With so much hidden it's hard to know which way to go. (nice shot strange bug)

[JBW]

the major problem with the first shot is that this is a really, really, really small bug. Maybe 3MM long. heres a closeup cropped from 5000+ to 800 wide. No re-sizing up or down.

[Shadowman]

I like the layered effect, bug could be a bit sharper.

[JBW]

I like the layered effect, bug could be a bit sharper.

It is a very small bug. He or she is sitting on an oregano leaf. I thought the blue eye was nicely sharp?

[Dave Humphries]

I thought the blue eye was nicely sharp?

It is, but very small in frame - my fault, no doubt, because I previously advised you against over enlarging such shots

I think this would respond well to some local lightening in PP, a few passes of the 'dodge' brush should help - you need to increase the differentiation between the blue and dark tones, without massively 'blowing' that specular highlight, so would need to be worked on at 200%. Perhaps increase the saturation locally there too, to enhance the blue.

I improved several of my butterfly eyes with the dodging tip.

Cheers, Dave

[JBW]

It is, but very small in frame - my fault, no doubt, because I previously advised you against over enlarging such shots

I think this would respond well to some local lightening in PP, a few passes of the 'dodge' brush should help - you need to increase the differentiation between the blue and dark tones, without massively 'blowing' that specular highlight, so would need to be worked on at 200%. Perhaps increase the saturation locally there too, to enhance the blue.

I improved several of my butterfly eyes with the dodging tip.

Cheers, Dave

You gave but I applied. The trouble is that the insect is supposed to look confused. And I'm not convinced she is the main part of the shot. I went back and re-cropped without up or down sizing. Not as pretty but the eye is popping

[Geoff F]

Could it be one of the Micro Moths?

I find the English micros very difficult to identify so I don't have any idea as to the exact species you have there.

[JBW]

Could it be one of the Micro Moths?

I find the English micros very difficult to identify so I don't have any idea as to the exact species you have there.

Please take a look at Ypsolopha lucella.

[Geoff F]

That certainly looks to be in the general area Brian, but there are so many similar species among the micro moths. My moth book is over 400 pages and it doesn't do any micros.

ps. This site is probably the most used one by UK moth specialists.

http://ukmoths.org.uk/

[JBW]

That certainly looks to be in the general area Brian, but there are so many similar species among the micro moths. My moth book is over 400 pages and it doesn't do any micros.

ps. This site is probably the most used one by UK moth specialists.

http://ukmoths.org.uk/

what are you getting me into