Hanging On the Curve - C&C Welcome

[Ziggy]

[Shadowman]

Nice shot.

[IzzieK]

Like that angle...a bit of specular light on all 4s but it is OK...

[Ziggy]

Thanks both. Maybe a little to different?

[Geoff F]

Not the best of backgrounds but you can't do anything about it. A few hot spots on the wings but, once again, that is how things appear and not really a serious problem.

So all in all this is perfectly acceptable to me.

[Urbanflyer]

Lovely!

I don't know what the "rules" are about making alterations to achieve the image your eye saw. If they are not strict there are things you can do to tone down the hot spots and subdue the backround in about 5 minutes work in Photoshop. Other than learning to do that are there other constraints? I know Nat Geo wants their photographers to send in the images SOOC but I bet there are adjustments made in publication!

[Ziggy]

Geoff and Judith, your feedback is welcome and appreciated.

I will play around and see if I can tone down the hot spots a little.

[Wavelength]

Beauty; i would love the subject a bit more off center

[Ziggy]

Beauty; i would love the subject a bit more off center

Thanks Nandakumar. Appreciate the feedback on trying a different crop.

[Ziggy]

Gave it a go in B&W.

[Geoff F]

Insects usually look drab in B&W but this is one of the exceptions where that rather silvery look has worked well.

[Ziggy]

Insects usually look drab in B&W but this is one of the exceptions where that rather silvery look has worked well.

Thanks and I agree about most insect shots don't work in B&W.

[pnodrog]

Jim I like it. The silver blue looks great against the dappled green background. However I find the segmented conifer? leafs distracting and would suggest toning them down or cloning/cropping them out to simplify the image.

[Ziggy]

Jim I like it. The silver blue looks great against the dappled green background. However I find the segmented conifer? leafs distracting and would suggest toning them down or cloning/cropping them out to simplify the image.

Thanks Paul, agree about cropping them out. Gave it a try and it makes the dragon stand out alone.