Moth (Synaxis pallulata)

[Gail Spitler]

After this moth spent 10 minutes in the freezer, I was able to capture a few head-on images. It was then released unharmed. It was photographed with a combination of flash mounted on the camera and overhead incandescent light.
I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Gail
Canon 40D with 100mm f/2.8 macro at 100mm, 1/60 sec f/4.0, EV with 0 compensation, camera set on Program, flash TTL on auto.
ps - I should have cropped a bit off the bottom - pretend I did ;)

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Like the DOF focusing on the eyes. Would just liked to have seen it on a different BG.

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Gail,
I like your composition; agree with Jackie about choosing a different background. See if you like this pano crop, with a wee bit of liquid blur on the foreground, and selective sharpening on the front legs and face...:cool:

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Very original Gail, agree with Jackie in reference to the background. Excellent focus.

[Alfred Forns]

Excellent close up Gail Love the precise focussing Do agree on the bg but still a keeper in my book !!! I like the tighter crop a lot !!!

[Julie Kenward]

Nice close up Gail and I like Gus's repost. I saw all that OOF background and thought "This needs a pano crop." I think the whole thing could use a nice bit of brightening and contrast though. Seems to be a bit dark / dreary on my monitor.

[Gail Spitler]

Thanks very much for everyone's comments. Lots to think about and learn from. Gus, I like the pano and the reminder about the additional sharpening (I meant to do that and forgot). The Liquify filter isn't something I read about often so it is helpful to see it applied here.
The comments about the bg are well put. At first I didn't know what you meant as the bg in this image is cloth on under the moth - I guess that's underground rather than background (smile).
Thanks again
Gail

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Liquify is a neat option to blur the BG, never thought of it.

[Harold Davis]

i was thinking that if you go through the process of putting him in the freezer to get a good shot, put him on a more natural perch for a KILLER shot!!! you obviously have his undivided attention. he aint going nowhere for a while. get the MACK DADDY shot!! like the pano here. works real well!

[Gail Spitler]

Thanks Harold. Good suggestions and important things to think about. I do take the point that a more natural bg is strongly recommended by all. I would want it natural and subtle so as to not overpower the soft colors of the moth.
Thanks again.
Gail

[Kathy Reeves]

Am I the only person who thinks putting a moth in a freezer violates the Ethical Rules of Wildlife Photography?
No photo is worth mistreating an animal --even a moth.