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Hangin' on

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted October 19, 2012115 views8 comments

This bug is some kind of planthopper that I found hanging on a stem of my Sea Oats grasses.

I guess I see this as more of an artistic macro than a detailed macro. I liked the effect from the large aperture. Curious what others think.

Canon Rebel T1i. 180mm macro lens. F/3.5 for 1/125 sec. ISO 200. Tripod mounted, natural lighting.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on October 19, 2012 at 4:13 PM

Without doubt it is interesting, Carolyn. I don't think I have even seen one of these and can only clearly see eyes and those clinging legs. I'd guess this is a defensive posture. Interesting that you chose a large crop to include all that oof space but it works for an interesting focus on the part of the bug that has detail.

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on October 19, 2012 at 7:29 PM

Carolyn,
This is a very captivating picture with good colors, an artistic feel as you mentioned and the large aperture creates interest and works well. IMO there is to much OOF dead space below the subject, seems to work well though with the same amount of room at the bottom as is at the top. I always appreciate new ideas, well done.

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on October 19, 2012 at 7:34 PM

An interesting (and artistic) image. The bottom takes up a lot of space and could stand some cropping. I think back off the vignetting as well.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on October 19, 2012 at 8:52 PM

Thanks all for your comments! Re the empty space--I usually am a tighter cropper of my pictures but something about the long stem appealed to me in this image. (Maybe because the bug almost looks like he is pole vaulting!) So I guess from my viewpoint as the "artist" of this image, I like the look of the long stem and empty space at the bottom.

Phil--No vignetting applied to this. This is just the way the light and shadows were at the time the photo was taken and the way I composed it to take advantage of those. There was a fair amount of sunlight slanting through the trees and grass stems.

Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on October 19, 2012 at 10:55 PM

I like it as is, Carolyn, including the long stem and empty space. The stem gives valuable size reference for the insect, and emphasizes the way the bug is suspended high on the long stem. The curve of the stem is artistic as well. I like the pov and the light as well. Excellent image.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Hutchinson on October 21, 2012 at 6:20 AM

Hi Carolyn

A very nice image, only one slight problem with it in my opinion, i would have made more of the Planthopper in focus, but other wise a great shot.

Ian

Registered on September 8, 2012, 9 Posts, 38 Comments

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on October 21, 2012 at 11:39 AM

Hi Carolyn

I agree that this is more of an artistic interpretation. but what a fine interpretation! Beautifully composed with sublime color, and excellent DOF choice