Dytiscus marginalis

John, there's so much to like about your image.  Great detail throughout and an eye-catching horizontal water line that suspends the beetle in the frame.  I never thought I would ever say this but your beetle has a very endearing look to his face 

Hi Paula
Thankk you !
 I must say I do get quite attatched to some of my  subjects.! If they take a long time- even more so ! See what you mean about the face too !!!
Cheers
John

Outstanding John,
Well worth your efforts, which I would naturally assume were a lot more involved than what was mentioned in your commentary in order to achieve these kind of results.
Too Cool . . . 

Outstanding!

Hi John,

Awesome behavioral shot of this water beetle.  The pose is very nice and I like the use of the light background.  It gives the image the properties of an illustration which I like. It looks like there's a reflection (from the flash?) on the right hind leg which can be handled with a polarizing filter during a shoot. Otherwise, it can be removed with Photoshop if so desired. And that is not a deal breaker because its  a great shot and well done........................Jim

Thanks a lot everyone.
Jim -Yes I can see it now.
BTW-I dont use Photoshop but Paint shop pro does about the same. I,ll have a play
Cheers
John

Excellent job on this photo.

Cheers
Done some tidying up. When I got in really close(which I rarely do !) I found a lot of dust bunnies which I,ve taken out. Thanks for looking
JohnR

Outstanding view here, John.  The clarity and dof are terrific.  Love the air bubble showing above the surface.  The background in the original post is more uniform, which I think is good.

Hey John,
The repost has a change in color, most noticeable is the water and to my eye the original post would be the one I prefer. The subject appears a bit flat in color compared to the original also.
I too use Corel Paint Shop Pro and not Photoshop (would appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with you on processing techniques) and from what I'm seeing a slight adjustment with the 'Color Fade Correction' in the Adjust drop down menu would take care of this if you should chose to do so.
Just my thoughts on a very fine image . . . 

Mike
Well spotted !! Spent ages  tidying up the wrong one !
I,ve re done the original. Iavae coral draw 9 and it has the paint module. I,ve never tried it . I,ll have a play.
Cheers
John

Excellent image!  Tack-sharp, great view of the face, and the waterline adds interest
.

sandy
 

Very cool, John.  Congratulations on the WP!

Thanks all ! Appreciated
JohnR

Congrats on this great WP - very unusual and technically excellent.
Sandy

Tough shot well done!