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Walking Stick

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted February 25, 201345 views5 comments

November, 2011 at Sleeping Giant SP, CT. Canon SX30, ISO 80, f/2.7, 1/60, 25mm, auto WB, hand held.
Wow, there are some nice camo shots here! Almost sat on this guy while hiking in the park. Don't know the official name, but we always called them walking sticks. Apparently they make good pets, and the longest can grow to over 22 inches!
OK, I wish it were sharper, for one thing. Also, I probably should have positioned him closer to the upper left of the frame, since he's pointing to the lower right. Would have blended better if I'd moved him a little lower on the log too. Any other ideas/comments are welcome.
Jim Lockhart
Deep River, CT

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on February 25, 2013 at 8:40 PM

In spite of your "should haves", this photo provides a good view of this interesting creature. Always amazed how well designed they are to be disguised as sticks. I didn't know these made good pets! Well, I guess a pet "stick" is better than a pet rock.

(Do you remember that stupid craze a number of years ago?) I didn't know they could get that long either. Don't know that I have ever seen one of these in the wild. . . probably because they are so well disguised.

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

Comment posted by Ed Williams on February 26, 2013 at 12:29 AM

These are really cool animals Jim. Tough to spot even when you are looking for them. Unfortunately, many people have discovered they are interesting pets and have imported some that do not belong into areas where they have become pests, such as in Southern California where they are eating the landscape after they were released when no longer wanted. Some of the native species are really hard to find. Great entry for the theme this week.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on February 26, 2013 at 9:31 AM

I agree with the others that these insects are a tough find and you've done a nice job here. I don't see a problem with its placement in the frame...that depends on the story you're trying to tell. As shown here, the camo works well.

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

Comment posted by RL Potts on February 27, 2013 at 12:19 PM

When anyone speaks of camouflage in nature, these insects come up. We don't see too many images because they look like a stick! The pet ones can be found at the pet shop, just feed them blackberry leaves. I have seen wild ones in Texas that are nearly as large as the exotic imports. Placing something on a black background which is kind of rare in nature is an interesting idea. Makes it easier to see the details. You could tone down the hot spots, for sake of conversation, or just slap on a vignette.

Registered on November 24, 2003, 188 Posts, 985 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Minish on February 28, 2013 at 2:28 AM

Just another piece of wood! Good choice for the challenge, Jim. The shot seems to be a little bit overexposed but otherwise good.

Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments