Hot Cicada

[shane shacaluga]

In the sweltering midday heat the cicadas come out to serenade the females with their mating calls

D800e
300f4 + 1.4tc II
f11
1/640
ISO 640

Handheld. Cropped for composition and selective sharpening on the subject. Remove a brighter band showing in the BG with some cloning

NR and slight darkening of BG too

Thanks for viewing

[MiroslavMaric]

Like the frame and details. Well processed BG. The harsh light made serenade :S3: and a bit high contrast (maybe white umbrella could help). If mine and if raw is available I would try to decrease whites & total contrast and then in PP would try to increase mid contrast only. TFS.

Cheers,
Miro

[shane shacaluga]

Thanks for the input Miro. Yes the light was full-on midday blaze but its the only time these guys come out into the open

Never thought of using a white umbrella, will look into it

appreciate the comments

[Diane Miller]

Interesting creature -- the light is OK with me as it has a bit of an unusual look from the processing, but the umbrella or a diffusion screen held close if you can, would also be good. The two will give you different lighting effects.

[Allen Sparks]

Hi Shane,
A white umbrella may be a good idea for the harsh light but this is still a fine image with details well shown in the shadows.
Allen

[shane shacaluga]

Thanks for your comments guys!