So - Here are my thoughts. This is just my opinions and not rules that anyone else need follow. They just make what I think of as a nicer macro. (Well - probably more of a close up than a macro)
First rule: If it has eyes, make sure they are in focus. Well done! Second rule: Still have composition even in a macro. Done! This is nicely arranged. Third rule: Don't have too shallow a DOF. This is where I fall out of love with many macro shots. I think we get wrapped up in wanting to show technical skills (how tight of a DOF we can get) when the image would benefit from a little more clarity. I would have liked to see you catch from the nose to the top of the back before having the DOF drop off. I think it would be a more interesting shot as the bug would look ready to jump out of the image. The shallow DOF here keeps the bug welded to the background.
Just my thoughts! Still think it is a cool shot and you definitely have skills here!!
PS - a little more contrast might make him pop out from the background too.
Thanks for the feedback, Ruth! :)
I see the point you are trying to cross- next time I’ll increase the aperture for a stop or two, get slightly underexposed photo, and pull the details in post processing. Unfortunately, didn’t think of it when I took the pic.
I’ll definitely think about this next time in the field.
As for the contrast- I’ll play with it later to find the right measure.
Hi Alex, Nice shot!
So - Here are my thoughts. This is just my opinions and not rules that anyone else need follow. They just make what I think of as a nicer macro. (Well - probably more of a close up than a macro)
First rule: If it has eyes, make sure they are in focus. Well done! Second rule: Still have composition even in a macro. Done! This is nicely arranged. Third rule: Don't have too shallow a DOF. This is where I fall out of love with many macro shots. I think we get wrapped up in wanting to show technical skills (how tight of a DOF we can get) when the image would benefit from a little more clarity. I would have liked to see you catch from the nose to the top of the back before having the DOF drop off. I think it would be a more interesting shot as the bug would look ready to jump out of the image. The shallow DOF here keeps the bug welded to the background.
Just my thoughts! Still think it is a cool shot and you definitely have skills here!!
PS - a little more contrast might make him pop out from the background too.
Thanks for the feedback, Ruth! :)
I see the point you are trying to cross- next time I’ll increase the aperture for a stop or two, get slightly underexposed photo, and pull the details in post processing. Unfortunately, didn’t think of it when I took the pic.
I’ll definitely think about this next time in the field.
As for the contrast- I’ll play with it later to find the right measure.
Thanks so much for the constructive critique! :)