This is what I SHOULD have entered for Bokeh III. I plead insanity. :-/
We found this big praying mantis right in the middle of a soccer field immediately after the game. Amazing that he wasn't trampled. As blind luck would have it, I had my extension tube with me (I rarely carry it), and I spent the next hour on my stomach on the cold, wet field taking photos. Afterwards, I placed the mantis on a bush outside the field... and he very nearly became lunch for an even BIGGER one that happened to be on the bush!
Processing Combined two differently-processed versions of the same RAW file for greater dynamic range, Channel Mixer for color, USM, Noise Ninja on the background, assorted dodge & burn, and levels adjustments, cloned out a couple tips of grass behind the mantis, smoothed some parts of the background lightly with the blur tool, and spot saturation adjustments.
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The title suits this perfectly. I love these splendid creatures and was lucky to have gathered an extensive collection of images this year from two muses I worked with over several months. You've managed to capture its personality nicely with this one. Excellent lighting. Sure to do well!
Oh yeah! great shot. It's watching you alright ;)
The way the fellow is backlit makes this extra special and not just a closeup. Also like the overexposed areas on it's back.
Very nice color and detail to this macro. I like the circle bokeh in the backdrop. The highlights on its back are a little on the bright side, but don't seem to take away from the quality of the photo.
Funny so many are out this time of year. I love watching them and this one has such big eyes and so green. He's beautiful and the shot is just wonderful. Congrats.
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