Backyard Praying Mantis

Discussion

9 replies

Posted by Aaron Szabo on August 5, 2009 at 1:55 AM

I played around with this nice Praying Mantis today that my Entomologist friend found. I had to use flash for some of these which is not something I like to do.

Sigma 150mm 2.8
f/8 @ 1/60
fill flash
ISO 200

Posted by Aaron Szabo on August 5, 2009 at 1:57 AM

upside down

Posted by Aaron Szabo on August 5, 2009 at 2:00 AM

around 5:1 macro with Nikkor 28mm lens reversed on 5D II. It was shot at f/11 or f/16 and it's face was still not fully focused with the paper thin DOF.

Posted by Wayne Rhodus on August 5, 2009 at 10:31 AM

Ahhh ... the face that only a mother could love. Nice series.

Posted by Gale Rainwater on August 5, 2009 at 11:49 AM

Wow that face close up is pretty creepy. A agree with Wayne, Nice series of images Aaron.

Posted by SAILFREE on August 5, 2009 at 12:26 PM

Well done! What was your shooting distance from the subject with the reversed 28mm?

Posted by Tom Kennon on August 6, 2009 at 11:24 AM

Aaron, all three shots are nice, but I really like #3.

Posted by Matthew Kennedy on August 6, 2009 at 8:53 PM

Hey I have been using my flash for some macro stuff lately. I used to try to avoid it but it seems to be working for bug shots lately. It sure helps stop movement. If it looks good who cares. Here are a couple flash examples.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3793395342_4a4d178311_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3730200253_4044cb42da_o.jpg

Posted by Aaron Szabo on August 7, 2009 at 1:40 PM

Robert- the working distance is like 5 or so inches from the lens, not too shabby.

Matthew- those look nice. I hate when people overdo flash, like my 3rd pic :) I need a twin light...

Posted by Bill Dark on August 11, 2009 at 9:16 AM

Wow, pretty incredible series, Aaron! Reminds me of one of those sci-fi movies from the sixties...