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Deadly Preadator

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted January 27, 2013461 views17 comments

Folks,

I realized today that the best place to find a host of insects is the place where you find lots of butterflies. Landing up in a butterfly park early in the morning gave me this surprise. This is the largest Mantis Ive seen till now. It is about 5 inches in height I guess. My bird brain went into the usual abstract mode and shot from a unusual angle for the patch of light behind. The detail was not of importance and did the backlight as usual.
I wished the head turn to have been towards me, it would have anyways placed its face on a shadow..I have to justify that somehow.. ;-)
Wanted to create the mood ..that was my real intention.

7D, 70-200, 1/50 at f9 iso 100 ext tube

Thanks NPN for your support

Balan Vinod

Comments

17 comments

Comment posted by Eirini Pajak on January 27, 2013 at 12:08 PM

I like the lighting here a lot! I wish his head was turned to the side a little more rather than away, but not a deal breaker. Nice work!

Registered on December 13, 2011, 216 Posts, 1671 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on January 27, 2013 at 12:33 PM

A very unusual Mantis shot, Balan. I like the lighting and the backlit pink flowers. They provide a colorful accent to the mantis.

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

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on January 27, 2013 at 1:22 PM

Balan,
I cannot see where a head turn would make much difference in this outstanding image. There is a lot more here than the Mantis that gives this capture real interest. It has a very nice artistic feel, well seen and presented.

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

Comment posted by Lucy VanSwearingen on January 27, 2013 at 1:26 PM

Love the lighting and mood. Very nice

Registered on May 23, 2009, 800 Posts, 2042 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on January 27, 2013 at 1:44 PM

That is remarkable, excellent work!

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on January 27, 2013 at 2:08 PM

Balan: Inspired light and comp on this one. Excellent find and superbly captured. >=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments

Comment posted by Basri Akcasoy on January 27, 2013 at 2:42 PM

I've never think this camera and lens combo for this very impressive shot. Image like from other galaxy. Excellent light and composition. Congratulation and TFS.

Registered on February 16, 2012, 118 Posts, 767 Comments

Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on January 27, 2013 at 4:00 PM

What an intriquing image! The lighting is what makes this so great IMO. I love the way the pink flowers look translucent and the how the prayer mantis seems to be in the spotlight. Great job choosing your shooting angle to take advantage of the lighting in such an interesting way. Even though he is not facing you, I can guarantee he is watching you. If you could lighten up his eyes a bit, you will notice his pupil (?), a black dot, is focused squarely on you! That may add to the image if that was more visible. Very well done, Balan!

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

Comment posted by John Neukirch on January 27, 2013 at 4:03 PM

Moody! But the silhouette works beautifully.

Registered on July 9, 2012, 207 Posts, 1476 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Cothran on January 27, 2013 at 5:51 PM

Beautiful lighting and well crafted on your part.

Registered on December 5, 2012, 31 Posts, 730 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 27, 2013 at 11:26 PM

Sweet backlighting and very moody image - love it!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Yun Gao on January 28, 2013 at 8:47 PM

Balan, this is very artistic! You did create the mood by lighting, colors and composition. I like it very much.

Registered on September 11, 2012, 267 Posts, 1621 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on January 29, 2013 at 10:28 AM

Fascinating lighting, Balan. This has a terrific and unusual look. Great job with the mood. My only (and very minor) nit is the bit of stem and the very bottom, you might clone that out, or crop from the bottom to just above it.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Roberto Facchini on January 29, 2013 at 1:07 PM

A picture really interesting. I like the ambience and the light.

Registered on November 15, 2012, 35 Posts, 202 Comments

Comment posted by Larry Lynch on February 7, 2013 at 8:06 PM

Congrats on a fine capture. The light makes this very special and unique. Terrific work!