2018 Project 52 - 3rd Qtr - Sandy (Skitterbug)

I have to (just have to, ya know!) post one more photo of this caterpillar. I'd read about a parasite that lays eggs on Tobacco Hornworms but I can't say that I've ever seen it happen in our garden. Looking at the following photo, toward the bottom I spotted one white egg!

I also happen to like this photo with the whitish haze around it. Since it was mid-day and I was battling the sunshine, I reckon the conditions caused this. I'll admit, I don't know why but I'll happily accept it. I did "burn" the haze a bit to tone it down so I hope I didn't darken the photo too much. On my screen it looks okay but I don't know how it will appear to others.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...nT2LxxJ-X2.jpg

[QUOTE=skitterbug;720531]Hi Geoff - I totally agree but unfortunately, the bottom edge of the viewing area and his head are what they are. I couldn't crop the bottom any differently.

In Photoshop (and maybe alternatives) you could try extending (not stretching :) ) the image downwards and using edit/fill/content aware to create more space below the caterpillar.

Something like:

http://i67.tinypic.com/2w4mgxe.jpg

But I have to say, Sandy, it is a great shot exactly as you presented it.

David

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In Photoshop (and maybe alternatives) you could try extending (not stretching :) ) the image downwards and using edit/fill/content aware to create more space below the caterpillar.

Something like:

http://i67.tinypic.com/2w4mgxe.jpg

But I have to say, Sandy, it is a great shot exactly as you presented it.
David

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Hi David - I like what you did! I don't use Photoshop - too expensive now for my amateur use but I do have Affinity Photo and I bet there is a way to do this same thing within that application. I'll have to look!

I appreciate your kind words as well. Thank you! :)

Increase the Canvas size then clone over the new blank area with data from the existing image, Sandy.

There are other options with Photoshop which you might also have in Affinity, but a simple bit of cloning will get you there.

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Originally Posted by Geoff F

Increase the Canvas size then clone over the new blank area with data from the existing image, Sandy.
There are other options with Photoshop which you might also have in Affinity, but a simple bit of cloning will get you there.

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Hi Geoff - I've played with this idea but still haven't had good results. I think it is a technique I'm going to have to develop over time. :)

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In Photoshop (and maybe alternatives) you could try extending (not stretching :) ) the image downwards and using edit/fill/content aware to create more space below the caterpillar.

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Hi David - I haven't found what I want in Affinity Photo to accomplish what you and Geoff are suggesting that I do. If I had material from another photo that matched this one fairly close, I think I could make it work. But so far I still haven't mastered a decent finished product. More work and study on my part is required!

Thank you both for your suggestions! :)

So I keep messing about and finally ended up with the following. I definitely would appreciate feedback about this one.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...6PRthkd-X2.jpg

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Originally Posted by skitterbug

So I keep messing about and finally ended up with the following. I definitely would appreciate feedback about this one.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...6PRthkd-X2.jpg

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The creation of the additional space works well, Sandy; but on the whole I prefer your original image which seems to have more deep blacks on the body and eye and is generally sharper.

David

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Originally Posted by Rufus

The creation of the additional space works well, Sandy; but on the whole I prefer your original image which seems to have more deep blacks on the body and eye and is generally sharper.

David

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Hi David - I agree with your assessment. What happened is that I went back to the original RAW file and started over. I added to the canvas and forgot to do any of the extra PP work that I'd done on the first one..... which I have done now. I also cropped a bit differently, I see.......

I'm using SmugMug and chose to replaced the photo. It apparently feeds the substitute photo through on the original link because the one posted now on my older post (#106) is the newer version of the photo. Hope that makes sense? And I hope you like the changes.

Thanks for the C&C :)

That makes a better composition, Sandy. And another skill has be learned. ;)

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Originally Posted by Geoff F

That makes a better composition, Sandy. And another skill has be learned. ;)

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Hi Geoff - Thank you!

And yes, that's what these P52 projects are all about - learning from suggestions made by helpful people! And I appreciate it lots! :D

I'd go with a tighter crop, nicely captured.

My reflex attitude to caterpillars is negative - they eat my veggies! But your super shots have converted me :). Glad you managed to work out how to stretch the space.

You may well already have this, but here's a link to all the AP "how to" videos on Vimeo and You tube.

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Originally Posted by Shadowman

I'd go with a tighter crop, nicely captured.

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Hi John - I gave the caterpillar a 5x7 crop. I tried to put his "eye" on one of the cross points. Too tight of a crop? I could print this size if I'd wanted.

Thoughts?

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...7xM7H6v-X2.jpg

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Originally Posted by billtils

My reflex attitude to caterpillars is negative - they eat my veggies! But your super shots have converted me :). Glad you managed to work out how to stretch the space.

You may well already have this, but here's a link to all the AP "how to" videos on Vimeo and You tube.

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Hi Bill - there are many worms that do seem to invade the garden and I don't find them to be photographic at all! <LOL> But I do rather like the Tobacco Hornworm, especially knowing that his adult stage is interesting to see and pretty!

Yes, I do have the link to AP stuff but it is nice to also have it within the P52 for reference! I'd rather have too much information than not enough!

Thank you!

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Originally Posted by skitterbug

Hi John - I gave the caterpillar a 5x7 crop. I tried to put his "eye" on one of the cross points. Too tight of a crop? I could print this size if I'd wanted.

Thoughts?

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...7xM7H6v-X2.jpg

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I would go even tighter with a square crop but keeping some of the striping near the neck.

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Originally Posted by Shadowman

I would go even tighter with a square crop but keeping some of the striping near the neck.

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Maybe I'm still to tentative but is this more in line with your suggestion? It does tend to draw the eye to the chewing of the caterpillar.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...37r2ntQ-XL.jpg

[QUOTE=skitterbug;720989]Maybe I'm still to tentative ...but ... it does tend to draw the eye to the chewing of the caterpillar.

I think that is the best so far, Sandy - the blacks have returned, the compositional balance is good and the viewer knows exactly what the caterpillar is doing as it chomps away :)

Hi David - Thank you - for the validation that I'm headed in the right direction - with lots of help from the group!
I appreciate all the suggestions made! :D

Yes, the capture of the head is so detailed that more of the body is not needed.

You have come a long way in your photography. I have really enjoyed watching you grow. Love the catepillar!