After having been called 'bug crowd' by Artie, I couldn't resist posting another one (I actually planned to post a flower before I read his tulip post) .
I finally managed to get a decent image of a pond skater on my trip to Extremadura. Usually, they are too fast for me. These ones were to busy finding a mate and fighting off competitors, that they took little notice of me.
I deliberately chose to show a lot of surrounding, because I liked the play of light in the water and to show some of this species flowing habitat (at was in a small river rather then a pond). I made a closer crop that I found much less interesting, but I like to hear your thoughts as well.
D7000, 200mm Micro, handheld, ISO-500, f/8, 1/400 sec, EV -1.
Minor PP work in ACR.
Last edited by Jerry van Dijk; 07-05-2013 at 04:25 PM.
Hi jerry. This is a species I have yet to photograph - after seeing this, I may have to give it a try. I love the eye-level view you captured and the colors in the water are very cool - as is the reflection. I also like the fade to dark (but not black) at the top of the frame. The comp works for me, as presented. I'm viewing this on my laptop - there seems to be some noise in the water. I might suggest doing some selective nr on the water to smooth it out more. Were you lying flat on your belly to get this shot? This is well done!
I think this works very well as framed! I don't think a tight crop would be as compelling. The the play of light and the colors in the water add a lot of interest. As usual, the eye-level POV draws the viewer in. Congrats.
Jerry I have taken dozens of shot of pond skaters in my garden pond but not one comes close to this. Love the low angle and the light playing on the surface - your copyright signature is pretty cool too!! Well done.
Were you lying flat on your belly to get this shot? This is well done!
Let's just say I was in an awkward position and got very muddy in the process !
Thanks everyone for your thoughts on the composition and the compliments. Here's a version with NR ran on the water.
Last edited by Jerry van Dijk; 07-06-2013 at 04:11 PM.
Reason: typo
Hi Jerry, I really like the composition here and the light and colors on the water are terrific. Showing more of the water worked very well. Well done. - Allen