Praying mantis

[Adrian David]

Model = NIKON D300
Exposure Time = 1/80"
F Number = F13
Exposure Program = Manual
ISO Speed Ratings = 400
Metering Mode = Spot
Flash = Flash fired, compulsory flash mode, return light not detected
Sensing Method = One-chip color area sensor
Exposure Mode = Manual exposure
White Balance = Auto white balance
Focal Length In 35mm Film = 157mm
Lens = Nikkor 105.0 mm f/2.8 VR
Tripod, Strobela difuser

[Mitch Haimov]

Cool subject on an interesting perch with a nice BG, a winning combination. Angled comp works well, but I think it would have been stronger if you had moved the camera a little left (say with the perch entering bottom of frame near corner) so you would have more negative space in front of the mantis and less behind.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Very nice image indeed, the colours and exposure look spot on , I like the composition but I may have been tempted to recrop/add canvas if necessary to make the subject more across the diagonal.
I think you chose the perfect aperture - excellent detail and DOF - well done.

[Nancy Bell]

Very cool image of a praying mantis in a great pose that is parallel to the camera. These creatures look more delicate than they act! I like the simple composition of just the insect and simple perch, with a totally blurred bkgd. Although the reds of the perch are beautiful, it catches my eye before the praying mantis. Not sure if you want to experiment toning it down just a tiny bit.