF. Well done!

[Cantab]

Christina, thank you for bringing the art of slug photography back to life! These are good photos for your growing slug collection. I haven't seen a slug for some time but obviously need to look harder.

[deetheturk]

Great captures Christina,well done

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[Brownbear]

Thank you Grahame. This slug will be my place-maker for future slug shots.

I was surrounded by trees so I'm not sure why I didn't think of placing a leaf in front of it but on my next opportunity I will certainly remember your tip. Our photo session was cut short when some hikers came along and found me prone in the middle of the trail.

His name is Marco... After Marco Polo simply because he was on an exploratory journey.

Well done Christina. We think as slugs as slow but once in front of the lens this close they certainly aren't and you did really well to get those tiny eyes in focus.

I often use a leaf placed in front of the subject in the hope they will move onto it so I can place them elsewhere

Did 'it' get a name

Grahame

[Brownbear]

Thank you Bruce, Otavio, John and David.

Bruce - I'm very much looking forward to seeing a portrait of a slug, by you.

[Downrigger]

Pretty cool, Christina. The "eye" is very strong. Certainly you have set a standard for slug images.

[Brownbear]

Thank you Mark. I have a vision of a beautiful image of a slug that I have yet to capture. It has to be moving with it's head extended and looking at the camera, with a prettier soft background, and ideally a prettier more colourful slug. I'm not certain if it will ever happen because they are hard to find moving about.

Pretty cool, Christina. The "eye" is very strong. Certainly you have set a standard for slug images.

[Suzan J]

These are fun shots Christina. I particularly like the "eyeball" even though I feel a gag reflex coming on when I look at it. All I can think of when I see these slugs is how they manage to make a slimy mess on my lettuce. Ewwwww!

[bnnrcn]

I like the images Christina . #2 is especially nice with a composition which includes the environment and posture is very nice too

[Brownbear]

Hi Suzan,

Yes, these are just for fun. And I remember that you had the exact same reaction last time. I too, like the eyeball as it has an abstract feel.

Binnur

Thank you. I have no true intention of exploring slug art.