hanging around

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 15, 201262 views4 comments

I don't think there is really anything special about this photo, one of many praying mantis photos I have. I wish I had had my camera closeby when I found one eating a stink bug...disgusting, but good at the same time. (One of the few creatures we have that eat the bugs!)

Comments

4 comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on October 16, 2012 at 6:58 AM

Interesting image. It is abit soft and there is a lack of detail in some of the highlights on the body of the mantis. These guys can be tough to photograph at times. I would also suggest turning this upside down. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on October 16, 2012 at 10:02 PM

Hi Holly,
Welcome to NPN! It would be nice to know the technical information of your photo so that we can make suggestions on how to improve. It could be a nice photo with a little help. These insects are pretty cool and highly photogenic. Also, they will sit still for a few shots. In general I think that you want a better background, and also to get the whole insect in the frame. Try not to cut off any important pieces if possible (like the leg).

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on October 16, 2012 at 11:37 PM

Neat subject and rich colors, too. Charlie offers great suggestions. I would add that in all wildlife images, getting best focus on the eyes and face will yield pleasing results.

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

Comment posted by Brad Hill on October 17, 2012 at 11:15 AM

Hi Holly,

Welcome to the Wildlife Gallery - looks to me like this is your first post in here - and it's definitely of an interesting subject! Charlie and Lon have made some useful suggestions and there's not too much beyond that for me to add.

Cheers...thanks for sharing this one.

PS: Please don't hesitate to jump in and comment on the images of others - I know the recommended ratio of 5 comments for every image post can be tough to maintain, but getting a little closer to this comment:image ratio would be appreciated. I know many newer members are a little hesitant to leave comments, but ultimately the success of all the galleries are determined largely by the comments members leave on the images that are posted. And, I'm sure you'll find that once you get into the regular practice of thinking about and writing your own critiques of other's images you'll think more about, and improve, your own photography.

If you're unsure or uneasy about commenting/"critiquing" there are several good resources on this website discussing it. Start right here:

http://www.naturephotographers.net/postguide-2.html

This page discusses the critiquing process and provides links to a number of articles on critiquing ("The Art of Image Critique" and "More Thoughts on Photo Critique.").

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