I'm hungry, anyone seen a creepy clown?

[JBW]

ISO 100 ~ F/14 ~ 1/100 ~ Fill Flash -0.7. I definitely wish this was F/16

[Mike Buckley]

I just have to mention that ever since you got your macro lens, the quality of your photos has consistently skyrocketed. This image is just one of many examples. Whether it's the background that complements the subject, the strong diagonal, the highly effective depth of field or the nice color, there is lots and lots to like!

[NorthernFocus]

Ditto everything Mike said. Nicely done, Brian.

[Stagecoach]

I definitely wish this was F/16

I would ask why Brian?

It's a great shot, it's a great pose, it's a great background.

[JBW]

I would ask why Brian?

It's a great shot, it's a great pose, it's a great background.

I was thinking the golden bumps would have been just a touch more in focus.

[JBW]

I just have to mention that ever since you got your macro lens, the quality of your photos has consistently skyrocketed. This image is just one of many examples. Whether it's the background that complements the subject, the strong diagonal, the highly effective depth of field or the nice color, there is lots and lots to like!

Myra my wife, and I have an agreement. When CiC mentors help me to consistently push my gears limits I get new gear. I was at that point with the 18/55 kit lens. It is an excellent lens for my camera and fits excellently with my style.

You deserve some of the credit for your suggestion about my need to learn how to use light, an ongoing learning.

[JBW]

Ditto everything Mike said. Nicely done, Brian.

Imagine what you could do if your bears were such willing subjects.

[Stagecoach]

I was thinking the golden bumps would have been just a touch more in focus.

Yes, that is a possibility Brian.

BUT, from my own experience of shooting these, to achieve what you have with this image in focus, especially the eyes AND those legs in that pose you should be happy enough

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured.

[Dave Humphries]

Excellent Brian,

The point of focus and DoF is OK for me, not presenting it quite this large (at 100% in LyteBox) i.e. by downsizing more, then sharpening would have improved apparent DoF a tad, as would f/16 (another tad). However, you're really getting in to the domain of needing to focus stack and I don't know whether the camera and subject is stable/still enough to achieve that.

You're lucky to have a wife that takes that much interest in your photography, quite apart from our mentoring here, I think she helps you too.

So pass on my regards,
Dave


PS Being really, really picky; I'd have spot healed away the two sharpest/brightest white dots on the leaf, if I'd shot this.

[JBW]

Excellent Brian,

The point of focus and DoF is OK for me, not presenting it quite this large (at 100% in LyteBox) i.e. by downsizing more, then sharpening would have improved apparent DoF a tad, as would f/16 (another tad). However, you're really getting in to the domain of needing to focus stack and I don't know whether the camera and subject is stable/still enough to achieve that.

You're lucky to have a wife that takes that much interest in your photography, quite apart from our mentoring here, I think she helps you too.

So pass on my regards,
Dave


PS Being really, really picky; I'd have spot healed away the two sharpest/brightest white dots on the leaf, if I'd shot this.

She agrees I'm lucky.
I totally missed the 2 spots.
I downsized to 1600 width which translates to 60% of original crop. I did the sharpening after the downsizing.
This is a depth merge of 2 shots.
If I'm going to get into focus stacking I will probably need a sturdier tripod than my Slik U8000. We have just started the solarium and once it is finished I will have a place with no breeze and lots of macro targets.
B.

[madcrow]

Great image.

[JBW]

Great image.

Thanks. We were chatting with the rambotan pickers when i noticed him on a lily plant.

[Wavelength]

You must be really happy now days for being one of the most progressing person here; congrats

[JBW]

You must be really happy now days for being one of the most progressing person here; congrats

I am pleased with my improvement. But I am thrilled to have found so many good teachers.

[Brownbear]

Absolutely, beautiful! I adore the pose, background, colours and the moment (even the critter's personality) captured.

ISO 100 ~ F/14 ~ 1/100 ~ Fill Flash -0.7. I definitely wish this was F/16

[Dave A]

Really nice shot Brian and one that I would be very happy with if I was lucky enough to capture it.

Dave

[JBW]

Really nice shot Brian and one that I would be very happy with if I was lucky enough to capture it.

Dave

Hi Dave & Christina, I agree this is one of those shots that really works.

Now for the secret of my success: I went out 3 times, took around 100 shots and kept the best of the best. Gotta love digital

[Brownbear]

Now for the secret of my success: I went out 3 times, took around 100 shots and kept the best of the best. Gotta love digital

I've never met a Praying Mantis that hung around for a 100 shots while posing graciously in lovely light in a great locale making for a wonderful background. ie; A great image with credit due to the photographer.

[John 2]

Really Good Brian. I noted Mikes comments above and I agree. Nice work.