Columbine and ?

[Rainforest]

Yeah, after a week! I can now post.
I watched these two on and off for over two hours - this was the only shot where they were disconnected but it is the sharpest. It was really difficult to get this shot! If you have any further PP ideas I would be interested.

[Mike Buckley]

I like all aspects of the photo including color, texture, quality of light and depth of field.

You mentioned that the two critters had been connected. Was that a mating ritual or perhaps mating itself?

[Wavelength]

Excellent image; Two stories in one frame

[Shadowman]

Nicely done.

[bje07]

Nice colors and shape, but for me DoF is a little short

[Geoff F]

If that had been photographed in the UK I would be suggesting that those insects were some form of Stilt Bug; Berytidae family.

[Rainforest]

I like all aspects of the photo including color, texture, quality of light and depth of field.

You mentioned that the two critters had been connected. Was that a mating ritual or perhaps mating itself?

Thank you Mike. ..Mating I think. The green belly grew as time progressed and in some shots I could see transparent egg looking 'stuff'. They stayed connected and moved as a unit around the entire bloom in the two hours I observed. I am easily and happily distracted by what goes on in my garden.

[Rainforest]

Excellent image; Two stories in one frame

I like that about it too Nandakumar, thanks.

[Rainforest]

Nice colors and shape, but for me DoF is a little short

Thanks John and Jean. Jean, I think I shot these guys at every! aperture trying to get it right. I think the PP, in particular darkening the shadows in the BG and adding the vignette compressed things as well. I don't mind it since the crop makes it rather in your face anyway but I appreciate hearing your thoughts very much. :-)

[Rainforest]

If that had been photographed in the UK I would be suggesting that those insects were some form of Stilt Bug; Berytidae family.

They certainly looked stilty to me. Thanks for the info Geoff which I hope to check out in soon.

[IzzieK]

I would be fascinated too. But not two hours, mind you... Very nice shot. I like the composition and the exposure too. My columbines are all gone for the first batch but they are still attempting to flower for the second time ... I have to google columbine as I thought I have it in my garden too. I did. The flower shot itself is very nice. Too closed up and sharp. The mating insects are a bonus. Good job.

[RandyRFJP]

Very nice capture, Susan. I agree with Geoff F that they are a type of stilt bug. There's a photo very similar to your photo posted here: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2010/08...-stilt-bugs-2/ There is an Oregon Stilt Bug, and it's photo can be found here: http://bugguide.net/node/view/1254008

[JBW]

Traditional wisdom is to keep the main thing the main thing. Might you consider a tighter crop?

[Rainforest]

I would be fascinated too. But not two hours, mind you... Very nice shot. I like the composition and the exposure too. My columbines are all gone for the first batch but they are still attempting to flower for the second time ... I have to google columbine as I thought I have it in my garden too. I did. The flower shot itself is very nice. Too closed up and sharp. The mating insects are a bonus. Good job.

I didn't watch the full two hours! - just checked and clicked on and off for two hours, besides it looked pretty private. ;-)

[Rainforest]

I sure like when the insect names are what they look like. Thanks much for the info Randy.

[Rainforest]

Traditional wisdom is to keep the main thing the main thing. Might you consider a tighter crop?

I did look at that knowing the bugs would be easier to see. However, I'm a gardner at heart so getting a true sense of the bloom almost always comes into play for me. Thanks Brian. :-)