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Cryptic grasshopper
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Cryptic grasshopper

by Peter Cross

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted August 29, 201238 views3 comments
I guess this qualifies as a close-up even though I was using a 70-200mm lens with a 1.4X TC and taking the image from about as close as I could, which is 1.2M or about 4 feet. But one way to get a close-up. Not anything to rave about from a technical standpoint but still a decent documentation photo. This was at about 7000 ft in the Sierra mtns of Calif. What really attracted me to this grasshopper was his great camo. If I hadn't seen him fly in, I doubt I would have noticed him at all. He really blends into the background dirt and gravel not far from a picnic table. Comments and critiques welcomed.

Tech info

Canon 60D with 70-200mm f/4L at 200mm with 1.4 TC = 280mm
1/800th at f/8.0 and ISO 200
handheld
cropped to about 60% of original

Comments

3 comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on August 30, 2012 at 9:57 PM
Hi Peter. There is more than one way to capture a close up image. The result is all that matters. Grasshoppers have really interesting markings and often blend right in to the surrounding environment. Your image captures this very well. This guy almost looks made of stone. Nice shot and thanks for sharing.
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on August 31, 2012 at 1:33 PM
Wow, this guy really does blend into his surroundings! Good clear capture of this guy. Your distance was probably an advantage in being able to get this shot since hoppers hop off at the first sign of someone or something getting too close. Even though he does not have beautiful colors, your close-up capture, especially in the large version, allows us to see the beautiful designs he has, especially on the wings. Minor nit is wishing the eye was in better focus but for that distance this is a great capture, Peter! :smile:
Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on September 1, 2012 at 9:28 PM
Very cool example of camouflage, Peter. Even the eyes.

:toast:
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments