This is a Monarch Butterfly caterpillar. Really this entry is a bit of fun rather than a serious entry as I doubt anybody will think this is a real caterpillar. I left the head of the other caterpillar at the right of the frame as it looks like he is trying to muscle in on the photo! This is mostly an exercise in Hue/Saturation layers.
Editing Steps: Convert from RAW
Neat Image
HS: Hue 360, Saturation 16, Lightness 0, Colorise
HS layer foreach colour of the rainbow (Colorise)
Rotate
Crop
Flatten
Resize
USM
Save for web
Post Challenge: I really thought this was going to end up in the low 5's at best as DPC but I'm pleasantly surprised by the placing. Here's the original:
Statistics
Place: 7 out of 93 Avg (all users): 6.7727 Avg (commenters): 8.1250 Avg (participants): 6.4894 Avg (non-participants): 6.8609 Views since voting: 15303 Views during voting: 510 Votes: 198 Comments: 27 Favorites: 3 (view)
My first impression overall is that this is a very good photo.
I like that the caterpillar and branch are in focus in the foreground, but are out of focus in the background. This really suits a caterpillar since they move very slowly and are only focused on the present, and not the future. I like that the background is simplified due to the depth of field. I have no problems with the second caterpillar in the background as it is a nice secondary surprise.
Compositionally, I like the negative space you left around the caterpillar. I also like that you didn't paint the first stripe red, as that would have been too set up. The one thing that I feel could be improved in this photograph is the saturation of the background. Right now I feel there is a bit of a battle between the colorful caterpillar, and the colorful background. I have no problem with the background being tinted a certain color, I just think there is too much saturation. If the background were closer to black & white, with a hint of color, I think the caterpillar would stand out a lot more.
Overall I think this is a wonderful image. Keep up the good work.
If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me.
Love this one, such fantastic bright colours. I also love the placement and the background really makes the Caterpillar stand out. Beautifully done and a top pick for me. 10
I have no idea if such a little beastie exists in the real world, but even so, this is a beautiful shot, very well photographed.. love the oof b/g, really sets the little guy off
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