Baldfaced Hornet

[Steve Maxson]

This Baldfaced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) was foraging for nectar on these flowers. The white mandibles are opened revealing the brownish "tongue" used to drink nectar. This species builds gray, football-sized, paper nests in trees, shrubs, or under the eaves of buildings. 40D, Canon 180mm macro, 1/250, f/16, ISO 400. Macro twin flash, hand held, auto-focus. I removed some flash-generated spectral highlights. Comments are welcome.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Another fascinating shot Dave, got the sharpness right on the mandibles. I might be getting picky, but find the dark spot URC a bit distracting. Otherwise good exposure and sharpness (as usual).

[Ed Vatza]

Good detail on the hornet, Steve. If anything, I would like to see the UR background as diffuse as the rest of it.

[Mike Moats]

Hey Steve, very well done on the focus, nice contgrast, and you can easily clone the dark areas in the top BG.

[Julie Kenward]

I agree with everyone else - it's a wonderful hornet portrait with really good detail and cleaning/softening the BG would add even more to the image.

[Christopher Miller]

Great colors and sharpness, Steve! Ditto BG comments.

[Don Lacy]

Hi Steve, Love the sharpness of the Hornet, you might want to consider going with a square crop which would put even more focus on the Hornet.

[Steve Maxson]

Thanks everyone for your constructive comments. It's always good to have some fresh sets of eyes looking at one's photos. :)

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Steve,
Can't add much more to the good advice above.....do like the angle you chose....shows the face very well.