Standing mantis

[bhavya joshi]

I am Lucky to take shot of this standing pose of mantis... Actually.. its a Protection pose.. when threatened from some big bugs or competitive other mantis.
I don't see any other mantis around, or can't see. because this was shot at night. with help of Torch. I have read that.. if in Protection pose.. if some one touch mantis.. that it will attack on you.. a mantis may strike with its forelegs and attempt to pinch or bite.:eek3:
Hope this one you all like it..

With canon 550D, 100mm macro
F:14
ISO:400
SS:200s
Manual mode, with built flash
Hand held, Vertical cropped.. little darkening. that it.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/403298_345275275502535_100000601962672_1306540_168 7949778_n.jpg

[Julie Kenward]

Joshi, you're brave to take this at night...you managed to illuminate him very well. I do think you could take a big chunk of the black space at the top off - that would give him more space in the frame and bring the composition more into balance.

[Jerry van Dijk]

Very interesting pose. Agree with Jules about the empty space on top. I'd add a little local contrast and sharpness.

[OvidiuCavasdan]

I like the pose a lot. I would try to crop from top and right side.

[Steve Maxson]

Hi Joshi. You captured a great pose and this is a very interesting image from a behavioral standpoint! There are some good cropping suggestions above for you to consider. Well done!

[Ken Childs]

Joshi, I agree with Steve that this is really cool as a behavioral capture. I also agree with previous comments that some extra contrast should be applied and a fair amount should be cropped from the top and if this were mine, I'd also crop some off the right to get the bug out of the center.