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God Loves Insects II
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God Loves Insects II

by Balan Vinod

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted July 27, 2014117 views5 comments
God Loves Insects II

Eventually it was the heart that took over. Am still in deep thought, on If my approach to making images of this Grass Mantis was right. I first spotted this on the red earth, and made a quick few frames as it was moving on to the grass. Post that I had spent about an hour with it. Its a lot of time, but to make images of a grass mantis thats about 5 inches long and 3 incches wide ( legs spread) is not easy with it sitting amongst the grass. Always, I have wanted to make artistic images. The conflict remained in my mind through the photo shoot. Should I make a technically correct image, with all of the mantis in focus ( with all the grass in the BG). Or do I make images the unique lines, and camafluge of this beautiful jewel. My heart took over, and I made only images of these lines with trying to give some emphasis to its beautiful head.

I start with the image of the grass mantis against the red earth. Its difficult to compose a few random lines on to a rectangular frame. Made this square, not easy either.

On the ground, at eye level with the mantis.
7D, 70-200 F4L, 32 Extn, 400 ISO, F 5, 1/125 ( hand held resting on the ground)
C&C welcome.

Thanks NPN for your support

Balan Vinod

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by Ingrid Vekemans on July 27, 2014 at 1:54 PM
Hi Balan,
I love the diagonal lines in this photo and the simplicity of the colours and background. The one thing which bothers me a bit, is that the eye isn't (or at least doesn't seem) sharp, which to me would be a priority. If it is sharp, then it definitely needs more sharpening in this size.
Otherwise original and beautiful!
Grt, Ingrid.
Registered on August 2, 2010, 138 Posts, 780 Comments
Comment posted by Howard Cheek on July 27, 2014 at 6:41 PM
Your narrative sounds like everyday I go out.. And try it again Balan:wink:
The red BG works very well & compliments the eye color in this case..
I like the head turn & POV a lot too. Great detail, color, & exposure - Nice HH work! :toast:
Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on July 27, 2014 at 7:24 PM
Very cool capture, Balan. I know I've said this before about your images, but this doesn't look real. That's a compliment, of course. Never saw a mantis like this one. Looks like a cartoon character. The red earth bg adds to the surreal look. :toast:
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on July 29, 2014 at 4:20 PM
I'm amazed that this is an insect! Fun capture, set off well by the background that coordinates well with the warmer tones in its head and legs. These little ones can take an amazing amount of effort to get "near perfect" photos of when you manage to fine them....keep at it, is my motto.
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by Sanjay Sundaram on July 31, 2014 at 1:41 AM
It a beautiful image Balan. I like the abstract feel and the colors work very well. Unique and artistic. Well done!

Sanjay
Registered on April 9, 2013, 107 Posts, 725 Comments