Macro and Flora Image of the Week Patrick Sparkman for the week ending Apr. 13th, 2012 - Mating Tiger Beetles

Congratulations Patrick!!!

I have tried for years to photograph these iridescent beetles, but they have always been too wary. While out a couple of weeks ago, I found these two on a log. They were pre-occupied, so I was able to get a few shots before they took off.

Canon 5D II, MP-E 65, MT-24 Flash diffused, f16, 1/200 sec. Processed in Nik Color Efex Pro, few distracting elements removed with quick masks in PS.

All comments and critics welcome. I know the OOF antenna across the eye is bad, but they did not tolerate me moving down to try to get it out of the way and I think it will look funny to clone it out.