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Praying Mantis #2
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Praying Mantis #2

by Mark Seaver

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted September 24, 2012242 views7 comments
I got lucky on Saturday and found a Praying Mantis as I wandered the field next door. Once I slowed down, it calmed down and I was able to take some close ups. I posted one in the weekly challenge gallery (unusual eyes, topic) but have some other views to share. This one is an 11 shot stack, taken to get the entire head sharp. I used a fast shutter to freeze any motion due to a slight breeze and shot fast to minimize motion between frames. (5D3, 100 mm macro L + 56mm ET, f/5, 1/320s, iso 400, tripod)

Comments

7 comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on September 24, 2012 at 9:01 AM
Perfect portrait of Mrs. Mantis, Mark. I can picture this in an 8 x 10 frame and sitting on Mr. Mantis' desk at work. :biggrin: Seriously, excellent insect portrait image. Expertly done all around. :toast:
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Rick Turner on September 24, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Very well done Mark.

In perfect world for me, I would like to see all the antenna and less lower body. :jump:
Registered on February 18, 2012, 534 Posts, 2755 Comments
Comment posted by Barb Pflaum on September 24, 2012 at 1:47 PM
Great portrait, Mark! Excellent detail in the face.
Registered on January 14, 2009, 316 Posts, 2724 Comments
Comment posted by Chuck Beatty on September 24, 2012 at 8:08 PM
Amazing that you were able to stack this so successfully. Beautifully captured!
Registered on July 12, 2006, 82 Posts, 453 Comments
Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on September 25, 2012 at 9:53 AM
Excellent work, amazing results. Very nicely done.
Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments
Comment posted by Rob Graham on September 26, 2012 at 7:19 PM
11 image stack? Amazing the mantis stayed still so long. I agree with Rick that more antenna and less body would be nice. Still, a great shot.
Registered on August 22, 2006, 842 Posts, 2824 Comments
Comment posted by Albert Darmo on September 26, 2012 at 10:42 PM
Hi Mark :wavey: Excellent portrait of a smiling Mantis :cool: perfect in every aspect :toast:
Albert Darmo
Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments