As close as I could get, back lit, Cicada exoskeleton, kind of pretty

[JBW]

[Shadowman]

Interesting shot, seems to be more sharpness on the legs though.

[JBW]

Interesting shot, seems to be more sharpness on the legs though.

With my present skill set I need to trade DOF for background effect. I was also trying to capture the very fine web it is caught in which is most visible around the leg. If you haven't looked at this shot full size give it a try.

[Stagecoach]

Brian, it's always a tough decision exactly which plane you aim to get sharpest with such narrow DoF and a deep subject but I think you have got this one right.

As for 'kind of pretty', I expect it depends on what type of bug or bugologist you are

[JBW]

Brian, it's always a tough decision exactly which plane you aim to get sharpest with such narrow DoF and a deep subject but I think you have got this one right.

As for 'kind of pretty', I expect it depends on what type of bug or bugologist you are

Well my best bugologist shots are all of exoskeletons and caterpillars I wonder what Freud would suggest it says about my bugology

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Brian,

I saw the web and liked how you had captured that.

I think a little additional illumination would help on the subject itself though - I am thinking a small 'reflector' to angle some light into what I presume to have been a quite small nook - or crannie?

Perhaps a small piece of white paper or even reflective foil (depends how much light is falling on it, whether the latter might be too much.

However, I also accept this might not have been possible under the shooting circumstances pertaining, which just leaves the possibility of raising some detail in the darkest areas in PP.

Just a thought, Dave

[JBW]

Hi Brian,

I saw the web and liked how you had captured that.

I think a little additional illumination would help on the subject itself though - I am thinking a small 'reflector' to angle some light into what I presume to have been a quite small nook - or crannie?

Perhaps a small piece of white paper or even reflective foil (depends how much light is falling on it, whether the latter might be too much.

However, I also accept this might not have been possible under the shooting circumstances pertaining, which just leaves the possibility of raising some detail in the darkest areas in PP.

Just a thought, Dave

My problem is that I don't think like you do. You are right If I had gone out prepared I could have found a way to reflect the light. I certainly had time to set things up and the exoskeleton wasn't going anywhere. Okay I need some sort of carryall pouch to stuff stuff into. i can do this.

PS: SWMBO is going to pick me up a pouchy thing when she is in town