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Thread: Predaceous Diving Beetle

  1. #1
    BPN Member Steve Maxson's Avatar
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    Default Predaceous Diving Beetle

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    I photographed this Predaceous Diving Beetle (family Dytiscidae) in my 2-gallon aquarium setup last summer. This is one of the smaller species - about 15 mm long - and it is breathing at the water surface. By shooting slightly upward, you can include the reflection. 40D, 100 mm macro, 1/250, f/16, ISO 100, MT-24EX macro twin lite (diffused), tripod, cable release. RAW file PP in CS5 - curves, vibrance. I cleaned up a number of tiny specs in the water and darkened the brightest areas of the background. All comments are welcome and appreciated.

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    Nailed it again, Steve! Beautiful detail, color, and composition. Love the glow coming off your subject. I also find the plants and BG in this image more pleasing than those in "The Hunter." Excellent work.

  3. #3
    Brendan Dozier
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    I second that, Steve! The aquarium enviornment & light are really awesome, and the images are refreshingly unique and interesting. Wonderful detail, it almost looks like a fine natural history illustration.

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    Yes..Steve..This is great image,
    nice details, color on mysterious bug, nice setup also, look like natural.
    I like this one, more than earlier.

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    Landscapes Moderator Andrew McLachlan's Avatar
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    Flawless Steve!

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    Steve, this is another beauty shot! Light, comp, colors, DOF are all spot on. I really like how the bug is framed by the plants

    You did well with your aquarium setup. Is your tank glass or acrylic?

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    BPN Member Steve Maxson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Childs View Post
    Steve, this is another beauty shot! Light, comp, colors, DOF are all spot on. I really like how the bug is framed by the plants

    You did well with your aquarium setup. Is your tank glass or acrylic?
    Thanks for the comments folks.

    Ken - The aquarium is a standard glass style. The small size works well for this type of photography. I also put in a lengthwise translucent, plastic divider, that I cut out of a plastic storage container, which keeps all the critters within 3 inches of the front glass.

  8. #8
    Roman Kurywczak
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    Just freakin' awesome! One of your best IMO! Vegetation just puts it over the top!

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