Owlfly eye

[Ken Childs]

Canon EOS REBEL T1i
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro
Manual mode
1/1600"
F11
ISO:400
Canon 430EX: On, Fired
LR & CS3
HH

Every now and then during the warm months, I'll setup a white sheet with a blacklight to attract moths. I'm trying to record new species for my area, much like I do with butterflies. You never know what might show up. Since I'm usually half asleep when I'm taking these shots, I choose settings that will give me a fast SS to compensate for my tired, shaky hands. I'm not trying for great photography...I just need to record any new species of moths that show up.

A few nights ago this Owlfly was on the sheet so I snapped a quick shot. Please feel free to critique this but I'm not really posting it for that reason. I just want to give people a look at that groovy eye!

I cloned out a few flash highlights from various spots on the bug and I also removed some other tiny bugs that were in the shot. This is cropped but in the full shot, there were 58 other insects in the frame which is just a tiny section of the sheet. This should give you an idea of just how well this setup does at attracting bugs! There were 3 toads enjoying the buffet, one very happy jumping spider and I got a look at my first Mole Cricket which is one of the craziest bugs I've ever seen!

[Jonathan Ashton]

Amazing image, very unusual, I like the presentation in it's entirety. I am not too sure what the slight noise/shadow is around the legs and under the head but I am sure it could be fixed.

[Steve Maxson]

That double eye is truly amazing, Ken! I've never seen another insect with eyes like this. The extra-long antennae are pretty cool too. :)

[Mike Moats]

Hey Ken, love the comp, very different. Excellent details and the high key BG works well. Nice work!

[OvidiuCavasdan]

Very interesting project Ken! I like the composition and details. The amazing eyes and antenna makes it special. Unusual image and very well done!

[Mike Fuhr]

Very interesting image. I like it. I'm guessing that the pattern under the head is the weave of the sheet?

[Allen Sparks]

Very interesting shot and love how it is presented. That eye is wild! and the antennae...nicely captured.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Ken,
I really think this turned out great!!! Way cool on the eye and I like the BG!

[Julie Kenward]

Awesome image, Ken! The antenna going up, up and away is my second favorite thing next to those eyes. Lovely work! Can you hear me clapping? :D

[Jim Bridges]

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[Ken Childs]

I'm guessing that the pattern under the head is the weave of the sheet?
Good eye. That's exactly what it is. :)

[Ken Childs]

Thanks for all the comments!
Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes PS can bail you out. And sometimes both things happen. :D