Sally Lightfoot Crabs

Gallery: WildlifePosted December 11, 2009112 views6 comments

These bright colored crabs really stood out against their drab background in the Galapagos. The crab in the foreground is a male, and the crab in the back is a female. I love their color patterns, and their positions in the frame. I'm not so sure about the image though, simply because of the boring brown rock. I'd love feedback. Thanks!

-Cam

Tech:
Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
Tamron 28-300 f/3.5-6.3 @ 300mm f/8
1/1600 sec (had to use fast shutter speed to stop motion, they were scurrying around fast!)
ISO 400
-0.3EV

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on December 11, 2009 at 8:37 PM

Cam: I like this comp. The diagonal placement of the crabs creates 'tension'. I think the grey BG is quite a good backdrop for the colorful crabs.

Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on December 12, 2009 at 3:31 AM

I think this looks great. The bg is okay for a bit of habitat, especially with the water in the ulc; and the crabs look nice and colorful against it. Fine shot. Must have been fun to try and catch some shots. Nicely done.

Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on December 12, 2009 at 9:40 AM

Hi Cam,

I'm in agreement with your self-critique - the positioning of both subjects is good and the implied diagonal works well. While the water in the background adds nice context, it does (at least to me) break up the diagonal a little. I'm wondering if a little more shadow detail could be retrieved from the female in the background? While I know this wasn't the goal with this shot - I'd love to see a closer shot (think macro) of that fabulously coloured male...

Cheers...thanks for sharing this...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on December 12, 2009 at 1:39 PM

Cam, this image certainly is interesting and I looked at it twice before commenting. I totally agree that the strong elements are: the subjects, the perfect positioning in the frame, the diagonal line and the water in the BG to put them in their aquatic habitat.
Yes the rock is not very interesting, then again, does it have to be? Its simplicity does set the crabs off very nicely. I do wish the female were turned towards the viewer rather than away.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on December 12, 2009 at 7:02 PM

The male is a standout with all that color. I think he would be worthy of a solo image!

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on December 13, 2009 at 1:55 AM

Hi Cam. I think you "need" boring brown rock to show off the colorful crabs. I'm stunned at how colorful and beautiful they are - I had no idea they came in these flavors! If you wanted to play around with the clone tool the two orange marks, one in the water and one on the rock are slightly distracting I feel. Excellent nature image.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments