Shot in my garden during the evening for a warmer light. It was kind of an odd shoot-- I was thinking I would like to shoot a praying mantis, but had not been able to find one. I was on my way back to the house when I felt something crawling on the back of my neck. I wnt to flick it off, and behold... a praying mantis! She was kind of my captive subject, being moved all around my garden until I got the right shot.
Technical:
Uncropped from the camera; minor adjustment to brightness and contrast. Resized, then USM at 100%/0.8/15. Underexposed -0.3EV to warm the tone of the shot a bit, and help reduce the highlights.
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Terrific subject. The angle is not very good, though. It would look much better if the camera was in front of the mantis or to the side, rather than "looming over" the mantis. That plant is good for the praying mantis to hide in, but not very good for a photograph.
It's terrific the way you were able to get him completely in the picture. I just wish I could see him a little better. But, this is their nature - to blend in. Nice job
Challenge met. The mantas really does blend in. Cool that you were able to get so close, unfortunately, the fact that it is blending in hurts the photograph IMO because it's hard to distinguish between the background and the mantas. Technicallly, you've exposed the shot well, lots of light and dark that you balanced well, and it's nice and focused.
Ahh...poor little guy thinks he's hiding so well too!! I love these things...the way their head will follow your finger if you move it from side to side in front of their face. A very nice, clear shot....great job!!!! :)
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