Obscura Bird Grasshopper

[Tim Vidrine]

Captured this image yesterday afternoon just before a thunderstorm. Working on "exposing to the right" to maximize data capture. Most processing done in ACR 4.3.1. Only noise reduction, profile conversion, and sizing done in CS3. C&C appreciated. Still trying to find my way:)

Canon 40D
Canon 180mm + 1.4TC
Canon 580 EX @ 1/8 w/ Omni-bounce diffuser
iso 200, 1/20s, f/11
Eval metering
Av mode +1 to push data into the highlight zone in histogram
Novoflex focus rail

[Ed Vatza]

Very nice, Tim. Love the composition. The detail is excellent not only in the hopper but also in the blade of grass. Color looks great. Super job.

[Robert O'Toole]

That is a fine G-hopper portrait! Light is great, sharpness is great, love all the detail. Very very good.

The only point I would say could be better is that it looks a little too sharp in the thorax.

I find that in good subdued light canon needs +1 as a starting point for a middle toned subject. Sometimes even +2 is not unusual. You are lucky you are using a 40D, my pro bodies have always needed much + comp than 20D,30D,40D etc.

Robert

[Tim Vidrine]

Thanks guys.

Robert,

I did not do selective sharpening here, so I'll try my had at it on this image. Since trying to get more data in the highlight zone, I've noticed I had to add more comp to my images. Like you've mentioned, all my morning shots have at least +1.

[Julie Kenward]

This is really nice, Tim. Lovely lighting and great comp as the others pointed out. Your BG is absolute perfection!

[Mike Moats]

Hey Tim, excellent details and good BG.